The Detroit Tigers join all of baseball in mourning the passing of Chet Lemon. While he was a World Series Champion and All-Star on the field, perhaps his biggest impact came off of it. That includes creating the Chet Lemon Foundation, and dedicating much of his post-playing career to youth baseball development. Our thoughts are with Chet’s family, friends and all those he coached, mentored and inspired.

From Lance Parrish:

“Chet was the kindest of men and always had that great smile on his face. He was also a fierce competitor on the baseball field and a great teammate. I loved him like a brother.”

From Dan Petry:

“I always believed my job as a pitcher was made easier when Chet was behind me in center. I’ll never forget his laughter and infectious smile. His athleticism on the field always stood out, but he was an even better teammate and friend.”

From Alan Trammell:

“My heart goes out to Gigi and the family. Chet was a cherished teammate and friend. I’m so thankful for the time we spent together last summer when the 1984 team had its 40th reunion at Comerica Park. Today is a sad day for us. He will be dearly missed.”

• “Friday Night Party in the Park,” presented by Casamigos, on May 9 features pregame entertainment, specialty cocktails, a postgame concert and fireworks

• Giveaways on Saturdays include a Tarik Skubal Mystery Bobblehead, presented by Meijer, on May 10

• Homestand also features Star Wars Night (May 9), Mother’s Day (May 11), Eastern Michigan University Night (May 12), Bark in the Park, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions with support from Global K9 and MI Humane (May 13)

The Detroit Tigers will return to Comerica Park for a six-game homestand from May 9-14, hosting the Texas Rangers (May 9-11) and Boston Red Sox (May 12-14). Single-game tickets are available at Tigers.com/Tickets and theme game ticket packages are available at Tigers.com/Theme.

Friday, May 9 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Texas Rangers

Friday Night Party in the Park, presented by Casamigos, Star Wars Night, City Connect Game and First Responder Friday

Every Friday home game is a “Friday Night Party in the Park,” presented by Casamigos, featuring postgame fireworks (weather permitting), live music and entertainment and pregame food and beverage specials on the Comerica Landing.

May 9, which is slated to be a Tarik Skubal start on the mound, is also Star Wars Night at Comerica Park, and fans who purchased the sold-out Star Wars Night ticket package receive a “Colt-bi-Wan Keithnobi” Bobblehead.

Fans can enjoy Star Wars-themed graphics, music and videos throughout the night and photo opportunities with several Star Wars characters will be available throughout the concourse. The Star Wars Night specialty cocktail is a “Tatooine Breeze” served with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Watermelon Juice, Lime Juice, Triple Sec and a Jalapeño.

Every Friday home game is a City Connect game, featuring the Tigers’ “Motor City” uniforms. Fans can purchase City Connect merchandise at The D Shop, presented by Meijer, and online. On non-game days, free 30-minute parking for The D Shop is available in the Tiger Garage, at 128 Fisher Service Drive, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Every Friday home game is also First Responder Friday, which is an initiative created by A.J. and Erin Hinch to give first responders and their families a well-deserved night to relax, reconnect and experience Tigers baseball together.

Probable Pitching Matchup Friday vs. Rangers

LHP Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.21 ERA) vs. LHP Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.28 ERA)

Comerica Park gates open at 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 10 at 6:10 p.m. vs. Kansas City Royals

Tarik Skubal Mystery Bobblehead Giveaway, presented by Meijer

Every Saturday home game includes an exciting giveaway for fans who arrive early at Comerica Park. The May 10 giveaway is a Tarik Skubal Mystery Bobblehead, presented by Meijer. The earliest-arriving fans will receive one of three Skubal Bobbleheads, celebrating the Tigers ace’s 2024 Cy Young Award and Triple Crown achievement.

