Start of Community Benefits Process Marks Next Phase of Proposed Mixed-Income, Mixed-Use Development in The District Detroit
November 29, 2022
Related Companies, Olympia Development of Michigan (ODM) and the City of Detroit today announced plans to begin an extensive Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO) process for a proposed $1.5 billion, multi-building development in The District Detroit. The CBO process marks the next phase of plans to build new office, retail, residential with affordable housing, hotel and public space across 10 properties in The District Detroit, aimed at attracting and retaining talent and inclusive economic development in Detroit and Michigan. The first meeting for residents in the areas surrounding the development will take place at 6 PM on November 29th at Cass Technical High School.
The proposed development includes the construction of 6 new buildings and the renovation and adaptive reuse of 4 historic buildings. The mix and type of proposed projects reflect significant initial feedback from the developers’ continued community engagement, including more than 250 community engagement meetings to date, which will continue through the city-led community benefits process.
Building upon Related Companies’ and ODM’s previously announced shared vision for The District Detroit and the Detroit Center for Innovation (DCI), a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center, the additional projects proposed include 695 mixed-income residential units – 20 percent of which are reserved as affordable housing at 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI) – 1,200,000 square feet of commercial office, 100,000 square feet of retail and 467 hotel rooms.
In addition to reflecting initial feedback from an expanding community engagement process, each project in the initial planning phase of The District Detroit’s purpose-driven development is rooted in the core values of education, engagement, employment, economic inclusion and environmental justice.
This phase of proposed mixed-use projects in The District Detroit includes:
Sustainability will be at the core of the development for The District Detroit, including securing LEED certification for buildings, prioritizing sustainably designed open space, and supporting low-carbon transportation options and infrastructure across the proposed development.
“These projects will build on the successful progress such as Little Caesars world headquarters, 2715 Woodward, the Eddystone residences and the multiple historic residential developments open or underway,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “The construction and operations of each project will help our state and region attract the world’s leading companies and top talent to Detroit while maximizing economic opportunity for those who are already here. We look forward to working with the City and community partners to garner input while creating places and spaces all Detroiters can enjoy.”
“Detroit’s future is incredibly promising and Related is committed to harnessing the potential of the DCI to drive inclusive economic growth,” said Andrew Cantor, President of Related Michigan. “These projects are important pieces of the puzzle that will help create world-class spaces for the people of this city and we look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with members of the community to realize this shared vision.”
“We are excited about this next phase of development for The District Detroit and the benefits it will bring to the city. Our conversations with community members and leaders through our ongoing community engagement have been critical in helping to inform our plans, and we are looking forward to building on those conversations through the CBO process,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan.
This proposal for a package of transformative real estate development projects in The District Detroit is in addition to retail, entertainment, office and residential development underway or recently completed by Olympia Development. The list includes Cass & Henry, a proposal to restore six residential buildings and community space on a single historically designated block in The District Detroit, the recent restoration of the historic Eddystone residences, and the Residences@150 Bagley led by Bagley Development Group. These projects together represent 410 new homes in Detroit, 131 of which are reserved as affordable housing for residents earning 30-80 percent of the area median income rate.
Community Benefits Process – How it works
Detroit is the only major city to have a community benefits ordinance that gives residents living in the area impacted by a development a say in the project and the ability to negotiate certain benefits. To date, 12 completed CBO processes have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in benefits to neighborhoods beyond the initial development investment.
The City of Detroit has mailed invitations to a series of community meetings with Related and Olympia Development to 6500 households in the four-census tract impact area. The City intentionally expanded the size of the impact zone for this project to maximize the opportunities for community participation.
The first two meetings will be held November 29th and December 6th. These initial meetings will allow members of the surrounding community to learn more about the proposed development plans and to share their feedback and to select community representatives on the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) that will negotiate the community benefits agreement.
Every community benefits NAC is made up of 9 members:
The City’s community benefits ordinance requires a minimum of 7 meetings. Members of the NAC, who must live in the impacted area and be at least 18 years of age, negotiate various community benefits specific to the projects to address anticipated impacts, such as programs to help residents participate in the economic opportunities created by the development. Once the NAC and developers agree on a series of benefits and timelines, the NAC votes to endorse the community benefits agreement. That agreement is then forwarded to City Council for final approval.
