PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County announced several major developments that aim to revitalize downtown Pontiac.
Officials are optimistic that the new projects will result in developers and businesses moving to Pontiac.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and several other officials revealed the proposed plans Tuesday, April 8, at a press conference near the intersection of Water and Saginaw streets, just outside the Phoenix Center.
The plan includes moving hundreds of Oakland County employees to the county seat in 2027.
The press conference ended with the first stages of the Phoenix Center’s demolition. Coulter said the building, which saw its last concert in 2011, was too expensive to renovate. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Once demolished, North Saginaw Street and South Saginaw Street will be reconnected into one street.
Other projects include renovating the Oakland Towne Center, formerly the Pontiac State Bank Building, into a loft apartment building after decades of standing vacant, and another 300-unit apartment complex that is in the works.
Coulter expressed desire for the Arts, Beats & Eats festival to return to Pontiac, which hosted the event before it moved to Royal Oak in 2010.
The city received between $5 million and $6 million from the state to settle a debt, in addition to $50 million from the state for the revitalization project. Mayor Tim Greimel said the tariffs have added $12-18 million more to development costs and that could go up if the president continues to expand his tariff plan.
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County leaders added there will be opportunities for residents to apply for jobs during this project. Job seekers are encouraged to visit Job Seekers | Oakland County, MI.