News Summary
The Detroit Public Schools Community District has announced a $32 million redevelopment plan focusing on Cooley High School and Davis Aerospace Technical High School. Cooley High, closed since 2010, will be transformed into a community athletic campus, while Davis Aerospace returns to its original site at Coleman A. Young International Airport, doubling its enrollment capacity. The initiative aims to enhance educational facilities and athletic opportunities for students in Detroit, with significant funding from the state and interest in revitalizing local communities.
Detroit Announces $32 Million Redevelopment Plan for Cooley High School and Davis Aerospace Technical High School
The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation has revealed plans for a significant redevelopment project totaling over $32 million, focusing on the revival of Cooley High School and the relocation of Davis Aerospace Technical High School. The initiative is backed by $22 million in state funding, with the DPSCD Foundation aiming to raise the remaining funds through various sources.
Cooley High School Transformation
Cooley High School, which has remained closed since 2010, will undergo a transformative redevelopment into a district and community-based athletic campus at an estimated cost of $25 million. Of this amount, $15 million will be provided through state funding, with the DPSCD Foundation responsible for raising an additional $10 million to achieve the project’s goals. The anticipated completion date for the Cooley redevelopments is set for 2026.
The newly designed campus will feature an outdoor football field, a modern outdoor track, enhanced parking facilities, and community green space, aimed at better serving local youth and student athletes. Cooley High School will also become the home venue for Cody High School athletics and various local youth sports programs, enhancing access to athletic opportunities in Detroit.
Additionally, in a nod to its storied past, part of Cooley’s original structure will be preserved. This space is intended to house a new locker room, an alumni museum, and a community meeting area, thereby honoring the school’s legacy while focusing on future community engagement and sports opportunities.
Davis Aerospace Technical High School Relocation
Meanwhile, the Davis Aerospace Technical High School will return to its original location at Coleman A. Young International Airport. Following its relocation from City Airport to Golightly Education Center in 2013, this move is expected to double its enrollment capacity to approximately 200 students and enhance aviation training initiatives within Detroit. State funding of $7 million has been allocated for the construction at City Airport, which is anticipated to be completed by 2027.
Community and Historical Context
The redevelopment projects were announced during the DPSCD Foundation’s Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala, which saw participation from nearly 800 community leaders and alumni. This move reflects DPSCD’s commitment to restoring dignity to spaces that have been neglected over the years in Detroit and aims to foster community pride and investment in youth opportunities.
It’s important to note that before these plans were set in motion, efforts were made by the nonprofit organization Life Remodeled to transform Cooley High School into a community hub. Life Remodeled proposed a $37.5 million investment; however, the DPSCD board rejected their offers due to concerns over commitment assurances. The board has since indicated a willingness to explore alternative uses for the Cooley property following this rejection.
The first phase of the Cooley redevelopment will include essential upgrades such as architectural designs, fencing, lighting, stadium construction, as well as new weight rooms and locker rooms. Plans may also include two additional buildings dedicated to basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports in future phases, further addressing the pressing issues of limited access to athletic resources faced by students in Detroit.
These initiatives signify a major stride toward enhancing educational facilities and athletic opportunities for students, crucial for fostering a healthier future in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Chronicle
- Google Search: Cooley High School Detroit
- Detroit Free Press
- Wikipedia: Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Crain’s Detroit Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Davis Aerospace Technical High School
