Olympia Development of Michigan has selected Hayman Company as property manager for the historic Eddystone. Hayman’s responsibility will include marketing and outreach to attract and retain renters, as well as overall building management.

The 13-story, Italian Renaissance-style Eddystone hotel was first opened in the 1920s. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units will be available when restoration of the former hotel is complete later this year. In total, there will be 92 residential units, twenty percent of which will be reserved as affordable housing.

“The Hayman Company team will be a great partner to bring to life the vision we have for this historic property within The District Detroit,” said Stefan Stration, Vice President of Development for Olympia Development of Michigan. “As a local company with national experience, Hayman understands the property’s significance, and the needs of the residents who will call it home.”

Hayman has extensive experience in affordable housing management.

“Our team is really looking forward to managing the Eddystone with the high standards of excellence and customer service which this treasure deserves,” said Andrew Hayman, President of Hayman Company. “We understand the significance of the Eddystone and are committed to facilitating a dynamic and high quality of life for Detroiters who choose to live in it.”

In addition to being located in the heart of The District Detroit (adjacent to the award-winning Little Caesars Arena and nestled between Woodward and Cass Avenues), the Eddystone will feature a number of resident-pleasing amenities. Tenants will benefit from a private lobby, which will be staffed 24 hours a day, custom artwork, an exercise room as well as a dog wash station for pets. A unique bar and dining experience is anticipated for the street-level space.

The Eddystone will join other recent additions to The District Detroit, including the eye-catching new construction building at 2715 Woodward. Later this year, the former Women’s City Club, located in the Park Avenue Historic District, is expected to open, and construction is expected to begin at Bagley Development Group’s Residences@150. Pre-development planning continues on the proposed Henry Street redevelopment of seven historic buildings. 2

Rental information for the Eddystone will be available soon.

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Chris Ilitch, on behalf of the Detroit Tigers organization, participated in an event acknowledging the start of renovation work on historic Hamtramck Stadium, one of only five Negro League ballparks still in existence. The stadium, where at least 18 future members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame played, was once home to the Detroit Stars and the Detroit Wolves of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

The renovations are possible through a contribution of $2.6 million by Wayne County, The Detroit Tigers Foundation (an affiliate of Ilitch Charities), Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, Michigan Municipal League Foundation, and the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy through an African American Civil Rights grant as administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior.

The event featured representation of baseball’s past, present and future:

• Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, daughters of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, performed the National Anthem.
  
• Current Detroit Tigers Akil Badoo and Derek Hill attended, as did former players Willie Horton, Jake Wood and Ike Blessit, as well as former Detroit Star Ron Teasley.
  
• And members of the Tiny Tigers team, all young players between 4-8 years old, laid the bases down on the field, with a little help from Badoo and Hill.

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The renovations will breathe new life into the facility, as well as celebrate and preserve an important part of American history.  Speaking at the event, Chris Ilitch said “Restoring this historic ballpark is about restoring hope. It’s a commitment we are making to the young players in this community that this game is accessible to all, and to those who played at the stadium, that their history and contributions to the game of baseball matter and will never be forgotten.”

More about the stadium can be seen in this video.

The event at Hamtramck Stadium followed the Detroit Tigers Negro Leagues Weekend annual celebration at Comerica Park, which honored the Detroit Stars and the history of Negro Leagues Baseball.

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Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown

Union Joints proudly announced that Union Assembly, the flagship restaurant and bar at Columbia Street and Woodward Avenue in The District Detroit, is opening later this year.

The newest Union Joint spans two stories and features a second-floor lounge, indoor/outdoor bar and a three-season terrace that overlooks Woodward Avenue and Comerica Park. Guests can also enjoy seasonal street-side patio dining on Columbia Street.