Limited seats and standing-room-only tickets remain available for May 10. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets for May 9 (probable Skubal start day) and May 11 to catch the action at Comerica Park this weekend.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 11 at 1:40 p.m. vs. Texas Rangers

Mother’s Day Celebration and Chevy Sunday Kids Day

For Mother’s Day on May 11, fans can enjoy several celebrations throughout the ballpark, including a "#1 MOM" flower wall photo backdrop, a card-making station, Zing Zang Bloody Mary bar and special "Mother’s Day Rosé" from Hampton Water. Fans can also secure a free “#1 MOM” tumbler with a purchase of at least $100 at The D Shop, presented by Meijer. For more information on Mother’s Day activities, visit Tigers.com/MothersDay.

Every Sunday home game is a Chevy Sunday Kids Day, where young fans can get pre-game player autographs on the concourse, run the bases after the game and enjoy free rides on the Hi-Chew Ferris Wheel and Carousel.

The Meijer Sunday Family Value Deal is available, starting at $79, including four upper-level tickets, four hot dogs, four bags of chips and four fountain drinks. The lower-level ticket package starts at $99. Fans can also upgrade either package with four slices of pizza and four fountain drinks for just $10 more.

Gates open at 12 p.m.

Monday, May 12 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Boston Red Sox

Eastern Michigan University Night

May 12 is Eastern Michigan University Night, and fans who purchase a special ticket package receive a Tigers-branded EMU snapback hat.

Gates open at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Boston Red Sox

313 Value Game, presented by Pepsi, and Bark in the Park, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions with support from Global K9 and MI Humane

Every Tuesday home game is a “313 Value Game,” presented by Pepsi, with $19 lower-level tickets available, as well as $3 bottled water and fountain drinks, $1 chips and $3 hot dogs. 

May 13 is also the second Bark in the Park of the 2025 season, and fans who purchased the sold-out Bark in the Park special ticket package can bring their dog to Comerica Park and enjoy a Bark in the Park experience, with a portion of ticket proceeds being donated to Michigan Humane.

Gates open at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Boston Red Sox

Don’t miss the homestand finale as the Tigers wrap up their series with the Red Sox before hitting the road for a six-game road trip.

Gates open at 5 p.m.

Group Ticket Options

Fans interested in purchasing 10 or more tickets during the upcoming homestand can visit Tigers.com/Groups or email Groups@Tigers.com.

‍

Tickets are FREE and available to the public here

Comerica Bank, 313 Presents, Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the City Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are proud to present Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) annual An Evening of Fine Arts for the fourth consecutive year at the Fox Theatre (56th anniversary of EFA) on Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.

Although admission to An Evening of Fine Arts is free and open to the public, tickets are required for entry and are available in advance at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and online here.

“Students’ creativity, voice, and critical thinking skills are sharpened through the arts. As a foundation of our reform, we established an art or music program at each DPSCD school because we knew that our students’ talents would not be developed without this programming. More importantly, access to the arts allows students to define and understand beauty. This simply develops better people and citizens,” said Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, DPSCD.

“Once again, we are excited to return to The Fox Theatre with An Evening of Fine Arts strengthening its rich legacy. It continues to be encouraging to see business partners and organizations embrace our whole child commitment to our students and families. DPSCD has served as the pipeline for so many talented performers through the decades. Events such as this allow us to see our students’ talents annually on one of Detroit’s largest and most historic stages.”

An Evening of Fine Arts is the culminating activity for middle and high school fine and performing arts departments and showcases the tremendous talent within the district. After a competitive audition process held in March, over 600 students will shine in the Fox Theatre spotlight. The free public event will bring all-new performances and feature instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles, dance and theatre excerpts. In addition to the stage performances, original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s Grand Lobby.

Ilitch Companies and 313 Presents have supported Detroit Public Schools students over the years and An Evening of Fine Arts is a natural extension of that partnership, which has included financial and in-kind donations, internships and educational programs.

