Restoring historic buildings goes beyond preserving Detroit’s history; it creates jobs for Detroiters, It draws further investment to our community and attracts visitors to the city. Olympia Development of Michigan, Detroit-based Brinker/Christman and Kraemer Design Group are reimagining the historic Women’s City Club building.  Once completed, it will become a hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and bringing increased density to the Park Avenue Historic District.

Heather McClure, project manager for L.S. Brinker, helps lead the revitalization of the historic building, which opened in 1924 to give women a place to gather and network. For McClure, a woman in a male-dominated field, the significance of restoring a building meant to uplift women in Detroit is not lost on her.

A metro Detroit native, McClure started putting herself through college at age 19, where she pursued a business degree in operational management. She also befriended the owners of a local glass company, who gave her opportunities to learn new skills, which she said took her one step closer to commercial construction.

McClure was eventually hired as a project engineer at L.S. Brinker. Since she doesn’t have a degree in construction, other companies didn’t give her the same opportunities that Brinker did, she said. She says their recognition of her skills spurs her to do her best.

“Every day I’m really thankful I have the chance to do this, because I love my job,” she said. “I love working with people. I love when problems come up that we can solve. I think when you have a great team with you, you can conquer a lot of things. That’s the mentality of construction in general.”

She also said she works and hopes to build a better world for her daughter.

“I’m really proud of the things I do now. I have a daughter and she doesn’t see limitations on herself. I hope that carries on for other people, too,” she said.

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As vice president of marketing for the Detroit Tigers, Ellen Hill Zeringue helps harness and amplify the energy of the most enthusiastic and loyal fans in all of baseball.

With an impressive professional background and more than 20 years with the Tigers, Ellen has served as a strong role model within the organization over many memorable seasons — from Tiger Stadium to Comerica Park.

Recently, Ellen was honored with the “Leadership in the Workplace” award at MichBusiness’ Women Thrive conference, where she also served as panelist.

Earlier this year, we caught up with Ellen as she was leading the creation of the new Detroit Roots campaign, which rolled out this month at the start of the 2020 Tigers season. Take a look:

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The Negro Leagues were the first successful, organized professional Black Baseball League, providing a platform for African American players to showcase their world-class baseball abilities. The league operated for more than 40 years, spurring economic growth in African American communities and social change nationwide. Last weekend, the Detroit Tigers joined in a league-wide celebration to honor the legacy of the men and women who took part in the league.

The Tigers’ three-day celebration began Friday, Aug. 14 with a virtual “Passing of the Bat” ceremony, which paid homage to the history and contribution of African American players to the game of baseball. This year’s bat recipient, Werner Blakely Jr., a native Detroiter, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

Later that day, the Tigers released video of an historic meeting of Willie Horton African American Legacy Award recipients. The group gathered remotely to discuss the significance of the award and the role of African Americans in baseball. Former Tigers and past honorees Torii Hunter, Lou Whitaker, Craig Monroe, Jake Wood, Chet Lemon and Gary Sheffield all took part. Watch this incredible conversation unfold at Facebook.com/Tigers.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Detroit PAL renamed a Tiny Tigers youth baseball team the Detroit Stars for their 2020 season in honor of the Negro League team that played at historic Mack Park. The Tiny Tigers program is presented by the Tigers Foundation in partnership with Comerica Bank. The new jerseys were revealed at the Corner Ballpark Presented by Adient, where the kids learned about the history of the Detroit Stars, including key players that made meaningful contributions to the game of baseball.

“We’re all about helping youth find their greatness,” Detroit PAL CEO Robert Jamerson said. “Thanks to the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Tigers — they truly understand the importance of grass-roots organizations like Detroit PAL.”

Festivities on Sunday, Aug. 16 included the announcement of the “Negro Leagues Summer Slugger Challenge” winner, featuring current Tigers shortstop Niko Goodrum. The interactive challenge encouraged fans to submit a video on what they’d learned about Detroit Stars legend Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the most famous players from the Negro Leagues. The virtual program is part of the “Summer Slugger,” a free baseball-themed educational course aimed at preventing students from losing critical math and literacy skills during the summer months.

Also, a special edition of Sunday Kids Day provided young Tigers fans with informational activity sheets and games dedicated to the Detroit Stars and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Learn more about the Sunday Kids Day and how it keeps young baseball fans connected to the game we love at Tigers.com.

Sunday’s celebrations concluded with special screenings of the Tigers vs. Indians game and the film “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” at the Chevy Plaza in partnership with Comerica Bank. The film was screened as part of “The District Detroit Movie Nights” presented by Chevrolet, a free outdoor cinema series running through Sept. 6.

Throughout the weekend, the Tigers released a special collection of social media content that included cutouts of Negro Leagues players in the dugouts, quotes from former Negro Leagues players on the centennial of the Negro Leagues, Miguel Cabrera’s tip of the cap to the Negro Leagues, and more. Find links to the official Detroit Tigers social media accounts on Tigers.com.