Union Assembly has recruited District Chef Mara Jaffe and Chef de Cuisine Philip Vernier to return to Michigan to lead Union Joints’ latest culinary endeavors. Chef Jaffe, a Roeper and Cornell hospitality program grad, is coming home after stints in Dubai, Nantucket and California. Chef Vernier is returning to Michigan after hitting Portland for culinary school and overseeing a myriad of highly-respected kitchens in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

As is the case with every Union Joint, co-owner Ann Stevenson designed the space. Royal Oak-based von Staden Architects handled the multi-level architectural duties. The inviting space features exuberant and lively multi-tiered activations that allow for everything from cozy nook moments to large-scale private dining in a dedicated room with terrace access. As principal of ann stevenson studio, Stevenson integrated items uniquely procured and destined for this new joint on Woodward.

Chefs Jaffe and Vernier have built Union Assembly’s menu around an evolved comfort food with inventive and elevated ingredients. Whether for full-tilt dinner or quick game day snacks, diners will enjoy new American offerings alongside longstanding group staples (like the Most-Macked Mac & Cheese and deck-fired Detroit style pies) that use local provisions and ingredients. The always unpretentious, slightly throwback and honest homey cooking that Joints is known for is elevated a few notches—and influenced with fresh vegetarian and gluten free options—under the direction of Chefs Jaffe and Vernier.

The beverage program has been developed by Jeremy Bazely, who returned to the Union Joints family after two decades away with stints in Madison, Austin and Brooklyn.  The cocktail program will be both inventive and approachable and will serve as a natural extension of the canned cocktails Joints launched over the past year. Union Assembly is under the purview of District Manager Shane Collier. Besides bringing all he’s learned in his 26 year career with Joints, Collier is also bringing the talented Jessica Birdsey from Honcho in Clarkston to serve as UA’s General Manager.

Owned by the duo of Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson along with managing partner Erich Lines, Union Joints is a 26-year-old independent restaurant group that owns and operates the Clarkston Union, Union General, Union Woodshop, Vinsetta Garage (with partner KC Crain), Fenton Fire Hall, Pumphouse Custard, Honcho (with outposts at DTE Energy Music Theatre and Ford Field), Gran Castor and Bunkhouse Burgers.

Union Joints is currently hiring for every position. Visit joinjoints.com for more information.

The Detroit Tigers will host the 18^th annual Negro Leagues Weekend, Presented by Comerica Bank, from July 30-Aug. 1, when the Baltimore Orioles visit Comerica Park. This annual tradition marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball.

“Paying homage to the tradition and legacy of Negro Leagues Baseball is something the Tigers are incredibly humbled to support every year,” Chris Granger, group president, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., said. “The history of the Detroit Stars and the stories of Negro Leaguers in Detroit and Hamtramck are legendary, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them, their families and our community at Comerica Park this weekend.”

“Recognizing and celebrating the positive impact the Negro Leagues and the Detroit Stars made on baseball and in Detroit remains one of Comerica’s most cherished events of the year,” Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Vice President and Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager, said. “For nearly two decades, Comerica has valued its partnership with the Detroit Tigers in helping preserve the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Together, we can reflect on history and appreciate the influence the Negro Leagues have made on today’s generation and on many more in the future.”  

The Negro Leagues Weekend celebration will begin Wednesday, July 28, when Bally Sports Detroit and the Tigers present a screening of “The Other Boys of Summer,” a documentary portraying the history of segregation and civil rights in America through the eyes of the Negro League baseball players, at Campus Martius Park at 7 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to arrive at the ballpark early to enjoy the many activities that are planned throughout Negro Leagues Weekend. DJ Mo Beatz, Big Sean’s official DJ, will perform on the Pepsi Porch prior to all three games. A “Walk of Stars,” inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be set up to highlight the achievements of former Detroit Stars players. Norman “Turkey” Stearnes’ Michigan Sports Hall of Fame plaque will also be on display, and much more.