"As a proud alumna, I am overjoyed to once again welcome DPSCD students, educators, and leadership for an evening of spectacular performances that showcase the students’ incredible talent and dedication,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan. “It is an honor to celebrate the next generation of musicians, vocalists and dancers as they shine on this historically significant stage."

“Every year we are amazed and entertained by the talented performers who display their great passion for performance and fine arts even at their young ages,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “The students who participate in An Evening of Fine Arts illustrate the many bright futures that lie ahead who will positively impact our community. We are honored to partner in supporting this annual signature event dedicated to presenting the very best of Detroit.”

“313 Presents is proud to continue its commitment to DPSCD’s An Evening of Fine Arts,” said Howard Handler, 313 Presents President. “This one-of-a-kind event has become a tradition at the Fox Theatre. Each year brings fresh talent and an exciting new show. We’re looking forward to celebrating another amazing group of students.”

"Watching the brilliance and excellence of our children as the best of them show their gifts should inspire the entire city to support the arts," said Rochelle Riley, the City of Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture. "As advocates across the region and the country unite to better support the creative workforce, we must recognize that our future creative careerists are these bright youngsters who take our breath away! So proud to support."

For more information about An Evening of Fine Arts, visit Detroitk12.org. Follow the district on Facebook at Detroit Public Schools Community District, Twitter at @Detroitk12, and Instagram at @Detroitk12.

On April 26, more than 500 people braved a rainstorm and temperatures in the low 40s to celebrate Opening Day for the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League, which included a parade, a pancake breakfast and 29 teams competing across five age divisions.

Rosedale Park in northwest Detroit was buzzing with activity on Saturday morning, as the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s Play Ball Detroit partnership with the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League was in full effect with a live DJ, music from the Cass Tech High School marching band, a visit from PAWS and the Rally Cats energy squad, airbrush tattoo artists and more to officially kick off the start of the youth baseball/softball season.

Chris Gregory, president of the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League, has been part of the organization for 32 years and said days like Opening Day give him a renewed energy to continue being a leader in the community.

“I look forward to days like today more than Christmas,” Gregory said on April 26. “This brings everybody together. We always introduce Rosedale baseball as a family. This is where we all get to sit down and literally break bread together. The excitement of Opening Day is what it’s all about and is what keeps me coming back year after year.”

The Rosedale-Grandmont Little League is one of five youth organizations that partner with Play Ball Detroit to elevate access and opportunities to play baseball and softball.

These partners—including Detroit PAL, Eagle Sports Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and Detroit Parks & Recreation—offer free or low-cost youth baseball and softball programs for thousands of children each year, inspiring local youth throughout the city to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball.

Launched in 2023 by the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike, Play Ball Detroit also provides brand-new uniforms and equipment for partner organizations, on-field experiences at Comerica Park, field cleanups with Tigers staff and local volunteers—presented by Pennington—and more.

As of the 2024 campaign, Play Ball Detroit participants received 4,600 complimentary Tigers game tickets, more than 2,000 baseballs and softballs, more than 1,500 uniforms and more than 200 volunteer hours.

“Having the support of the Tigers and the Tigers Foundation is immeasurable,” Gregory said. “Having (Tigers baseball growth initiatives manager) Matt Williams and (Tigers baseball growth initiatives coordinator) Jess Mehr here doing the work that they do is incredible, and we couldn’t do what we do at this scale without their help and without the support of the Tigers.”

Rosedale-Grandmont Little League treasurer Jake Baker has been with the organization for 10 years and said because of the support of the Tigers, the league has added seven teams this year, giving more than 100 additional kids the access and opportunity to develop a passion for the game of baseball and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“Days like today show how strong this community is and show the growth and potential of this league,” Baker said. “For these kids to have access to resources from MLB teams is huge. These kids have a chance to learn the game, to become leaders and great teammates and have a blast playing baseball.”

