In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we highlight the Detroit Fire Department’s new Nurse Navigation program, a luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station, and the latest closure in the Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant chain.

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Detroit Fire plans nurse triage program to ease ambulance demand

The Detroit Fire Department hopes its new “Nurse Navigation” program will help reduce response times.

Instead of dispatching an ambulance for minor calls, a third-party service would connect those calls to certified nurses via telehealth.

The department handled 158,000 medical runs last year, with 40% classified as Code Threes — less serious calls.

Fire Commissioner Charles Simms says the program would help free up ambulances to respond to higher-priority emergencies.

“If we have, you know, 40 ambulances out there per day, but a large majority are responding to Code Threes, they may not be readily available for Code Ones and Code Twos. This program will allow them to be ready to respond to just Code Ones and Twos.”

Simms explains that Code One and Two calls are more severe, life-threatening emergencies like chest pain or cardiac arrest. A Code Three call might be something like a sprained ankle or knee pain.

A dispatcher would connect Code Three calls to a nurse, who would guide the patient through their options.

“That dedicated nurse will talk to the patient to determine whether they need telehealth care, can manage with self-care, or should go to urgent care — and guide them through that process.”

Nurses would also help arrange appointments with primary care physicians and could even order free transportation.

City Council approved $650,000 to launch the Nurse Navigation program. Simms says they’re still looking for a third-party provider, and the program is expected to launch in early 2026.

Luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station in 2027

Luxury hospitality brand NoMad will open a hotel inside Michigan Central Station in 2027. The hotel will have 180 rooms and occupy the top five floors of the building. It will include 30 suites, a wellness facility, a restaurant, and a bar.

Brand officials say they plan to showcase local artists and makers throughout the hotel and guest rooms.

Ford Motor Co. led the restoration of the train station after it sat empty for 30 years. Company officials say the hotel is the next vital step in the redevelopment.

Bobcat Bonnie’s closes Ferndale location

Ferndale restaurant Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its doors today. It’s the latest shutdown for the small chain.

In March, Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its Corktown location after 10 years in business. Other locations in Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, Clinton Township, and Grand Rapids have also closed over the past year. Plans to open a Kalamazoo location have been scrapped.

The Ferndale location will sell all its furniture, dishware, art, and other items on Tuesday, June 3. Lansing is now the chain’s only remaining location.