Berwalt Manor is located at the corner of Campbell Street and the Fisher Freeway service drive. This location doesn’t place Berwalt Manor in the direct
footprint of the US Port of Entry for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, yet current plans do place the northbound I-75 entrance ramp from the bridge
directly across Berwalt’s front door. This poses a considerable challenge for the continued operation of Berwalt Manor as an apartment complex; however,
where there is a challenge there typically lies an opportunity. Due the expected environmental impact that this on-ramp will cause, Berwalt Manor was included
in the Environmental Impact Statement. It was specifically mentioned through the following:
“Berwalt Manor is an apartment building of historic significance. It has 60+ units located on the northbound service drive of I-75 at Campbell Street. It
was to be acquired for right-of-way by all the Practical Alternatives. Due to its historic status, engineering adjustments were made to avoid it. The ramp
connecting the new plaza to northbound I-75 passes within 40 feet of the corner of the building at ground level. This would cause noise impacts to the
apartments which could not be mitigated with a conventional noise wall treatment. Consequently, MDOT will offer the building’s owners the opportunity to
install new windows (consistent with the buildings historic status) and a central heating/air conditioning system to address the noise. These improvements will
have ancillary air quality benefits for residents of Berwalt Manor.”
With the Environmental Impact Statement being included within the Record of Decision-and a contingency of the Presidential Permit-these proposed
improvements to Berwalt Manor are binding. For a new owner, this could be the catalyst for altering Berwalt Manor’s current use and adapting it to take
advantage of the new bridge. With the new bridge there is the expectation for an increased demand in office space to address the demands of Homeland
Security, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the multitude of other government and private agencies expected to take part in the daily operations
of the Gordie Howe Bridge.