One of the unique experiences that Play Ball Detroit participants enjoy each season is a parade on the field at Comerica Park. The 2025 parade took place on April 27 before the Tigers hosted the Baltimore Orioles, where Rosedale-Grandmont Little Leaguers joined more than 400 Play Ball Detroit participants and family members as they walked around the field before the game and were recognized on the Comerica Park videoboard.

“They’re really, really excited about it,” Gregory said. “For them to be able to be on the same field as Tigers players, that’s a dream come true for a lot of them.”

In addition to the Opening Day festivities and the parade at Comerica Park, the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League was also the first organization this season to receive a field cleanup from Tigers representatives and local volunteers on April 12. The field cleanup featured more than 50 people contributing about two hours of work apiece, totaling approximately 100 hours of volunteer cleanup work.

Future field cleanups include Balduck Park for Eagle Sports Club on April 30, Peterson Park for Detroit PAL on May 19, Jayne Field for Detroit Parks & Recreation on July 14 and UAW Ford Field for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan on a TBD date.

For more information on Play Ball Detroit initiatives, visit PlayBallDetroit.com.

‍

Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies are thrilled to announce the selection of Wayne State University to complete The District Detroit Arts & Culture Neighborhood History Study and Report.  This study and report includes the research, documentation, and recommended memorialization of areas within The District Detroit, Brush Park, Paradise Valley, Cass Corridor, Black Bottom and Cass Park.

The Wayne State research team, identified as The Past Forward Project, will be led by Dr. Krysta Ryzewski, Chair and Professor of Anthropology at Wayne State University. Her areas of expertise are historical archaeology, historic preservation, and community-based research.  Dr. Ryzewski has led more than a dozen public history and archaeology projects in Detroit and Metro Detroit since 2011 in partnership with numerous community and institutional partners, and with funding support from federal, state, and foundation sources. Six of these projects are detailed in her award-winning book, Detroit Remains: Archaeology and Community Histories of Six Legendary Places.

Twenty students in Dr. Ryzewski’s Winter semester Historical Archaeology class are conducting background research for the study. This upper-level course trains advanced undergraduates and graduate students for careers in cultural resource management, historic preservation, planning, and related fields. Throughout the semester, students are working in small groups to identify and research potential sites for historic markers, walking tours, or interactive displays. They are also developing public-facing research and communication skills through archival work and expert-led sessions with local, state, and federal heritage professionals. Two class meetings are being held at The District Detroit Opportunity Center, allowing students to engage directly with Olympia and Related leadership and expand their professional networks. In April, students will present their proposals to the developers, and a smaller group will be hired to finalize the study report.

“We believe that The District Detroit will best be developed, in part, by capturing, honoring and learning from stories of many of the people, places and experiences that came before us here,” said T.R. Reid, who is representing the Neighborhood Advisory Committee on this project.  “Wayne State is both a neighbor and highly capable partner, and we’re excited and inspired by the variety and energy of the students who are taking on this assignment.”

In addition to Dr. Ryzewski, the Past Forward project team includes an advisory group comprised of Wayne State faculty, staff, and students: Dr. Kefentse Chike (Assistant Professor of African American Studies), Stacie Clayton (Regional Relations Director), Dr. Rayman Mohamed (Professor of Urban Studies and Planning), Dr. Lyke Thompson (Director, Center for Urban Studies), and undergraduate student Klaus Freidrich.

“Wayne State is thrilled and honored to be chosen by Olympia and Related to work on their arts and culture study.  This study is designed to benefit Detroit and its future generations, and it has the added bonus of providing Wayne State students with hands-on research experience and professional networking opportunities in the process,” said Dr. Ryzewski. “History is the foundation of the future, and we are grateful for the opportunity to involve a diverse group of students – who are the future of Detroit – in conducting research that cultivates appreciation for Detroit’s cultural and community histories and preserves our heritage for the benefit of future generations.”

