Ilitch Holdings releases statement after critical HBO feature on District Detroit development

DETROIT – Ilitch Holdings is responding to an HBO story this week on the unfulfilled promises of District Detroit.

HBO Sports aired a story on the lack of development around Little Caesars Arena, in the District Detroit, which centers around promises made by Olympia Entertainment and Ilitch Holdings.

Last April, phase two of District Detroit was announced, complete with renderings, but one year later none of those six projects around LCA appear to be close to completion.

Shawn Platt, Vice President of of Corporate Communications for Ilitch Holdings, released this statement:

Our organization has six decades of dedication, commitment and positive impact throughout the broader Detroit community. We are exceptionally proud of our accomplishments, including the creation of thousands of jobs, the restoration of various historic buildings, and the development of a downtown sports and entertainment district which has surged since the opening of Little Caesars Arena. It is unfortunate when a media outlet emphasizes the voices of the critical few and not the voices of many who would present the positive story that is taking place across our City.  The result was a self-interested, sensationalized and inaccurate report designed to attract viewers instead of a balanced report on the rebirth of Detroit and our contributions to City’s turn around.  

Public funds for the arena came from specific tax dollars allocated to fund a catalyst development project that would drive economic growth in the City of Detroit.  Our commitment to the City was to develop a $450 million arena, and, within 5 years, deliver $200 million in additional development directly or by others.  The reality is that we exceeded our commitment and also know that this catalyzed numerous other development project in and around the arena, including a variety of residential.  We invested over $863 million in a state-of-the art, award winning arena and are on track to have over $200 million in private development completed this year, roughly 5 years ahead of schedule.  

We remain undeterred in our commitment to the City and its bright future.  We will continue to invest in successful projects that will drive job creation, economic growth, and enhance, for years to come, the quality of life for Detroiters.

Watch a previous story on the HBO feature below: