The Downtown Development Authority today approved nearly $52 million in contracts for work on the new Detroit Events Center, with contracts awarded for the 50-block project now totaling more than $257 million.
"With more than $250 million awarded to date, The District Detroit project is far exceeding our target for Detroit business participation…,” says Steve Marquardt, vice president of Detroit-based Olympia Development of Michigan, the real estate company owned by Michael and Marian Ilitch.
In addition to being the new home for the Red Wings, the Detroit Events Center will offer an array of sports and entertainment activities including concerts, family shows, and community functions. The District Detroit will include six theatres and three multi-use sport venues, along with residential, office, and retail developments that connect the venues.
Marquardt says as part of the contracts awarded today, Detroit-based Motor City Electric earned a $16 million contract for electrical work for the new arena, and Detroit-based Ideal Contracting earned an $11 million contract for additional foundation and steel work.
MSL/Limbach JV was awarded a $24 million contract for mechanical and plumbing work. MSL/Limbach JV also earned contracts for $338,000 for pre-construction mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services and $493,000 for mechanical and HVAC services.
Marquardt says Detroit-based businesses have earned more than $27 million of the new contracts. Detroit business participation in The District Detroit is at 65 percent, above the 30 percent target set by Olympia Development.
Last week, Grand Rapids-based Meijer Inc. and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Canton Township signed on as the first two major sponors for the center, which will be home to the Detroit Red Wings in fall 2017.
