Auburn Hills, once known for its sports and entertainment epicenter, the Palace of Auburn Hills, is bringing new life to its hallowed grounds. General Motors and the city of Auburn Hills have confirmed the construction of a supplier facility where the former Detroit Pistons arena stood, with a substantial investment to match. According to FOX 2 Detroit, the development will see a sprawling 715,000-plus square foot industrial building erected to support GM's electric pickup truck production, specifically, a Value Added Assembly, with an estimated $200 million pouring into the project.
Providing a tangible boost to the local economy, this new industrial haven is not just a rumor; city officials confirmed that permit drawings have been submitted and the wheels are in motion. “If it brings jobs that’s great - it is better than sitting empty,” Jeannie Mortimore, a local worker, told FOX 2 Detroit. GM's previous commitment of $4 billion to transform the nearby Orion Assembly Plant signals not just an environmental pivot to electric vehicles, but promises more than 2,300 jobs for the region.
Shifting gears from hoops to high-tech, the plans outlined by Detroit Free Press reveal that GM eyes this summer for the groundbreaking ceremony at the Palace Research and Technology Park. This announcement syncs with GM's roadmap to support the production of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, a move expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs according to Automotive News.
Moreover, the developer, Schostak Brothers & Company, is overseeing the transformation of the 110-acre site into a mixed-use mecca, spanning over one million square feet. It will cater to corporate, technology, and research entities, along with medical and retail spaces, as noted in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit. Rob Varney, owner-operator of Guido's Premium Pizza in the vicinity, expressed his enthusiasm: "Oh yeah, it makes me smile. Hopefully, it will be positive for everyone in the area."
Yet, it's not just GM fueling the buzz around town. Varney also tipped off to another venture in tow, Crown Development spearheaded by the Maroun family, is planning to purchase additional land for further development, the details of which remain under wraps as the city awaits project plans. But for locals like Varney and his pizza business, the anticipation is palpable, "Yeah, that's really good news. It's good for everyone around here," he told CBS News Detroit. If all sails as projected, the halls that once echoed with cheers for sports glory might just resonate with the hum of industry and commerce by November 2025.