Negro Leagues Weekend festivities will include:

Friday, July 30 (7:10 p.m. first pitch)

• Before the game, the annual “Passing of the Bat” ceremony will be held on the Comerica Park field, celebrating African American baseball players and their contributions to the game. The ceremony features a symbolic “torch passing” from a former Negro Leagues player to several generations of former and current African American Tigers players. The bat is then presented to a local youth baseball player, with Detroit Country Day’s Saborn Campbell serving as this year’s recipient.
• The National Anthem will be performed by Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown and Joyce Stearnes Thompson, daughters of Negro Leagues great and National Baseball Hall of Fame member Norman “Turkey” Stearnes. A member of the Stearnes family will also throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Saturday, July 31 (6:10 p.m. first pitch)

• The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Detroit Stars Fedora Hat, courtesy of Comerica Bank. Gates will open to Comerica Park at 4:30 p.m.
• Seven former Negro Leagues players and historians will participate in a Q&A session on the concourse prior to the game. Former Negro Leaguers will include Johnny Walker, Minnie Forbes, Ron Teasley, Pedro Sierra, Eugene Scruggs, Sam Allen and Bill Hill.
• The winner of the Summer Slugger program — a partnership between the Tigers and Comerica Bank — will be recognized in a pregame on-field ceremony. This year’s contest challenges students across the state of Michigan to write an essay discussing the legacy of African American baseball players in Tigers history.
• Former Negro League players will also be recognized in a pregame commemoration that will celebrate Major League Baseball’s 2020 formal announcement of adopting Negro Leagues statistics into baseball history.
• The Tigers will host HBCU/Greek Night in partnership with Detroit-area alumni associations and Black Greek Letter organizations, including a ticket package with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Detroit HBCU Network.

Sunday, Aug. 1 (1:10 p.m. first pitch)

• The Tigers will honor the 60th anniversary of Jake Wood’s MLB debut, the first African American player to rise through the farm system and play for Detroit. Wood will also toss the ceremonial first pitch.
• The Players Alliance, a non-profit organization composed of more than 150 Black current and former professional baseball players, will visit Comerica Park as part of the “Gear for Good Caravan.” Representatives from the Alliance will be donating new baseball equipment to youth players in attendance from the Flint RBI program.
• Youth players from Flint RBI will be invited to serve as “Detroit Stars of the Game” and participate in a pregame on-field ceremony.

The Tigers will honor the Detroit Stars teams of the Negro Leagues by wearing a jersey patch on their sleeves for Saturday’s game. The celebrated tradition of wearing tribute uniforms will resume next season for the 19th annual event. Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store on the Comerica Park concourse will sell popular Negro Leagues merchandise.

The Tigers’ celebration of Negro Leagues Weekend follows the recent announcement of the restoration of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, once home of the Detroit Stars. The $2.6 million project is being funded by Wayne County, the Detroit Tigers Foundation (an affiliate of Ilitch Charities), Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, Michigan Municipal League Foundation, the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and through an African American Civil Rights grant as administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior.

Hamtramck Stadium opened in 1930 and was home to several Negro League, semi-pro, high school and Little League teams throughout its history. In their first season playing at Hamtramck Stadium in 1930, the Detroit Stars won the second-half Negro National League title before losing the Championship Series to St. Louis in seven games. At least 17 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame played at Hamtramck Stadium, including Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Turkey Stearnes. The stadium has been largely unused since the 1990s.

Work on the project, which will include installing a new roof above the grandstand, restoring the seating and the brick exterior, and installing accessible seating, is expected to begin later this summer with an anticipated completion by the end of 2021.

For more information about the history of African American players in the Detroit Tigers organization, visit tigers.com/africanamericanheritage. Limited tickets for all three games during Negro Leagues Weekend, starting at just $10, are currently available at tigers.com/tickets.

The Detroit Red Wings have released their schedule for the 2021–‘22 season — the team’s 96th overall in the National Hockey League. The Red Wings will open the season at home on Thursday, Oct. 14 versus the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Little Caesars Arena will host 17 weekend home games (four Fridays, 10 Saturdays and three Sundays), spanning through the regular-season finale on April 29 on the road at the New Jersey Devils.

This season’s 82-game slate, which includes a 20-day break spanning from Feb. 3-22 for the NHL All-Star Game and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, features 26 games against Atlantic Division rivals, three games against the eight teams in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division (24 games) and two games against all 16 Western Conference foes (32 games).

The Home Opener kicks off a home-friendly start to the season for the Red Wings, with four straight games hosted at Little Caesars Arena to open the campaign. The month of October also features the first of 14 back-to-back games on the season, with the Red Wings taking on two Original Six foes on the road (Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, Oct. 23 and Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, Oct. 24).

