Developer wants to transform firehouse into hotel

DETROIT (AP) — A developer wants to turn a former downtown Detroit firehouse into a boutique hotel.

The Detroit City Council could discuss the proposed sale of the old fire department headquarters building to Arco Construction and the Aparium Hotel Group for $1.25 million.

Southfield developer Walter Cohen tells the Detroit Free Press that the building would be converted into a Cajun-themed restaurant and 80 upscale rooms. He says he hopes to start work this fall and finish in time for the January 2015 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, across from the old fire station.

Aparium chief executive Mario Tricoci tells The Detroit News that the project would cost $250 million.

The group is working on financing, design and other plans. The building was constructed in 1929.