“Developments of this quality and scale provide incredible opportunity for Detroiters to directly benefit from them, whether that means job training in the construction trades, employment in the developments, affordable housing or being part of the process to negotiate a community benefits package,” said Nicole Sherard Freeman, who serves as the City’s Group Executive for Jobs, Economy & Detroit at Work. “Residents who engage in this process will have the ability to help shape the transformational possibilities this development will have on this district for years to come.”
“This is an exciting announcement for Detroit and an incredible opportunity for District 6 residents in the impact area to be at the table for discussions about the future of their neighborhood. I encourage local residents to be actively engaged in the upcoming CBO process and to share their vision and hopes with the developers,” said Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council Member for District 6. “Residents are also welcome to contact my office if they have any questions.”
Developers to seek State transformational brownfield incentive, no City general funds
These proposed development plans depend on attaining suitable financing and partners, as well as public financial support. To that end, Related and Olympia also announced today that they are filing a Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) application with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The TBP is reserved for projects that will have a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization while also having an overall positive fiscal impact on the State. Should the application be approved, public financing through the TBP will only be provided for those projects that begin providing jobs and positive economic impact through construction and beyond. Over the 35-year incentive benefit period, projected net fiscal tax benefits include more than $1 billion for the State of Michigan, $700 million for the City of Detroit’s general fund and $442 million for other taxing jurisdictions.
No City general fund support is being requested or provided for the proposed developments. Once financing and requested public incentives are secured, it is expected that work would begin on the office building at 2200 Woodward in 2023.
Thousands of new jobs, $2B in net fiscal benefit
Annual operations of the project will support more than 6,000 total jobs within the city of Detroit. Operations are expected to generate more than $500 million in wages within the City of Detroit on an annual basis. Operations are also projected to yield approximately $1.6 billion per year in direct economic activity in Michigan.
Construction of the projects are projected to support approximately 12,000 temporary construction-related jobs. Construction is expected to generate more than $800 million in wages. Construction is also projected to yield approximately $1.4 billion in direct economic activity in Michigan.
“This planned development in The District Detroit will create economic opportunity and thousands of good jobs for Michigan residents,” said Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. “We continue to see high demand for our skilled trades workforce and this planned development is another example of how working men and women will be instrumental in building Michigan’s future. Detroiters should know that our doors are open to learn the skills that will enable them to join our workforce and empower them to take advantage of the opportunities created by this project.”
At the center of the future plans for The District Detroit is the previously announced Detroit Center for Innovation (DCI). The DCI will be anchored by a world-class estimated $250 million, 200,000 square-foot research and education center operated by the University of Michigan. Wayne State University and the University of Michigan are expected to explore programmatic partnerships through the DCI, the organizations said.
“It’s exciting to see this project – which holds so much promise for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan – taking these important next steps. We are looking forward to increasing our engagement and presence in the city,” said U-M President Santa J. Ono.
“This next phase of The District Detroit will help re-energize Detroit’s resurgence following the slowdown of the pandemic,” said Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. “We are excited to be partners with the Detroit Center for Innovation, and the residential and business development will add to what is already a great environment around our Mike Ilitch School of Business. The people of Detroit, and the Wayne State community, will reap the benefits of this initiative for years to come.”
Local leaders also praised the impacts of The District Detroit on the young people of Detroit.
“This proposed development will provide access to opportunity for the next generation of Detroiters. These plans will help our city build a pipeline of talent by ensuring that our young people know they can continue to grow, learn, and thrive in Detroit for years to come,” said Shawn Wilson, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.
Programs at the DCI will focus on research and innovation, with the goal of supporting the economic development of Detroit and the state with a pipeline of talent. The DCI will also provide a critical skills pathway for students from Detroit Public Schools Community District and beyond.
Little Caesars Pizza Furthers Global Expansion with First Stores in the United Kingdom
November 28, 2022
Little Caesars® Pizza, the third largest pizza chain in the world*, is furthering its international expansion with its first restaurants in the United Kingdom. The global brand, which currently operates in 27 countries and territories, will celebrate the grand opening of its first store in Derby, England in December, followed by two stores in London and a store in Liverpool early next year.
