Major plans for Joe Louis Arena site announced

Joe Louis Arena stood by the banks of the Detroit River for nearly 40 years, serving as the home of the Detroit Red Wings and housing some of the greatest players and moments in NHL history before being closed forever in 2017.

And just like Tiger Stadium and The Palace of Auburn Hills, the venue has been completely demolished and no longer exists. However, significant redevelopment plans are underway for the land where the iconic building once stood.

According to Click On Detroit, a massive upscale hotel is planned as part of a $400 million development plan for the site.

An excerpt from the article: 

"The new project is part of a $400 million development slated for the old Joe Louis Arena.

The hotel, strategically located next to the brand-new Water Square high-rise, is a testament to the meticulous planning of this development. 

As per the paperwork filed with the city council, it will seamlessly connect with Huntington Place. 

The community benefits ordinance, which will be presented to the council this Thursday (April 4), details what’s being offered to the community. It includes thousands of dollars in scholarships, a pledge to get 30% of the project’s hard costs from Detroit businesses, and first dibs on jobs for Detroiters. 

No hotel brand is listed in the documents, but sources tell Local 4 this will be an upscale international brand, such as a JW Marriott or Ritz Carlton." 

It will undoubtedly be a surreal sight for some to witness a luxury hotel occupying the same space where the Detroit Red Wings once created countless unforgettable moments and hosted some of the most legendary players in NHL history. However, such transformation marks the natural progression of urban development.

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