The $50,000 research initiative was defined in The District Detroit’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), an agreement between developers, the city of Detroit, and The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC). The study parameters were established cooperatively with a team that included representatives from the developers, The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee, city of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship, the city of Detroit historian, Michigan History Center, and Michigan Historical Commission. A public Request for Applicants was issued in April 2024 on The District Detroit’s Opportunity Center website. Wayne State’s selection for the study emerged from ongoing conversations between the WSU and the community engagement teams. As discussions evolved, WSU’s application took shape, aligning with its strategic commitment to community engagement. Months of planning and collaboration ultimately led to a research initiative that not only honors Detroit’s history but also provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

“We are delighted to work with Dr. Ryzewski, the Past Forward team, and Wayne State students to explore the history of these rich cultures in Detroit,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Olympia Development of Michigan on behalf of Olympia Development and Related Companies. “Their application clearly demonstrated their expertise and the desire to capture the history of Detroit and spirit of the research study.  We are excited to begin this study and thrilled to have Wayne State as our partner.”

The history study and the practicum course associated with are examples of the innovative and engaged educational opportunities Wayne State provides to their students, and it highlights the university’s commitment to attracting and retaining recent graduates to Detroit.

“This study celebrates the rich history of Detroit’s neighborhoods and brings WSU faculty and students together with the community to preserve stories that will inspire generations," said Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "At Wayne State, we are proud to shape a lasting legacy for our city while opening doors to meaningful opportunities for our students.”

The study is expected to be completed in 2026. Results of the study will be presented to the city, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, as well as made available online for the public.

The Detroit Red Wings Best in Class program, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer, shows gratitude to Michigan teachers and educators who change the lives of millions of children every day.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, 75 teachers were recognized through the Best in Class program, with more than $35,000 donated to Michigan classrooms. Three finalists were selected, and one was chosen to earn the grand prize.

After more than 66,000 fan votes were cast, Beverly Reynolds, a second-grade teacher at Mid Peninsula School District in Rock, Mich., was named the grand-prize winner. As the winner, Reynolds earned a $5,000 grant, a custom jersey and a postgame meet and greet with Red Wings forward Elmer Soderblom.

“Beverly treats all her students as her own children and would do anything to help them in and out of the classroom,” the Best in Class program nomination for Reynolds said. “Beverly puts in many "unpaid" hours to ensure her materials are prepared and she has everything her students need, from pencils to snacks. We live in an economically challenged area and Beverly understands not all families can afford even the simplest school supplies. She is a real superhero!”

One of the most inspiring aspects of Reynolds’ story was her determination to quickly return to teaching after undergoing brain surgery in June 2024. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in winter 2023, but delayed surgery until after the school year ended.

Reynolds returned to school in August 2024, sooner than expected and sooner than advised by doctors, but she said her love for her students and her four children gave her strength to continue doing what she loved.

“It wasn't easy to come back that soon, but it was best for my class and for my family,” Reynolds said. “All my kids attend school at Mid Pen, and I love that we are all together. I didn't want to miss that special beginning-of-the-year experience.”

After graduating from Northern Michigan University in 2007, Reynolds returned to her hometown and is now in her fourth year of teaching at her grade-school alma mater, which she said is more fulfilling than she could’ve imagined.

“It’s been a wonderful change for our family, and it feels like what I was meant to be doing my whole life,” Reynolds said. “It's corny, but I love teaching because this is my chance to change the world, one child, one day at a time.”

As part of winning the Best in Class program, Reynolds was invited to attend the Red Wings’ Fan Appreciation Night on April 14, where she was recognized on the Little Caesars Arena videoboard and received Soderblom’s game-worn jersey.

“Oh my goodness, it was one of the highlights of my life,” Reynolds said about being honored at Little Caesars Arena. “What a wonderful experience. It was so much fun and felt so surreal. Everyone was so kind and attentive. I have never been doted on like that in my life. It was awesome.”

Reynolds said winning the 2024-25 Best in Class program is a meaningful opportunity to spotlight her Upper Peninsula town of less than 200 people.