Detroit will play four of its last six games on the road, culminating with the 2021–‘22 regular season finale on Friday, April 29 at the New Jersey Devils.

See the full schedule at DetroitRedWings.com.

Game times and ticket on-sale information for the preseason and regular season will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can sign up for the Single-Game Ticket Presale List to have an opportunity to purchase tickets before the public by visiting DetroitRedWings.com/Presale.

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The Wayne County Commission today approved an $850,000 grant proposal from Executive Warren C. Evans to fund the renovation of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, once the home of the Negro National League’s Detroit Stars. In addition to Wayne County’s grant, the $2.6 million restoration project is being funded by the Detroit Tigers Foundation (an affiliate of Ilitch Charities), Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, Michigan Municipal League Foundation, the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and through an African American Civil Rights grant as administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. Work is expected to begin later this summer with an anticipated completion by the end of 2021 and is led by Detroit-based contractor DMC Consultants.

“Hamtramck Stadium is hallowed ground, essential to both Black history and baseball history,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “I am thrilled that we are restoring Hamtramck Stadium to its former glory so that the next generation of Hamtramck and Detroit young people can learn to love this game on the same field where legends like Turkey Stearnes, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson once roamed.”

The renovation will include installing a new roof above the grandstand, restoring the seating and the brick exterior, and installing accessible seating.

Hamtramck Stadium opened in 1930 and was home to several Negro League, semi-pro, high school and Little League teams throughout its history. In their first season playing at Hamtramck Stadium in 1930, the Detroit Stars won the second-half Negro National League title before losing the Championship Series to St. Louis in seven games.  

At least 17 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame played at Hamtramck Stadium, including Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Turkey Stearnes. The stadium has been largely unused since the 1990s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

“We are proud to have the support of so many committed partners who are contributing to the restoration of historic Hamtramck Stadium. This work will both honor the site’s history as one of only five remaining Negro Leagues home fields still standing and gives new life to the stadium as was prioritized by the community in the Hamtramck Recreation District Plan,” said David Palmer, Interim Executive Director of the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy. “Reactivating this critical space in the Hamtramck Recreation District will serve the community for years to come, and provide an important stop on the new Joe Louis Greenway where all visitors can learn about our shared experiences and history.”

“The Detroit Tigers have a long-standing tradition of honoring the Detroit Stars, Negro Leagues Baseball, and the legacy of the great players who advanced African American participation in the game,” said Christopher Ilitch, Chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers. “We are proud to play a role in revitalizing this ballpark, which is deeply-rooted in baseball greatness and historical significance. As we pay respect to this important heritage, we remain committed to inspiring and providing equitable access to future generations of ballplayers through programs that increase youth sports involvement and accessibility within our communities. We commend the efforts of Warren C. Evans, the Wayne County Commission, the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium for their unwavering commitment in keeping the history of Negro Leagues Baseball and Hamtramck Stadium alive.”

The Detroit Tigers annually celebrate Negro Leagues Weekend, paying tribute to the contributions of the Negro Leagues and African Americans to the game of baseball. This season’s recognition will take place July 30-Aug. 1 at Comerica Park.  

“The renovation of Hamtramck Stadium is a huge win for the youth and families of Hamtramck and broader metro Detroit community to have a safe and accessible space to play and gather,” said Jim Boyle, VP of program & communications, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “We are inspired by the collaborative efforts between several civic and community partners to advance the restoration of this historic landmark as part of the community-led vision for Veteran’s Park and the Hamtramck Recreation District.”

“The restoration of Hamtramck Stadium – and the grand vision to build off this transformation to create a wholly unique recreational and cultural community space – is an unparalleled opportunity for the residents of Hamtramck, one of our state’s most diverse and dynamic communities, as well as the entire Detroit metro region,” said Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director of the Detroit Program at the Kresge Foundation. “The best way to honor our region’s rich and storied past is to not only preserve special places such as Hamtramck Stadium, but also to reimagine them to be more accessible, to become shared community assets and to endure for many generations to come.”

