As the developer of this project, I am hopeful you’ve noticed the recent construction activity at the former Security Bank Building on Trenton Road. This landmark, the tallest structure between Downtown Detroit and Toledo, has sat vacant since 2016, when the last office tenants moved out. Southgate Tower, LLC, an entity affiliated with Detroit area developers Gordon Begin Properties, purchased the building in April of 2022 after extensive evaluation.
The Bank Tower Apartments, as it will now be called, will preserve historic elements of the building while upgrading it with modern systems in a conversion to residential use. In 2016, Gordon Begin converted
TOWER, Page 6
Celebrating a century
Fran Knoth was born on October 24th, 1924, in Hazleton, PA, as the youngest of nine siblings. During her high school years she met the love of her life, Frank, as both were members of the Hazleton Marching Band.
On June 30th, 1944, Fran and Frank tied the knot at an army base in Hattiesburg, MS, embarking on a journey that would last an incredible 68 years. During Frank’s deployment to Germany in WWII, Fran worked as a secretary for the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C.
After the war, Frank became an agent for the FBI, which brought the couple to Michigan as he began his
work in the Detroit office. In 1952, they settled on Rosedale Street in Southgate, where they raised three children and built a loving home filled with cherished memories. Fran devoted much of her time to volunteering at Aquinas High School while her children attended. Their family has since grown to include three grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren, and three great-greatgrandchildren. Fran has always had a passion for baking, boating, playing the organ, and solving crossword puzzles. However, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family.
Happy 100th Birthday, Fran!
TOWER
Continued from page 1
another obsolete 1970s office building, the Madison Office Center in Madison Heights, into The Tremont Apartments. The immediate popularity and rapid lease-up of units in that project convinced us that a similar, albeit larger-scale, conversion of the Southgate Tower would be the best use for the property. As office space leasing becomes increasingly challenging for developers, the demand for housing remains strong. A brand new property with state-of-the-art amenities and stunning views is sure to captivate the interest of many prospective tenants.
Since construction began in the second half of 2023, our teams have completed the asbestos abatement and interior demolition of unnecessary walls and mechanical systems. We are installing completely new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, along with new elevators. Fresh walls are being constructed to subdivide the floors into apartments. This fall, the building will be painted in a contemporary mix of light and dark gray colors, and new windows will be installed. The former bank branch on the main floor, the security deposit vault in the lower level, and the drivethrough teller building will be restored and repurposed as tenant amenity spaces. The lower level will also feature playrooms, fitness facilities, a media room, an underground garage, and storage units. Two-story apartments with patios will be created in parts of the ground floor, while two-story penthouses will occupy the top floor, which previously housed the now-unneeded building-wide HVAC systems.
There will be a range of apartment types, from studios to one and two-bedroom units, up to the two-story options mentioned earlier. Even those on lower floors will offer impressive views, with some featuring sights of Downtown Detroit and the Gordie Howe Bridge, especially on clear days.
In addition, Wayne County and the City of Southgate are collaborating to create a park on the property, funded by a $5M ARPA grant, that will be open to the public. This new space will welcome everyone—not just residents of The Bank Tower—to enjoy the pickleball courts, putting greens, pavilion, and walking paths that will soon be developed on the former parking lot and greenspace. A pedestrian bridge
creating an inviting gateway to the City of Southgate.
We hope The Bank Tower will be seen as a valuable asset to the city’s residents and businesses. In fact, even the lobby and vault space in the building will be available for public rental and use.
The Bank Tower will be managed by Beztak, one of Metro Detroit’s most experienced apartment management firms. Beztak oversees all of Gordon Begin’s other properties, and we have come to value their excellent insight into positioning apartments to meet the needs of the community. We often receive inquiries about the rental prices at the Bank Tower. While we can’t provide specific figures yet, our goal is to align with the Southgate market’s need for attractive residences that are beautifully designed yet remain affordable.
As long as there are no hiccups in the construction process, we hope to start accepting tenants in the second half of 2025. For more information, or to register your interest in the apartments for when leasing starts up, please visit our website: thebanktowerapts.com.
