MLS Expansion: Detroit project needs more analysis

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Feb 14, 2017

Detroit's MLS expansion bid hinges on a building a soccer stadium, and that plan is conditional on one of its backers reaching an agreement with Wayne County to acquire a downtown location on the site of an unfinished jail.

But it may take several months before the viability of Rock Ventures' offer to build a new jail and criminal justice complex in return for it being granted the jail site to build a soccer stadium and develop the area is determined.

Rock Ventures, the Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's development form, submitted an offer to buy the site on Gratiot Avenue, near Greektown and Ford Field, build the jail about 1.5 miles away and then use the site for its $1 billion development.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said on Monday the offer requires "much deeper analysis" that could push a decision on the deal into May.

He wants to analyze the proposed deal and whether it could meet Wayne County's needs for a new adult and juvenile detention facilities, a new criminal courthouse and sheriff's and prosecutor's offices

“This offer needs greater review, and it’s going to take time and effort and resources,” Evans said. "There are many questions that need to be answered."

Besides the 23,000-seat soccer stadium, the downtown site would include office, commercial, hotel and residential space and parking.

The MLS bid was submitted by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and Gilbert.