In 2020, as part of ongoing efforts to better recognize the contributions of Black players and teams, and in celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues, Major League Baseball officially recognized seven Negro Leagues organizations operating from 1920-1948 as Major Leagues. The revitalized Hamtramck Stadium will further celebrate the legacy of these underappreciated legends and allow future generations to play baseball at the historic site.

“The history of Hamtramck Stadium and the Negro Leagues is an integral part of the history of both Detroit and Hamtramck, and the rehabilitation of the grandstand will make that history accessible,” said Gary Gillette, Founder and Chair of the Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium. Along with renovations to the stadium, the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy seeks to organize additional investments and coordinate programing for more than 26 acres of community space within the Hamtramck Recreation District, including Hamtramck and Keyworth stadiums, and Veterans Park, a stop on the new Joe Louis Greenway–the 27.5 mile trail that connects the Detroit Riverfront to Hamtramck, Highland Park and Dearborn. The district will also include several fields used for a wide variety of outdoor games and activities.

“The renovation of this historic stadium is a major event for Hamtramck and I’m thrilled to see it happen,” said Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott, whose district includes the stadium. “Not only is the stadium a part of history, but it will now be an important part of the future of the city and our region.”

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Olympia Development of Michigan’s and Cinnaire Solutions’ Henry Street redevelopment proposal has received a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The LIHTC will support the affordable housing aspects of the Henry Street proposal.

The Henry Street proposal would revitalize all seven 1920s-era historic buildings which sit on a single city block bounded by Henry Street, Cass Avenue, 2nd Street, and the I-75 service drive. It would create 170 new residential units, 84 of which would be set aside as affordable housing. All current residents would have the opportunity to live in a newly redeveloped unit at rents similar to what they are currently paying.

“Public support is critical to our ability to bring affordable housing to communities all across the region and with this LIHTC award, it will enable a truly special project that ensures housing opportunities for Detroiters,” Lucius Vassar, corporate counsel and executive vice president of equitable engagement for Cinnaire Solutions, said. “We look forward to working with the City of Detroit and Detroit City Council to achieve the final building blocks that will make the Henry Street proposal a reality.”

Keith Bradford, senior vice president, Olympia Development of Michigan, added that “this public-private partnership between the City and State would help support the City of Detroit’s affordable housing goals, provide green spaces for the community, as well as create construction and permanent jobs for Detroiters.”

In anticipation of city approvals and other public support, pre-development work is continuing.

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Detroit Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson recently sat down with the Ilitch Companies News Hub for an exclusive conversation on acclimating to the pros, the players he looks up to and how his life has changed since being drafted No. 1 overall last year.

The Detroit Tigers selected Torkelson, from Arizona State University, with the first overall pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. A Two-Time Unanimous All-American, Torkelson ranks as one of the best hitters in college baseball history, batting a combined .337/.463/.729 with 33 doubles, 54 home runs and 130 RBIs. His home run total was just two shy of tying Bob Horner’s school record of 56 homers.

On June 15, the club announced Torkelson and second-round pick Dillon Dingler were promoted to Double-A. Since Torkelson’s promotion, he has a .280/.351/.560 slash line (batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, respectively). He, along with SeaWolves teammate Riley Greene, was invited to take part in the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game with the league’s top prospects.

“Spencer is exactly the type of player we hoped would be there for us,” Scott Pleis, Detroit Tigers director of amateur scouting, said after the club drafted Torkelson. “He’s one of the most polished hitters we’ve seen in the draft for quite some time, showing plus-plus power and excellent plate discipline. We’ve been tracking Spencer’s growth and performance since his breakout freshman season at Arizona State, and are excited to see him grow in the coming years.”

Hear from Torkelson in the video below.

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The Detroit Tigers selected 10 players on day three of the MLB First-Year Player Draft, which included rounds 11—20.

The club’s 2021 draft class consists of 11 RHP, one LHP, one SS, one 1B, one 3B, two C and four OF. 19 of the 21 players drafted by the Tigers are from college, while two are from high school.

The Detroit Tigers previously selected RHP Jackson Jobe with the third overall pick in the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

View the Tigers’ entire 2021 draft class at MLB.com/Tigers.

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