“As we continue to expand around the world, we are thrilled to bring Little Caesars Pizza and our globally recognized value, quality and convenience to the U.K.,” said Paula Vissing, chief operating officer for Little Caesars Pizza. “The U.K. is an extremely important new market for us given its powerful and fiercely independent economy. We expect to open many new stores there over the next several years, and we are excited to be entering with such strong franchisee groups in Derby, London and Liverpool.”
Over the past few years, Little Caesars Pizza has amplified its international presence with restaurant openings in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. Little Caesars Pizza has ambitious plans to continue expanding throughout Europe with a specific focus on the U.K. and is actively seeking franchisees interested in joining the world-renowned brand.
“The U.K. pizza industry is valued at over $3 billion and is expected to continue growing year-over-year,” shared Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer for Little Caesars Pizza. “Now is the time to capitalize on that growth momentum. We are seeking additional franchisees who are interested in entering into area developer agreements in London as well as other territories, including southern England, Scotland and Ireland.”
Little Caesars Pizza is a family-owned company with more than 60 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to innovation. Nearly 20 years ago, the brand revolutionized the global pizza industry with its signature HOT-N-READY® model, which gives customers the easy and quick option to simply stop in and take away a freshly made, piping-hot, large pizza and side items without waiting or ordering ahead. Not only are the products made with fresh, natural ingredients, but they are sold at an all-day value every day, providing an excellent meal option for families and individuals. The concept quickly took off in the United States and spread to other Little Caesars Pizza markets around the world.
“Little Caesars has developed a simple, yet powerful business model designed to give consumers what they really want,” added Vissing. “It’s the perfect combination of quality, convenience and value. HOT-N-READY offers high-quality American-style pizzas at an affordable price, lower than the competition, which is especially compelling in today’s economic climate.”
The menus in Derby and London will feature several HOT-N-READY® large pizzas, including Pepperoni and Margherita. Other delicious offerings include the Mushroom Deluxe, the Three Meat Treat, a Pepperoni, Italian Sausage and Bacon, and many others. Veggie Crazy Puffs and Little Caesars signature Crazy Bread® are also available. All pizzas on the menu are large, at 30.5 cm.
For more information on the menu and store locations in the U.K., visit gb.littlecaesars.com. To learn more about development and growth opportunities in the region, visit International.LittleCaesars.com.
Detroit Red Wings Foundation Supports the Growth of Hockey in the Community With Annual Event
November 20, 2022
The 13th annual Detroit Red Wings Charity Poker Tournament returned to MotorCity Casino Hotel, with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. In partnership with fans, key stakeholders and colleagues, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation provides innovative support focused on community investment and youth development and the growth of hockey within the community.
“We’re proud to partner with and thankful for our players, fans and sponsors on creating these exciting special events like the annual charity poker tournament,” said Shannon Lapsley, Community Impact Director, Fundraising and Development for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
“These types of events help raise money to provide youth in Detroit, southeastern Michigan and across the state with hockey and sports-related experiences, including the ability to participate in open skate events, amateur hockey leagues, and in our Detroit Red Wings “Learn, Play, Score” program.”
Hosted in MotorCity Casino Hotel’s SoundBoard, the event featured a host of Red Wings players and alumni such as Adam Erne, Robby Fabbri, Robert Hagg, Ville Husso, Olli Maatta, Larry Murphy, Alex Nedeljkovic, Jordan Oesterle, Mark Pysyk, Mickey Redmond, Elmer Soderblom and Pius Suter.
For a look inside the event, watch this video:
“MAGIC OF LIGHTS” AT PINE KNOB MUSIC THEATRE
November 14, 2022
Experience Christmas through lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre, with the “Magic of Lights,” which runs from November 18- December 31. The drive-through light display features holiday-themed scenes and characters using the latest LED technology and digital animations, including the all-new Prehistoric Christmas and Mega Tree displays. Tickets start at $20.
The Holiday Season Has Arrived At The Fox Theatre
November 14, 2022
The Fox Theatre is preparing for a spectacular holiday season lineup featuring family-friendly productions and classic holiday concerts that will spread cheer to guests throughout Detroit and its surrounding communities. With that comes the arrival of the Fox Theatre’s annual holiday decorations. Adornments are featured throughout the Grand Lobby, including the signature 12-foot tree resting atop the Grand Staircase, garland draped around stained-glass doors, a 16-foot wreath hanging above the entrance organ pipes and smaller wreaths nestled between large pillars. A true staple of the holiday season in Detroit!
