Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert's "vision to reshape" a downtown Detroit area into a $1B mixed-use development anchored by a 23,000-seat MLS stadium is "closer to reality," according to a front-page piece by Nicquel Terry of the DETROIT NEWS. Wayne County (Mich.) Exec Warren Evans is "attempting to reach an agreement" on a $520.3M offer from Gilbert for the "creation of a new criminal justice complex to be built elsewhere in the city, paving the way for Gilbert’s blockbuster Greektown development," where the stadium would be located. Gilbert’s proposal has been in "competition with Chicago-based Walsh Construction’s plans to finish the jail site at its current location." Evans yesterday said that Gilbert’s Rock Ventures "offered a better deal than Walsh but he would not make a formal recommendation to county commissioners until his administration finalizes a contract with Rock Ventures." To make room for the soccer development, Rock has "proposed building a criminal justice complex near I-75 and Warren for the county with a 2,280-bed jail." The county "would be on the hook" for $380M, plus the "cost of acquiring the land from the city." Rock Ventures "vowed to cover the risk for all cost overruns." In exchange for the complex, Rock Ventures "wants to use the unfinished jail site in Greektown for the mixed-use development, soccer stadium and three high-rise buildings." While Detroit is "not guaranteed an MLS franchise, Gilbert has joined forces" with Pistons Owner Tom Gores to "make the city’s case for one" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/1). In Detroit, Katrease Stafford in a front-page piece notes Wayne County officials cautioned that the plan "isn't a done deal yet." Evans said that if negotiations "don't result in a contract that's in the best interest of county residents and taxpayers, the county has 120 days from June 28 ... to restart negotiations to complete the unfinished jail" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 8/1).
