Detroit, Michigan, October 21, 2025
After nearly two decades of planning and legal challenges, construction on Perfecting Church’s new 168,000-square-foot facility at 7 Mile and Woodward Avenue in Detroit is actively progressing. Crews are completing exterior grading, tree removal, curbs, sidewalks and a 705-space parking lot, while interior work includes fireproofing, acoustic treatments for a 3,200-seat sanctuary, fire suppression systems, rough plumbing and HVAC. Legal and permitting agreements between the church and the city cleared obstacles and reset timelines, allowing the project to move forward toward completion under the agreed commitments.
Detroit, Michigan
Perfecting Church Construction Advances After Nearly 20 Years
After nearly two decades of planning and legal challenges, construction on Perfecting Church’s new facility at 7 Mile and Woodward Avenue in Detroit is progressing, with completion expected by June 2026.
Current Construction Status
Construction crews have been actively working on the 168,000-square-foot structure, focusing on both interior and exterior developments. Recent progress includes:
- Exterior Work: Grading of the surrounding land, removal of trees, and installation of new curbs, sidewalks, and parking lots with space for 705 vehicles.
- Interior Work: Completion of fireproofing, acoustic treatments in the 3,200-seat sanctuary, installation of fire suppression systems, and ongoing rough plumbing and HVAC installations. Wall construction is set to begin this month.
Legal and Financial Developments
In early 2022, Perfecting Church initiated plans to restart the project, assembling a team and addressing previous legal disputes. A stipulated order of dismissal was filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, outlining specific commitments from Perfecting Church to the City of Detroit regarding construction timelines, permitting, and financing. The agreement includes:
- Building Status Report: Submission of a report compiled by a certified structural engineer to the City of Detroit Law Department by June 30, 2023.
- Zoning Approval: Application for reestablishing a Planned Development District (PD) zoning classification by early July 2023, with anticipated approval by the end of July 2023.
These steps are part of a broader effort to address the property’s status and ensure its completion. The City of Detroit has expressed optimism about the project’s progress and its potential impact on the community.
Background
Perfecting Church, led by Bishop Marvin Winans, began construction on its new facility in 2004. The project faced numerous challenges, including legal disputes and financial hurdles, leading to significant delays. In February 2023, the City of Detroit filed a lawsuit against Perfecting Church, citing the incomplete and abandoned state of the project as a public nuisance. The church countersued, alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act. After months of negotiations, both parties reached a resolution in early 2024, allowing construction to resume with specific commitments from Perfecting Church regarding timelines, permitting, and financing. The project is now on track for completion by June 2026, marking a significant milestone after nearly 20 years of planning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of Perfecting Church’s construction?
Construction is actively progressing on the 168,000-square-foot facility at 7 Mile and Woodward Avenue in Detroit, with completion expected by June 2026.
What recent developments have occurred in the construction process?
Recent progress includes exterior work such as grading, tree removal, and installation of curbs, sidewalks, and parking lots. Interior work has involved fireproofing, acoustic treatments, and the installation of fire suppression systems, with wall construction set to begin this month.
What legal agreements have been made regarding the project?
In early 2022, Perfecting Church and the City of Detroit reached a stipulated order of dismissal, outlining commitments from Perfecting Church concerning construction timelines, permitting, and financing. This agreement includes submitting a building status report by June 30, 2023, and applying for zoning approval by early July 2023.
What is the background of the Perfecting Church project?
Initiated in 2004, the project faced numerous challenges, including legal disputes and financial hurdles, leading to significant delays. In February 2023, the City of Detroit filed a lawsuit against Perfecting Church, citing the incomplete and abandoned state of the project as a public nuisance. The church countersued, alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act. After months of negotiations, both parties reached a resolution in early 2024, allowing construction to resume with specific commitments from Perfecting Church regarding timelines, permitting, and financing. The project is now on track for completion by June 2026, marking a significant milestone after nearly 20 years of planning and development.
Key Features of the Perfecting Church Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 Mile and Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan |
| Size | 168,000-square-foot facility |
| Seating Capacity | 3,200-seat sanctuary |
| Parking | 705-vehicle capacity |
| Completion Date | June 2026 |
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