Framing up: The development team shows progress of the unit division happening inside the tower
Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Oc tober 15 to December 7
The Inflation Reduction Act and rising utilization of health care will mean big changes for Medicare beneficiaries:
• Increased copays and maximum-out-of-pocket
• N New deductibles for prescription drug coverage
• Many plans dropped coverage for several medications
• Double-digit premium increases for Medigap plans
• Cuts to Optional Supplemental Benefits (i.e. Dental, OTC)
Do not wait (or let mom or dad wait) until January to get a huge bill at the pharmacy or find out an important drug is no longer covered. I It could be too late to fix it.
Many companies introduced exciting new plans for 2025. Our office is open weekdays from 10am -5pm. It is best to call ahead for an appointment during our busy season.
We are proud recipients of the 2024 Wyandotte Beautification Award!
Our clients never pay us directly for our services and having an agent will not increase the cost of your coverage.
Supporting your local independent agency helps us maintain this valuable resource in your community.
Worried you might be “sold” coverage you don’t need? We are zero pressure. Don’t take our word for it, read Google reviews from our happy clients!
M. Abshire
Z. Abshire
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
Shaking up wellness: Southgate Nutrition marks five years
On September 23rd, Southgate Nutrition proudly celebrated five years of serving the Downriver community with nutritious shakes and teas. Owners Lisa Craig and Kyrra Wojtuniecki and their team commemorated this milestone with a week-long celebration, featuring special shakes, teas, and local vendors, all designed to honor the loyal customers who have supported them throughout their journey.
When Lisa and Kyrra opened Southgate Nutrition, they identified a significant lapse in the community for healthy, convenient choices. “We saw a huge gap in the Downriver community for nutritious and quick options,” Lisa shared, emphasizing their mission from day one.
Over the years, Southgate Nutrition has fostered a warm and welcoming environment, where customers are encouraged to explore and find products they love. The Southgate Nutrition team takes special care to help first-time visitors navigate the menu, ensuring they discover
something that delights both their taste buds and their nutritional needs. Lisa expressed, “One of our goals is to have people walking out the door always feeling better than when they walked in!”
The journey has not been without its challenges.
Just six months after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a sudden shift to temporary curbside service. Rather than deterring their growth, this adaptability strengthened their connection with the community and allowed them to reach even more people with their healthy offerings. Lisa highlighted their gratitude, “We are truly so thankful for each and every customer who continues to walk through our doors.”
This celebration not only marks five years of success but also reflects a deeper commitment to community wellness. With plans for growth and continued dedication to their customers, everyone at Southgate Nutrition is excited for what lies ahead. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and connection!
Southgate Nutrition is located at 15270 Eureka Road.
If you haven’t had the chance to stop in yet, swing by and mention that you heard about them from the Southgate Star to get $4 off your first visit.
Like Us On Facebook : SOUTHGATE STAR
Undefeated defending champs best Titan efforts
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
So, with the 2024 Michigan High School Athletic Association football season just past its halfway point, it seems a good time to sit back and take stock in how the Southgate Anderson Titans are doing this year.
The Titans got clobbered 63-13 at home on September 26th by the defending Downriver League champ, Carlson. The Marauders are undefeated this season, and came into the Southgate game winning their first four games by an averaged score of 46-7. So, while the loss likely felt bad to the Titans, in reality, they are pretty much in the same boat as the rest of the Marauders’ opponents this year.
It’s also true that Southgate, who lost a 20-19 overtime heartbreaker at Allen Park in the second week of the season, has likely already seen the two toughest league opponents it will this year.
Carlson, meanwhile, has the toughest portion of its schedule ahead. The Marauders must still face unbeaten Allen Park, Woodhaven, and Trenton, in addition to a resurgent Lincoln Park team which has won three of its five games this year.
There was not much to highlight about the Titans’ performance against Carlson. It was a very breezy night with the remnants of Hurricane Helene in the air, which took away some of Anderson’s vaunted
passing attack. But even if the night had been calm, the Titans’ offense could not have kept up with the dominant, aggressive Carlson rushing attack that accounted for an astounding 518 yards. The Marauders had 651 yards worth of total offense.
