News Summary

Detroit has commenced the demolition of the Mammoth Building, which has been an eyesore since its closure in 2001. This significant step aligns with the city’s efforts to rejuvenate the area and eliminate blight. The building has faced numerous legal challenges and violations, with city officials aiming for a revitalization process that could include new shops and residential spaces after demolition is complete.

Detroit Demolishes Long-Vacant Mammoth Building After Legal Battles

Detroit began the demolition of the long-vacant Mammoth Building on Monday, August 11, 2025. The building, located at the corner of Grand River Avenue and Greenfield Road, has remained unoccupied since 2001 and has been condemned as a significant eyesore and source of blight in the area. This action marks a considerable step forward for city officials who aim to rejuvenate the community and eliminate derelict structures.

The Mammoth Building originally opened as the Federal Department Store in 1949 and was rebranded as the Mammoth Department Store in 1990. It spans approximately 105,000 square feet of retail space and sits on a 3-acre site with an additional two acres dedicated to parking. Due to years of neglect, the building suffered extensive deterioration, including structural concerns affecting an adjacent pedestrian bridge.

Local residents, especially long-time neighbors like Colin and Alice Matthews, are expressing relief and celebration over the commencement of demolition. While Colin Matthews recalls fond memories of the building as the “crown jewel” of the west side during his childhood, he now regards it as an eyesore. Mayor Mike Duggan is prompting the demolition as part of his broader blight remediation initiative, which began in 2014. He characterizes the location as a “prime corner” where new opportunities can arise.

City Council President Pro Tem James Tate also shared excitement for future developments following the building’s demolition. He noted the fond memories the community had of the structure but emphasized the need for a revitalized space.

The demolition follows a complex legal battle stretching over two years, involving the building’s former owner, Herb Strather, and the current owners, Bahy Hammoud and Gihad Nagi. Hammoud and Nagi acquired the building during a Wayne County tax auction in October 2023. Initially, a court order prevented demolition efforts; however, this hold was lifted on August 7, 2025, allowing the city to proceed.

Despite the ongoing demolition, Hammoud and Nagi have filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that officials have unnecessarily diminished the property’s value and did not provide them with adequate time to execute necessary repairs. The city’s Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett has indicated that the new owners started work on the property without the required permits. As part of the municipality’s response, city officials are covering the estimated $2.6 million cost of the demolition and plan to pursue reimbursement through legal measures.

Before the demolition could be initiated, the building was under scrutiny for over 80 violations identified by the city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. These violations led to a series of correction orders issued to the property. Furthermore, in December 2024, a separate legal proceeding for asbestos remediation was authorized in order to ensure safety prior to demolition.

As demolition efforts proceed over the next few months, city officials anticipate completion of the project by the end of October 2025. Following the removal of the Mammoth Building, the city envisions potential redevelopment of the site that could include new shops and apartment complexes. This redevelopment aligns with the ongoing efforts to revitalize blighted areas and provide fresh growth opportunities for Detroit neighborhoods.

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Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press
• Click On Detroit
• Fox 2 Detroit
• Detroit News
• Axios Detroit
• Wikipedia: Detroit
• Google Search: Mammoth Building Detroit
• Google Scholar: Detroit urban development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
• Google News: Mammoth Building demolition

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER

DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.