The Negro Leagues began in 1920 when Andrew “Rube” Foster led eight independent Black Baseball team owners in a meeting. More than 20 players from the Negro Leagues have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Jackie Robinson (1962), Satchel Paige (1971), Josh Gibson (1972), Monte Irvin (1973), Ernie Banks (1977), Willie Mays (1979), Hank Aaron (1982) and Larry Doby (1998).

For more information on the Tigers’ African American Heritage Celebration, visit the new African American Heritage page at Tigers.com.

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Mize to make major league debut on Aug. 19 against the White Sox in Chicago

The Detroit Tigers announced today that they have called up right-handed pitcher Casey Mize, who will make his Tigers debut on Wednesday, Aug. 19 in Chicago, as well as left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who will debut on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and infielder Isaac Paredes, who will kick off the series in Chicago on Monday, Aug. 17.

“They are very well-rounded individuals — good people, hardworking, talented,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “Their repertoire and quality of pitches are all solid. To be a good major league baseball player and have a good career it takes more than one pitch or one aspect. They bring those qualities. They bring a lot to the table, both the mental and physical aspects. To me, that is what will make them successful.”

Mize was drafted by the Tigers No. 1 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. At the time of the announcement, he ranks as the No. 8 prospect in baseball and No. 2 on the Tigers, per MLB Pipeline. He was named to the Eastern League midseason All-Star Team in 2019 and was a consensus All-American at Auburn University.

A power pitching prospect on the rise, Skubal was drafted by the Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He was named to the Florida State League midseason All-Star Team in 2019 and selected as an organization All-Star by MiLB.com. Skubal was honored as Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Month in both June and July of 2019. He was ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the organization by Baseball America, and No. 5 by MLB Pipeline.

One of the best power-hitting infielders at his age, Paredes came from the Cubs along with Jeimer Candelario in 2017 in exchange for Alex Avila and Justin Wilson. He was named the Tigers Minor League Co-Player of the year in 2019 and is ranked the No. 6 prospect in the Tigers organization per MLB Pipeline and Baseball America.

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Families across metro Detroit who have been patiently waiting for live entertainment since early March now have a must-see attraction, courtesy of 313 Presents. Following sold-out weekends in San Antonio, Dallas and Oklahoma City, Jurassic Quest is now arriving at the parking area of DTE Energy Music Theatre through Sunday, August 23, for the first ever Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru.

The nation’s best touring dinosaur exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring more than 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as the 50 foot-long Megalodon – all experienced from the safety of your family vehicle. Guests will be among the first in the nation to go on a quest with an online audio tour that will lead them throughout the thrilling dinosaur safari.

“We’re thrilled, with Jurassic Quest, to bring live entertainment back in a way that is safe for all and which allows families an opportunity to experience our venue a little bit differently than they’re used to,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “The parking area at DTE Energy Music Theatre is the perfect setting for this unique and exciting event.”

Tickets for the hour-long car ride, which start at $49 plus fees per one standard passenger car or SUV, must be purchased online in advance at 313Presents.com or JurassicQuest.com. Time slots and hours will vary by day.

Jurassic Quest will continue to take extra precautionary measures to provide a clean and safe event. Food or beverage will not be available for purchase onsite, so guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the ride. Merchandise will be available for purchase at the Dino Store, and all transactions are cashless and touchless, as staff will deliver items to vehicles. Guests are to remain in their vehicles. If guests need to exit their vehicle prior to or after the ride to use the restrooms, masks should be worn. Social distancing rules will be requested of all guests and maintained by Jurassic Quest crew, who will be sanitizing equipment, dinosaurs and workstations more frequently and thoroughly throughout the entirety of the event. Employees will be applying hand sanitizer and washing their hands regularly throughout each day, in addition to wearing masks. Guest safety and enjoyment is Jurassic Quest‘s top priority.

A full list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found online at www.jurassicquest.com/drive-thru-faqs. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit 313Presents.com.

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Little Caesars Pizza is continuing its international expansion with its first restaurants in Colombia. The global brand, which currently operates in 26 countries and territories, including in Peru and Chile in South America, will open two stores in Bogotá in August 2020.

The restaurants in Colombia are owned and operated by LCPZ Colombia S.A.S., which is part of the Pequeño Caesarmex family of companies, which also owns and operates Little Caesars locations in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The first two restaurants in Bogotá will be in the San Cipriano and Prado Veraniego neighborhoods.

“As we continue to expand our global footprint, we are thrilled to bring Little Caesars Pizza to Colombia,” said Paula Vissing, Senior Vice President of International for Little Caesars Pizza. “The pizza market is expected to grow nearly 20 percent in Latin America over the next several years, and Colombia represents a very important new market for us in the region. We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with LCPZ Colombia to introduce the brand in Bogotá.”

Little Caesars Pizza’s signature HOT-N-READY® model gives customers the easy and quick option to simply stop in and carry out a selection of freshly made, great-tasting pizzas and side items without waiting or ordering ahead. This model limits both contact and time spent in store. Additionally, in Colombia, the location in San Cipriano will also feature a drive-thru pick-up window where customers can purchase HOT-N-READY® menu items without leaving their cars.