The Marauders scored the first time they had the ball. It was 35-6 at halftime and the Gibraltar team kept pouring it on in the second half.
Southgate notched a touchdown in the second quarter (and missed the extra point) and added another in the third.
The loss was the most one-sided defeat of coach Bobby Martin’s three-year tenure, eclipsing the 43-7 loss handed to the Titans by the Marauders a year ago.
The loss to Carlson halted a modest two-game winning streak for the Titans, who now have a 3-2 overall record, 2-2 in league play.
After opening the season with a thrilling comefrom-behind, one-point victory over Trenton at the Xenith Prep Football Classic at Wayne State on opening night, the Titans fell 20-19 to Allen Park on the second week of the season before beating nonleague Livonia Clarenceville 42-22 and Taylor 22-6.
Southgate’s schedule seemingly gets easier as the weeks pass from here on out.
The Titans hosted a solid Woodhaven team on October 4th and then they will go to Lincoln Park (3-2) on October 11th, host Dearborn Edsel Ford (1-4) on October 18th, and finish the regular season on October 25th at winless Wyandotte.
As they head into the sixth week of the high school season, the Titans find themselves in a tie in the Downriver League with Lincoln Park, each team is 2-2 in league games. Allen Park (5-0 in league play) tops the table, followed by Carlson (4-0), Woodhaven (3-1), Trenton (3-2), Southgate (2-2), Lincoln Park (2-2), Edsel Ford (1-4), Taylor (0-4), and Wyandotte (0-5).
Photos by Dave Chapman
Anderson runners continue to make strides
The Anderson cross country teams haven’t brought home a ton of hardware this season, but the Titans continue to make strides and improve as the campaign moves into its later stages.
At the second Downriver League Jamboree, held at Lake Erie Metropark on October 2nd, the Titan boys managed two top-25 finishes and claimed seventh place. The girls were sixth in their six-team race, but they also had two top-25 performances.
Joy Schuck, who was 14th in 22:06 for the Anderson girls, was the top Titan of any gender during the afternoon of racing. Julieanne Nadolski was 21st in 23:07, followed by Hope Schuck, Valaria Morales, and Abril Castrillion.
For the boys, Jack Ruan ran 19:23 and finished 17th to lead the Titans. Maks Kiss was 23 in 19:42, followed by Ben Ruan, TJ Pokorny, and Sam Wilheim.
Woodhaven was the team champ in both races.
The boys scoring went this way: Woodhaven 23, Allen Park 51, Wyandotte 105, Edsel Ford 112, Carlson 117, Trenton 162, Southgate 167, and Lincoln Park 212.
The girls teams line up this way: Woodhaven 30, Trenton 55, Carlson 67, Wyandotte 115, Allen Park 120, and Southgate 139.
The second Jamboree was an improvement for the Titan boys, who did not finish enough runners to score in the first league get-together, also held at Lake Erie Metropark.
The Titans also attended the 40th annual Monroe Jefferson Invitational, which was held September 21st at Sterling State Park in Monroe. There, the boys were fifth and the girls were sixth in the varsity Division 1 race.
Kiss broke into the top 20 in the race with his 19:07, 19th-place effort. Jack Ruan was 22nd, Ben Ruan was 35th, Wilheim was 45th, and Bolaji Peters was 54th.
Joy Schuck was 12th for the girls and she was followed home by Nadolski, Marine Georvassilis, Morales, and Hope Schuck.
Anderson will run at the Downriver Gabriel Richard Invitational, a meet that is the remnants of the old NewsHerald Invitational, on October 12th, then take part in the Downriver League Meet on October 17th, and finish the season at a Division 1 regional hosted by Wyandotte.
Still battling
The Southgate Anderson soccer team has struggled this season, but the resilient Titans have continued to fight on. The Titans posted a 3-10 record through their first 13 games this season and the main problem for the club has been a lack of offensive production. Anderson has beaten Downriver league rivals Wyandotte and Taylor, as well as non-league Monroe Jefferson. The Titans scored 13 goals in those three victories. In their 10 losses, the team has scored just once. The team is ready to begin DRL position play, followed by the MHSAA state playoffs, which begin with districts that run October 9th19th.