“It means more than I ever thought,” she said. “It's not just about the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but the positive praise for our school and the support from my community was so incredibly validating. I love our school and I treasure our small-but-mighty community, and this experience has given me a chance to shine a light on the wonderful things happening in our school.”

Having support from organizations like the Red Wings with initiatives like the Best in Class program is invaluable, according to Reynolds.

“When large organizations support teachers, it has a ripple effect and makes communities feel supported,” she said. “Teachers don't take lightly being the face of education, and it is so refreshing for organizations like the Red Wings to support communities, families and students. The support from the Red Wings was very validating but also felt like a full circle moment. Going to this game and being recognized felt serendipitous and fulfilling.”

The winning teacher said she’s grateful for her school district, her community and her family.

“I just want to say thank you to the Red Wings for this amazing experience and the kindness and generosity,” Reynolds said. “Thank you to my school family for their support, thank you to my family for always being my inspiration and thank you to my students, who teach me more than I could ever teach them.”

In partnership with Detroit Tigers legend Kirk Gibson and the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, the Tigers are set to host Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Comerica Park on April 23 as Detroit faces the San Diego Padres at 1:10 p.m.

The game features a special Parkinson’s Awareness ticket package, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Kirk Gibson Foundation, which was founded by Gibson in 1996 and expanded after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015.

Gibson spent the first nine years of his legendary 17-year MLB career with the Tigers, guiding Detroit to a World Series championship in 1984 before earning another World Series crown with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. He finished his on-field career with the Tigers in 1995 before joining the broadcast booth and later becoming a special assistant for the club in 2019.

The 67-year-old now spends time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s, including opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness later this year.  

“Through my Foundation, we are opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness this fall,” Gibson said. “Developing this Center is a huge endeavor that will be the first of its kind in Michigan providing those impacted by Parkinson’s with access to a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge. Having the support of the Detroit Tigers and their loyal fans continues to bring awareness to our mission and make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s.”

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s will be featured as the Charity of the Game on April 23, serving as the beneficiary for game’s 50/50 Raffle. The Kirk Gibson Foundation will also benefit from a “round up” program throughout the ballpark, in which fans may round up their purchase to an even dollar amount to support the Foundation.

“Kirk Gibson exemplifies the spirt of Detroit, beginning with his remarkable career on the field and continuing with his unwavering commitment to the community through his foundation,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “His dedication to the Tigers, the city of Detroit and the Kirk Gibson Foundation highlights why he is a cherished member of our organization for over 35 years. We are proud to recognize and support his mission to raise awareness for Parkinson’s on April 23 at Comerica Park.”

Mary Lynn Foster, CEO from the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, will get the gameday festivities started by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Angee Ludwa, Director of Programming for the Center, and the seventh inning stretch will include a motivational message featuring the Foundation’s motto, “Movement Matters.”

Gibson and his son, Cam, are scheduled to attend the game and the Kirk Gibson Foundation will host a meet and greet and activation station with fans near Sections 101 and 124.

Tickets are available for Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Tigers.com/Tickets, and special ticket packages to support the Kirk Gibson Foundation are available at KirkGibsonFoundation.org.

‍

Invitations have been sent for 44 and 48 W. Adams, the third site selected for Olympia Development’s Co-Developer program. Detroit-based development teams were invited to submit proposals for the next redevelopment opportunity that uniquely combines two parcels situated on the north side of West Adams directly across from Grand Circus Park West in The District Detroit. The selected site, formerly the Fine Arts Building, is approximately a half-acre and features the facade of a historic building designed by Louis Kamper and is located in the Grand Circus Park Historic District.

Olympia’s Co-Developer Program was created to provide opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or Detroit resident-owned development companies. Proposals for the first two properties selected as part of the Co-Developer Program, 475 Peterboro and 81 W. Columbia, generated immense interest and Olympia is currently reviewing the innovative and transformative proposals submitted.

