Ilitch Holdings subsidiary Olympia Development on Thursday "presented several changes" for the planned, $450M Red Wings arena and mixed-use development project, "including the demolition of a boarded-up historic hotel to make room for a better loading dock and the renovation of another historic hotel to provide up to 100 residential units," according to Joe Guillen of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Olympia also said that a public park next to the arena "will be bigger than originally planned." The changes "were described to the Detroit City Council as part of Olympia's request to rezone about 12 acres of land in the Cass Corridor area to make way for the 20,000-seat arena and new parking deck." The city council's Planning & Economic Development Committee next week could vote to "send the rezoning request to the full council." The land "must be rezoned" for Olympia to build the $450M arena and surrounding facilities (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/27). In Detroit, Ferretti & Aguilar note Olympia "is seeking a zoning change from the council so construction can begin" on the arena, which is expected to open in summer '17. The zoning change "has been hung up since late last year after several council members wanted modifications to address concerns over parking, traffic and the fate of two historic buildings." Olympia consultant Richard Heapes: "We are anxious to get this approved through council so that we can get started out there." He added the time line is “getting uncomfortably close.” But some members of the council "stressed concern over traffic congestion and the need for affordable housing that appeals to families and older residents as well as the younger population" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/27).