The Teller’s Room
If you haven’t yet been to The Vault, you owe yourself a visit. Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11:30am to 9:00pm Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm Closed on Sundays.
TURNING 65?
FREE HELP ANYTIME
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com
Riverview hanging with the league’s elite
It has been a wild and turbulent soccer season in the Huron League with the top teams winning and tying games at a far greater pace than they are losing.
The Riverview Pirates, fourth in the league, have lost just three games this season (all of them in league play), while winning eight and tying five times.
The Pirates are 5-3-2 in league play.
Milan leads the division with a 7-0-4 mark (there are those ties, again) and alway powerful Grosse Ile is second with a 7-1-3 record. Huron is 6-3-1, followed by Riverview and 6-4-0 Carleton Airport.
Riverview was 4-1-2 heading into the Huron League plaintiff round, but the Bucs suffered backto-back league playoff shutout losses to the leagueleaders – Grosse Ile and Milan. Riverview fell 3-0 to Milan and 5-0 to Grosse Ile. The Bucs had tied each the Big Reds and Red Devils earlier in the season.
The squad bounced back on Sept. 26 with – what else? – a tie. The Pirates played to a 0-0 draw with non-league Allen Park.
PAGE 9
Richard wins again, remains undefeated
The Gabriel Richard football team began the 2024 season with a hard-fought 15-10 victory over Montrose. Since then, the Pioneers have kind of been on cruise control, beating opponents by an average score 34-8.
Richard’s 29-8 victory over Detroit Loyola on September 27th improved the team’s league record to 2-0 and kept alive strong hopes of a berth in the Catholic League Championship at Ford Field later this season.
Richard’s other CHSL Intersectional 1 win came on September 19th when the Pioneers slapped around namesake Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 40-18. At one point in that game, Richard held a commanding 33-3 lead before the Irish scored a few late, meaningless touchdowns.
Richard faced off with league foe Grosse Pointe University Liggett on October 4th, a needed to win to set up an October 11th first-place showdown with Macomb Lutheran North. North and Richard are tied atop the league and the Mustangs faced Cranbrook on October 4th as they look to remain perfect ahead of their meeting with the Pioneers.
PAGE 9
Grosse Ile drops competitive playoff tuneup game
On September 23rd, Southgate Nutrition proudly celebrated five years of serving the Downriver community with nutritious shakes and teas. Owners Lisa Craig and Kyrra Wojtuniecki and their team commemorated this milestone with a week-long celebration, featuring special shakes, teas, and local vendors, all designed to honor the loyal customers
who have supported them throughout their journey. When Lisa and Kyrra opened Southgate Nutrition, they identified a significant lapse in the community for healthy, convenient choices. “We saw a huge gap in the Downriver community for nutritious and quick options,” Lisa shared, emphasizing their mission from day one.
Over the years, Southgate Nutrition has fostered a warm and welcoming environment, where customers are encouraged to explore and find products they love. The Southgate Nutrition team takes special care to help first-time visitors navigate the menu, ensuring they discover something that delights both their taste buds and their nutritional needs. Lisa expressed, “One of our goals is to have people walking out the door always feeling better than when they walked in!”
PAGE 18
Popular ‘Dump the Junk’ event is scheduled for October 19
The Greenways/Open Space Commission and the Department of Public Services is happy to announce
that the popular “Dump the Junk, Find a Treasure” event will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM at the DPS yard located at 8555 Groh Road. The twofold “Dump the Junk, Find a Treasure” activity is designed to eliminate illegal dumping on Grosse Ile vacant lots or preserved Open Space properties, and to recycle, reuse, or repurpose “slightly used” treasures to those who have a discerning eye.
This event is open to Grosse Ile residents only, and excludes any commercial contractors or their refuse haulers. Proof of residency must be shown upon request for admission. For the “Dump the Junk” disposal, dumpsters will be provided by Priority Waste and are available for residents to dispose of items that cannot be picked up through normal curbside pickup.
For those residents of apartments and condos without curbside pickup, you will be allowed to bring refuse or furniture for the junk dumpsters only. Apartment or condo residents must be prepared to show proof of residency to the apartment or condominium in which you reside.