Detroit Red Wings Adidas Reverser Retro 2022
November 14, 2022
Last month, adidas and the National Hockey League (NHL®) unveiled the newest adidas Reverse Retro 2022 jerseys for all 32 NHL® teams. Reverse Retro 2022 is the sequel to the disruptive uniform franchise that fuses the storied logos, colors and designs of all eras of NHL sweaters with a lifestyle and fashion-inspired energy to introduce 32 never-before-seen on-ice looks
The jerseys are currently slated to be worn by the Detroit Red Wings for the following games:
Nov. 28 vs. Toronto
Dec. 13 vs. Carolina
Dec. 31 vs. Ottawa
Jan. 10 vs. Winnipeg
Jan. 24 vs. San Jose
Feb. 11 vs. Vancouver
Tigers Add Four Coaches to Major League Coaching Staff
November 14, 2022
The Detroit Tigers announced four new members of the Major League coaching staff for the 2023 season. Michael Brdar (Major League Hitting Coach), Keith Beauregard (Major League Hitting Coach), James Rowson (Assistant Major League Hitting Coach) and Robin Lund (Assistant Major League Pitching Coach) will all join the Tigers coaching staff in 2023. Additionally, Ryne Eubanks has been named the club’s new Head Athletic Trainer.
Brdar joins the Tigers after spending the 2022 season as the hitting coach with the San Diego Padres. Prior to his time with the Padres, Brdar worked in the San Francisco Giants player development system for two seasons, first as an assistant hitting coordinator in 2020 and as the Minor League hitting coordinator in 2021. Brdar began his coaching career as a program assistant at the University of Michigan in 2018-19.
Brdar played two seasons for the Wolverines in 2016-17 after beginning his collegiate career at Diablo Valley (CA) College. In his two seasons at Michigan, Brdar combined to hit .284 (118×415) with 19 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 53 RBI. He was selected by St. Louis in the 36th round of the 2017 MLB Draft and played one season of rookie ball for the GCL Cardinals.
Beauregard spent the previous four seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, most recently as the Minor League Assistant Field Coordinator in 2021-22 and as a Minor League hitting instructor in 2019-20. Prior to joining the Dodgers, Beauregard was an assistant coach at Santa Clara University for five seasons and at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell for two seasons.
Beauregard played collegiately at Saint Anselm College, where he set many program records that still stand today, including setting the record for career hits (223), singles (148), doubles (46) and triples (15), while ranking second in career RBI (102). He played professionally for three seasons with the Worcester Tornados of the Can-Am League.
Rowson comes to Detroit after spending the previous three seasons as the bench coach for the Miami Marlins. Rowson, who has 20 seasons of coaching experience at the professional level, was the hitting coach for the Minnesota Twins for three seasons prior to going to Miami. In 2019, the Twins offense finished the season with a Major League record 307 home runs. They also led the Majors in RBI (906), ranked second in runs (939), hits (1547), batting average (.270) and slugging percentage (.494).
Rowson’s professional coaching experience also includes two separate stints as the Minor League hitting coordinator for the New York Yankees (2008-11; 2014-16), three seasons with the Chicago Cubs (2011-13), first as the Minor League hitting coordinator before being promoted to the Major League hitting coach in 2012. He spent his first six seasons in professional coaching from 2002-07 as hitting coach at the Single A and Rookie levels.
Selected by Seattle in the ninth round of the 1994 MLB Draft, Rowson spent three Minor League seasons in the Mariners’ (1995-96) and Yankees’ (1997) organizations before playing for Cook County in the Independent Heartland League in 1998.
Lund recently completed his fourth season at the University of Iowa, including the last three as the Hawkeyes pitching coach. During his tenure at Iowa, Lund coached five All-Americans, two Big Ten Pitchers of the Year and one Big Ten Freshman of the Year. In 2022, Iowa had one of the best pitching staffs in the country, ranking second nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (6.88), third in strikeouts per nine innings (11.2), fourth in ERA (3.72) and fifth in WHIP (1.29). The staff led the Big Ten in virtually every pitching category during the season and finished the year with a school-record 609 strikeouts.