“The response to our Co-Developer Program has been incredible. The team strategically selected locations that would inspire both action and creativity. The West Adams site is unique and represents a rare opportunity for Detroit developers to blend Detroit’s rich history with a smart and innovative design,” said Eric Tuomey, Vice President of Development at Olympia Development. “We are eager to explore the redevelopment proposals from partners who share our vision improving the lives of Detroiters.”

44 & 48 W. Adams (Fine Arts Building) is the third building announced in Olympia Development’s Co-Developer Program, with 475 Peterboro (Woodstock) and 88 W. Columbia Street (Blenheim) proposals and agreements currently under evaluation:

• 475 Peterboro Street was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the architectural firm Pollmar & Ropes and opened in 1914 as The Woodstock Apartments. The building is 47,500 square feet and originally had 71 apartments. The property is located between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue across from Detroit Shipping Company.

• 81 W. Columbia Street was designed in the transitional style by architectural firm Baxter and O’Dell in 1909 as the Blenheim Apartments. It originally comprised 19 apartments and a speakeasy. The building is four stories tall and is approximately 17,500 square feet. The Blenheim is located at the southeast corner of Columbia Street and Park Avenue adjacent to the Fox Theatre and Little Caesars Global Headquarters.

Olympia’s Co-Developer Program is part of The District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement and was reached in cooperation with the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC).

“I’d like to thank the members of the NAC for working with us to further shape this pioneering program that is tapping into the deep talent and passion in Detroit’s development community,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development. “The Co-Developer Program is one of the many ways we partner with Detroiters to bring equitable development to the city.”

Olympia Development has other Co-Developer partnerships underway: The Residences @150 Bagley (The United Artists Building), 64 Edmund Place and Henry Street Apartments. Additional sites continue to be evaluated for future Co-Developer opportunities. For more information on the Co-Developer Program please visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.

For Red Wings veteran defenseman, giving back has ‘always been important’

Since being acquired by the Detroit Red Wings ahead of the 2023-24 season, Jeff Petry has brought a valuable veteran presence to his hometown NHL club and shown a commitment to giving back to the community that has played such a key role in shaping him into the player and person he is today.

Petry’s positive impact exemplifies exactly what the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award presented annually to the “player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community,” is all about. And on Tuesday, the NHL announced the 32 club nominees for the 2024-25 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, including Petry representing the Red Wings.

“Giving back, for me and my family, has always been important,” Petry said. “These last two years, it’s a little extra just being in my hometown and making sure that we’re taking care of the community that I grew up in.”

Petry and the other 31 nominees for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy were selected by their respective NHL clubs. The winner will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of Commissioner Gary Bettman as well as former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the NHL Foundation Player Award.

In determining the winner, the selection committee will consider the criteria of a nominee's inspiration, involvement and impact to positively benefit his community. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice and be eligible to elect his team to receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Petry is involved with several community initiatives, including Leveling the Playing Field (LPF). Founded in 2013, LPF is a nationwide initiative with local chapters that helps provide youth in under-resourced communities the opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of youth sports participation through the donation of used and excess sporting equipment.

“[LPF] puts out bins in different locations and collects all the sports gear,” Petry said. “They take it back to a warehouse, where it’s separated and distributed out to different communities and organizations.”

In addition to his work with LPF, Petry enjoys bringing smiles to kids’ faces at programs and initiatives put on by the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, including Hometown Holiday Assist, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Special Olympics and many more.

“It’s special to be able to do these things with my wife (Julie), who is a big part of setting up a lot of the things behind the scenes, and to have our kids along,” said Petry. “We’re very fortunate to have them in youth sports like hockey and baseball, but to be able to bring them along and for them to see what we can do and how we can contribute towards helping other kids their ages play sports and feel part of the community [is special].”

For more information about the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, click here.
‍

-- by Jonathan Mills for detroitredwings.com