News Summary
Detroit is advancing key transit and infrastructure projects, including a $160 million redevelopment of the Coolidge terminal. Despite facing financial hardships, city officials are optimistic about the terminal’s expected completion in 2026. Additional developments include the permanent closure of Tower 200 in the Renaissance Center and community development projects in Livonia. Meanwhile, the potential cuts to the Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus service and plans for a new passenger train service highlight the ongoing challenges and initiatives aimed at revitalizing the region.
Detroit is witnessing significant developments in transit and infrastructure projects as the city grapples with financial challenges. A $160 million redevelopment of the Coolidge terminal on Schaefer, which has been out of operation since a fire in 2011, is nearing completion with progress reported at approximately two-thirds.
The Coolidge terminal plays a crucial role for the west side of Detroit, particularly in terms of bus storage and maintenance. It consists of three main buildings: the operations building, bus storage and coach services building, and a maintenance building. The operations building spans nearly 17,000 square feet, providing vital facilities such as offices, radio dispatch, lockers, a workout area, and a break room tailored for bus drivers. The bus storage facility, exceeding 121,000 square feet, accommodates 148 buses but can be expanded to house up to 250 coaches. Meanwhile, the maintenance building features specialized bays designed for light inspections, oil changes, and heavy repairs, equipped with platforms that allow for thorough inspections above the buses.
Construction materials have been optimized for efficiency and sustainability, featuring large pre-fabricated panels with multiple insulation layers to enhance durability. Notably, about 35,000 tons of existing concrete have been recycled, contributing to the structural backfill material used in the project’s renovation. The terminal complex is expected to open its doors to the public by 2026.
In addition to the terminal project, the iconic Tower 200 of the Renaissance Center in Detroit has been locked “permanently,” resulting in a substantial transformation for the building that has long been a symbol of the city. All remaining retail and service tenants within the Renaissance Center must vacate by December. Despite this downturn, there is growth in other areas as Alo Yoga prepares to open a retail store in the Hudson’s Detroit development, expanding shopping opportunities within the vicinity.
Furthermore, the Ellington Retail shopping center, covering 34,431 square feet in Midtown Detroit, has changed ownership to an unnamed private investor. In city governance, a recent ruling allowed current Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero’s disqualification ballot to be rescinded, enabling her participation in the upcoming August Primary Election.
Livonia is making moves towards community development by seeking voter approval for a $150 million bond aimed at creating a downtown area at Five Mile and Farmington roads, featuring new city facilities and communal spaces. These initiatives underscore a broader push for revitalization and improvement across the region.
Meanwhile, transit services face potential cuts as the Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus service might see its regular operations discontinued effective August 31, with special event services ceasing on December 20. Windsor’s Mayor Drew Dilkens recently vetoed a council resolution intended to continue funding the tunnel bus service, citing concerns over potential financial implications stemming from U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump. The city anticipates that this service will generate approximately $640,000 in revenue this year, but the planned elimination is projected to save between $1.4 million and $1.6 million as part of a broader budget initiative for 2025.
Looking ahead, passenger train service is projected to commence by late 2028 with the opening of a new transit hub at Michigan Central Station in Detroit. This hub is set to facilitate connections with Amtrak and intercity bus services, linking key cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto. Officials estimate a potential cross-border ridership of around 66,500 in the first operational year for the Detroit-Toronto rail connection. Planning for the intermodal facility is still in preliminary stages; discussions continue regarding funding and construction timelines.
The proposed rail connection also includes plans for a new customs facility at Windsor station, aimed at ensuring seamless travel between the U.S. and Canada. As efforts advance, these developments illustrate the city’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure while navigating ongoing financial hurdles.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Detroit
- AM800 CKLW
- Crain’s Detroit
- Axios Detroit
- CBS News Detroit
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit transit
- Google Scholar: Detroit infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Google News: Detroit transit development