“Little Caesars is a family owned company and our one of our top priorities will always be the health and safety of our customers and crew,” Vissing said. “The HOT-N-READY model provides customers a great tasting pizza at an everyday affordable price. Now more than ever it is important to offer customers a safe and satisfying meal option for their families.”

Pizzas are baked in 245-degree (Celsius) ovens and only handled with sanitized tools after baking. Globally, the chain has also reinforced cleanliness and sanitization procedures, increasing the frequency of cleaning frequently touched surfaces including door handles, countertops, phones, and cash registers. The stores will also have plexiglass shields on the counter, require face coverings for crew members, and enforce social distancing in lobby areas.

The menu in Colombia will feature several HOT-N-READY® large pizzas including pepperoni, cheese and ham. Other delicious offerings include a Hula Hawaiian pizza and the 4-N-1 pizza, which has four unique and delicious topping combinations on the pizza: cheese; peperoni; peperoni and Italian sausage; and peperoni, green pepper and ham. Chicken wings and Little Caesars signature Crazy Bread® will also be available. The full menu can be found by visiting International.LittleCaesars.com.

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Clark Park in southwest Detroit is a central gathering place for children and families, with several baseball and softball diamonds that host youth games and practices throughout the summer. The Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, recently donated buckets of baseballs, softballs, helmets, bats, mitts, batting tees and bases, as well as 1,500 masks, which were made in the Ilitch companies mask manufacturing facility.

The donated equipment was made available through the Foundation’s “Gloves for Kids” program, in partnership with Dunham’s Sports. The program’s mission is to provide Michigan’s youth with the proper equipment to participate in organized baseball and softball.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation is long-time partner with Clark Park. The Foundation previously supported the park through Tigers game ticket donations, player meet-and-greets or appearances, other equipment donations, as well as hosting youth baseball and coaching clinics at the park. Miguel Cabrera had also previously donated funds to help refurbish Clark Park’s baseball fields.

Learn more about the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s youth sports programs at DetroitTigers.com.

Film fanatics of all ages are invited to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful summer nights outside Little Caesars Arena for “The District Detroit Movie Nights” presented by Chevrolet, a free cinema series running Aug. 7 – Sept. 6.

With reserved seating that enables social distancing and other safety measures in place, Chevrolet Plaza will be transformed into an outdoor theater featuring two movies per week. Guests will have an opportunity to support many local restaurants with food trucks and tents located outside the arena. Complimentary parking will be available at the Henry West Garage, located at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr.

Movies will air at 7 p.m. EST on Fridays and Sundays. To ensure safe social distancing with a limited capacity, reservations are necessary, and can be made here. Confirmed attendees will be required to wear face masks, and temperature checks and health screenings will be conducted. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chair or towel to sit on in Chevrolet Plaza.

“The District Detroit Movie Nights” line-up offers something for everyone, and begins with “Amazing Grace” on Friday, Aug. 7. One week later, on Aug. 14, “The Russian Five” will be shown, the true story of Russian-born Detroit Red Wings teammates that became family and Stanley Cup Champions.

As part of the Detroit Tigers’ celebration of Negro Leagues Weekend, a screening of the 1976 sports comedy, “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings,” will be shown on Sunday, Aug. 16. This movie is about a team of enterprising ex-Negro League baseball players in the era of racial segregation. The cinema series will wrap up on Sunday, Sept. 6 with a screening of the 1992 classic, “The Mighty Ducks.”

For more information on “The District Detroit Movie Nights,” please visit follow @DistrictDetroit on social media, or visit DistrictDetroit.com/MovieNights.

The complete schedule is as follows:

Friday, Aug. 7: “Amazing Grace” (G)

Sunday, Aug. 9: “Remember the Titans” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 14: “The Russian Five” (NR)

Sunday, Aug. 16: “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 21: “The Lion King” (PG)

Sunday, Aug. 23: “Field of Dreams” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 28: “42” (PG-13)

Sunday, Aug. 30: “Rudy” (PG)

Friday, Sept. 4: “A League of Their Own” (PG)

Sunday, Sept. 6: “The Mighty Ducks” (PG)

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ilitch organization, for the third consecutive year, will host the Red Cross and Anheuser-Busch at Little Caesars Arena for a One Team blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

“The need for blood is constant,” said Beth Frahm, donor recruitment account manager with the Red Cross. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. We are thrilled to again partner with the Ilitch organization and Anheuser-Busch to ensure blood products are available to those in need.”

The blood drive will take place on the arena’s 60,000-square foot Via Concourse, which will allow for safe social distancing. Free parking is available for donors at the Henry West Garage, located at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr. Attendees will have a chance to spin a wheel to win prizes, including sports memorabilia and gift cards, while supplies last.

Anheuser-Busch, the country’s largest sponsor of live sports and entertainment, has redirected sports and entertainment investments to its non-profit partners to respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis. As part of a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch, alongside its sports partners, identified available arenas and stadiums to be used for temporary blood drive centers, which includes Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Eligible donors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: LCA313. Donors are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.