Ilitch organization announces master plan for downtown renovation, rink development

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Sunday morning started with a press release outlining the Ilitch family’s plan for monumental changes for Detroit that will come along with the Red Wings’ new arena.

“It’s always been my dream to see a vibrant and energized downtown Detroit,” said Mike Ilitch, chairman, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “I want people to look at Detroit’s new sports and entertainment district and see what I see: the potential for something very special. I couldn’t be more excited and proud to bring this vision to life.”

Bulletpointed items at the top of the release:

 *   Ilitch organization expands its investment to include tens of millions of dollars in public infrastructure improvements such as lighting, sidewalks, green spaces and streets concurrently with arena construction

*   Ilitch organization accelerates private investment of at least $200M for new, mixed-use development to now occur concurrently with arena construction and transform dozens of blighted blocks into five new neighborhoods

*   New, world-class arena – future home of the Detroit Red Wings – to open summer of 2017 and feature innovative, neighborhood-friendly and Detroit-fueled design

*   Project to generate at least $1.8B in total economic impact, 8,300 construction and construction-related jobs and 1,100 permanent jobs

The dozens of blocks on and around Woodward Avenue will be transformed into a “world-class Sports and Entertainment District.” The Olympia Development of Michigan’s new project will also connect with five walkable, livable mixed-use District neighborhoods.

“We’ve done business in Detroit for nearly 50 years, and this is our most significant and ambitious project here yet,” said Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “Our great city is home to some of the world’s most legendary people, teams and venues in sports and entertainment. Detroit deserves no less than the best – a world-class sports and entertainment district we can all be proud of. And that’s exactly what we will build.”

The new development will bring together existing entertainment hubs like the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ford Field, the Detroit Opera House, the Fillmore Detroit and more.

Five new neighborhoods will have the following names:

 *   Columbia Street – A neighborhood near the Fox Theatre and the Fillmore Detroit that offers entertainment and dining at its finest.
*   Wildcat Corner – this neighborhood, anchored by Comerica Park and Ford Field, offers energetic, athletic experiences at their best.
*   Working name to be determined – The bustling home of the new Detroit arena.
*   Cass Park Village – An energized, eclectic and primarily residential neighborhood.
*   Columbia Park – A fresh, modern neighborhood anchored by a new public green space.

The overall project is expected to have a $1.8 billion economic impact while creating 8,300 construction and construction-related jobs and 1,100 permanent jobs.

A “world-class” arena for the Red Wings is expected to be opened in the summer of 2017, according to the release. In an article from the Detroit Free Press, the seating was mentioned at being more than 20,000.

The new, world-class arena built concurrently with the District will be a model of innovation for such a facility in a downtown setting. It will serve not only as a powerful, continual generator of activity, but also as a good urban neighbor.

The revolutionary design will focus the arena on its most fundamental elements, while concurrently building and integrating a new, mixed-use neighborhood surrounding it.  As the design is scaled and planned to fit with both new and existing development, it will also offer a dynamic urban environment that is uniquely Detroit.

“Our vision for the new arena is for a one-of-a-kind facility that fits in with its neighborhood, that is authentic to our Detroit roots and offers an unmatched fan experience,” said Christopher Ilitch. “We will build a revolutionary venue for hockey, music, entertainment and community events, and at the same time, a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood surrounding it.”

 

 

Visit this link for more imagery for the proposed district.