Prior to his time at the University of Iowa, Lund was a volunteer hitting coach for the University of Northern Iowa softball program in 2018. Lund, who holds his doctorate in exercise science, was an associate professor in the department of kinesiology at UNI from 2002-18. His main teaching responsibilities were in the areas of biomechanics, anatomy, statistics, and research methods. Lund’s research was focused primarily on improving athletic performance.
Eubanks recently completed his third season as an assistant athletic trainer for the Arizona Diamondbacks and his ninth season overall in the organization. Before joining the Diamondbacks Major League training staff, Eubanks was the Minor League Medical Coordinator (2019) and Assistant Minor League Medical Coordinator (2018). Prior to the 2018 season, he was the athletic trainer for Double A Jackson (2017), Double A Mobile (2016), Short Season A Hillsboro (2015) and AZL Rookie D-backs (2014).
Eubanks graduated in 2012 from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science and earned a master’s degree in athletic training from the University of Arkansas in 2014.
Riley Greene Named Tigers Rookie of the Year
November 14, 2022
Riley Greene has been named Tigers Rookie of the Year as voted on by members of the Detroit Sports Media Association, receiving 95 percent of first place votes.
Greene played in 93 games for the Tigers after his Major League debut on June 18, posting a .253/.321/.362 slashline with 18 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 42 RBI. From the point he joined the big league club, Greene led Detroit in multiple offensive categories among players with at least 250 plate appearances, including hits (95), doubles, triples, walks (36) and average exit velocity (89.5 MPH).
Greene had a 13-game hitting streak from August 20-September 4, which was the second-longest by a rookie in the Majors this season and the longest by a Tigers rookie since Milt Cuyler had a 15-game streak in 1991. He also had a 20-game, on-base streak from August 20-September 14, which was the longest by a Detroit rookie since Austin Jackson reached base in 25 straight games in 2010.
In addition to his offensive numbers, Greene was a standout in center field. Major League Baseball awarded him Electric Play of the Week honors three times during the season: June 26 (diving coach on June 25 at Arizona), September 19) diving catch on September 13 vs. Houston) and September 26 (home run robbery on September 25 at Chicago (AL)).
Greene, who was also named Tiger of the Year by the Detroit chapter of the BBWAA, is the first Tigers player to win both awards in the same season since Mark Fidrych in 1976.
College Hockey Returns to Little Caesars Arena with the Annual “Duel in the D”, Presented by Meijer, on Saturday, February 11
November 13, 2022
Tickets are now on sale starting at $25 for the return of college hockey to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at 313Presents.com, the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena and Ticketmaster.com.
The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.
The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 342nd all-time meeting between the historic programs, with Michigan currently holding a 177-138-24 edge in the all-time series.
Michigan, currently ranked No. 3 in the nation by the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, has claimed the “Iron D” Trophy in each of the last five matchups at Little Caesars Arena. The two teams will square off three times this season (Dec. 9 at MSU; Dec. 10 at UM; Feb. 10 at MSU) before their final regular season matchup in the “Duel in the D.”
Both Michigan and Michigan State feature new head coaches this season – as Adam Nightingale is at the helm of the Spartans and Brandon Naurato is serving as interim head coach of the Wolverines.
“We are really looking forward to returning to Little Caesars Arena,” Naurato said. “It’s an unparalleled experience for our players and for the fans to have this rivalry, Michigan vs. Michigan State, showcased on the big stage. The Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Arena staff are incredible, the fans are always passionate and we can’t wait for this next edition of the rivalry.”
“Bringing a Michigan State-Michigan game to Detroit is one of the great traditions of this rivalry,” Nightingale said. “It’s a privilege to be able to play in front of our fans in southeast Michigan and playing in an NHL building creates lasting memories for our players, alumni, and fans of all ages, too. I have had the good fortune to experience this rivalry on both as a player and member of the staff, and I am looking forward to bringing our team down to Detroit to add another chapter to this rivalry in February. We are also incredibly grateful to Ilitch Sports + Entertainment for providing us this stage.”
Tickets for the “Duel in the D” are now on sale and can be purchased at 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com, the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena or by calling the Red Wings Ticket Sales and Service office at 313-471-7575. Group discounts are available by calling 313 Presents Group Sales at 313-471-3099.
Photo Credit: Dave Reginek / Detroit Red Wings