New Red Wings arena set to break ground

Organization to build entire stadium district

DETROIT – It's really happening -- after years of speculation, talk, meetings and plenty of naysayers, there will be a new Red Wings arena. The Ilitch organization will break ground next week on not just an arena but an entire stadium district.

"We are proposing to do something that this is the first of its kind," said Richard Heapes.

Heapes, from Street-Works, is on the design and development team for the project. The vision he laid out for Detroit's Planning Commission is a 45-block district with residential, retail and office space. Their aim is for people to not be able to see the arena when they approach the district. They want it to to be a livable, walkable community.

Olympia Development will be building the infrastructure from the ground up -- new lights, streets, sidewalks and landscaping. They estimate that 3,000 trees will be planted. They want people to come to see not just hockey but events at the new arena -- and stay.

They said they also want to extend the current bridge over Interstate 75 at Woodward and make it a green space, which would also have a retail component.

It is a massive undertaking 15 years in the making. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he is thrilled.

"I think what the Ilitch Organization is doing is outstanding. It's going to be a lot of jobs for Detroiters and investment in our community. I love the fact they're rebuilding the neighborhood and not just a hockey arena," Duggan said.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Sept. 25.


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