Acceptable items for disposal include yard waste, large logs, shrubs, wood, building materials such as tile, marble and drywall. Bricks, concrete, or cement blocks are allowed and must be placed in the 20 yard dumpsters.
PAGE 17
Trojans finally find the winning path
After an opening two weeks of heartbreak, the Trenton football team cracked into the win column for the first time in 2024 with a 21-7 victory at Lincoln Park on Sept. 13.
The victory followed a one-point, opening-day loss to Southgate at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic
at Wayne State University and a three-point loss to Woodhaven a week later. The Trojans are 1-2 this season and all three of their games have been against Downriver League opponents.
In the road win over Lincoln Park, Trenton got two rushing touchdowns from Drew Carson and another from bell cow running back Ashton Rooney and that was all the points the Trojans needed.
Trenton racked up 283 total yards on the game, all of it on the ground.
Rooney was the offensive leader with 157 yards on 18 carries. The smooth-running senior averaged nearly nine yards a carry and broke one for 48 yards. Leading scorer Carson added 55 yards on 14 carries, junior Brennan Gulliver had 30 rushing yards and a two-point conversion and Anthony Hawkins added 29 rushing yards.
The game was a close one with each team scoring one touchdown in the first half. The score was 7-all at halftime, but Trenton pitched a second-half shutout
against the Railsplitters and scored a TD in each of the third and fourth quarters to pull away.
The week before the Trojans hosted their home opener and fell 24-21 to Woodhaven.
Woodhaven led 7-0 after the first period and the game was tied 14-all at half. Woodhaven then kicked its third-quarter field goal and the team traded touchdowns in the fourth.
PAGE 16
2024 “Save the Girls” final motorcycle charity run
The day was cold, cloudy, and blustery, but sixtythree hardy bikers and their riders came out for The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ 20th and final “Save the Girls” motorcycle rally. Motown Harley-Davidson in Taylor welcomed everyone to begin and end their ride at their dealership. A
Wishbone chicken lunch was ready for them after the outing.
The event concluded with several types of raffles: spin the prize wheel, 50/50, the grand prize, an outdoor fireplace donated by Linda Crisi, and a silent auction of several specialty items donated by local businesses and generous individuals.
The Soroptimists wish to extend gratitude to the volunteer reserve police and Motown H.O.G. Chapter who acted as escorts, as well as Motown Harley-Davidson for hosting this grand fundraiser. We would like to acknowledge our many sponsors: Sibley Gardens, Cathy Teifer, Michael Booth, Iron Bandogs LE/MC Central-The Roadhouse, Mercure Agency Insurance, Jackson, Snider, and Parker DDS, Arlene and Tracy Turner, Marty Evans, Nancy and John Colina, Kallas Restaurant Accounting, Splasher’s Auto Wash, Sharon Kelly, Chris Speedie, Linda Crisi, and an anonymous donor. Sincere appreciation goes to all the bikers and riders who rode to support the Soroptimists’ many charitable foundations. All proceeds of the ride will benefit the worthy causes of donating to and raising awareness of women’s health issues, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
PAGE 22
Artist unveils mural honoring community pillar, Gib Rose
If you walk along the bustling streets of Wyandotte and happen to pass the back side of River’s Edge Gallery, you’ll be greeted by a striking new mural. The mural, unveiled on August 29th, is a vibrant mix of bold colors and abstract patterns depicting a stoic Gilbert Rose standing front and center, framed by swirling colors and energetic brushstrokes surrounding him. His poised, nononsense expression, with his neatly combed white hair and glasses, is a beautiful contrast against the chaotic vibrancy of the background — a perfect representation of the man himself.
But who is the inspiration behind Jeremy Hansen’s colorful piece of art? If you asked anyone who knew Gib Rose, they’d tell you he was a man who left an unforgettable mark on his community. Owner of both Chelsea Menswear and Willow Tree Women’s Fashion, Gib was more than just a local business owner—he was a beloved mentor and a champion of Wyandotte, relentlessly bettering his city and those around him.
At the mural unveiling, friends, family, and community members gathered to honor the man who worked tirelessly to improve the city.
