Howell, Michigan is slated to fuel the passions of motorsports enthusiasts with the construction of a comprehensive automotive district, poised to become a multimillion-dollar nerve center for car buffs. Dubbed the Motorsports Gateway Howell, the vast development is aiming for a "soft launch" early this summer, as reported by CBS Detroit. With garage condos, twin tracks that can merge into a near three-mile-long raceway, and an automotive innovation park, the project promises to be a lush oasis for fans of the fast lane.
Pioneered by father-son duo Mark and Jordan Dick, this venture is looking to carve out its niche in Howell's burgeoning landscape. "We're excited to bring a place for like-minded individuals to be able to come and enjoy their treasured vehicles, connect with like-minded individuals, and just have a place to be," Jordan Dick conveyed to CBS Detroit. While city officials have lauded the initiative for its potential to complement Howell's historic character, with City Manager Erv Suida endorsing Dick’s commitment to "keep Howell, Howell," not all locals are revving their engines. Concerns have been aired over possible traffic snarls on already congested roads.
The site about five minutes south from downtown covers an impressive 273 acres. Memberships are on offer for those interested in indulging their automotive desires, as well as the opportunity to purchase premium garage condos offering trackside views starting just under half a million dollars. According to information released by the Livingston Daily, these condos are part of an initial construction phase set to be underway this year.
Progress on the Motorsports Gateway Howell is on track, with Dick expressing confidence about reaching key construction milestones, "We're in good shape to get the circuit paved to have a soft open June or July," Dick stated in an interview with the Livingston Daily. The project has, moreover, aligned with Pratt Miller Motorsports. Known for its involvement with Corvette racing, this "strategic alliance" is poised to offer an array of benefits to members, which could include exclusive tours and meet-and-greets with racing professionals.
While anticipation builds, the project's groundbreaking has been greenlit following the final nod from the Livingston County Drain Commissioner's Office. As the weather starts getting better, he said people should see more and more activity for stage 1, Erv Suida reported on the phased approach of the construction to WHMI 93.5 FM. The build is being tackled in stages, with the commencement of phase 1 focusing on the driving circuit and trackside condos. Suida anticipates that as phase 1 gains momentum, subsequent stages will follow suit, potentially through to late summer.