PONTIAC, Mich. – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has approved a $174.5 million budget for the downtown Pontiac revitalization project.
The investment is supported by $50 million from the state, and the rest of the costs will be financed through bonds, according to a release from the county.
“This is more than a construction project, it’s a commitment to revitalizing Pontiac’s future,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We’re bringing 700 county employees downtown, improving infrastructure, expanding green space and making the heart of our county seat more walkable, vibrant and connected.”
The budget includes the renovation of the former GM building at 31 East Judson and two floors of the office building at 51111 Woodward Avenue. Interior demolition on 31 East Judson is expected to begin this summer.
Another aspect of the revitalization project is the structural demolition of the Phoenix Center, which began in April, and the reopening of Saginaw Street. Two office towers will be added for workers.
Read more: Downtown Pontiac begins transformation with Phoenix Center demolition
Seven hundred county employees will be relocated to downtown Pontiac after the renovations are complete.
“This initiative is also projected to generate approximately $80 million in cost avoidance over the next decade by eliminating operations and maintenance at aging and outdated county facilities, savings that do not include potential revenue from the sale of existing county buildings,” the county said.
The project also includes upgrades to Orchard Lake/Auburn Road, and the Michigan Department of Transportation is reconfiguring the Woodward Loop so that traffic can easily flow downtown, according to the release.
There are also plans for walkable green spaces, public amenities and parking structures.
Construction work is set to continue through 2026 and 2027.
For more details about the project, visit here.
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