Oakland County has started a major revitalization of downtown Pontiac with the demolition of the Phoenix Center. This structure was once emblematic of the city's landscape but has been dormant since 2011. The project aims to foster development and economic growth and will reconnect North and South Saginaw Street, creating new opportunities for businesses and residents. County officials have expressed optimism about this project's impact on the community, with plans to move hundreds of Oakland County employees to the county seat in Pontiac by 2027.
As reported by ClickOnDetroit, the demolition began with a ceremony on Tuesday, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. In addition to the demolition, the revitalization plan includes converting the historic Oakland Towne Center, the former Pontiac State Bank Building, into a loft apartment building after standing vacant for decades, and constructing another 300-unit apartment complex. The city also has an eye on bringing events like the Arts, Beats & Eats festival back to Pontiac, as it did before the event moved to Royal Oak in 2010.
According to an Audacy news report, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Moss were in attendance at the kickoff event. "This is a moment where this city will rise, and it's because of the residents who have been a part of this journey all along the way and have deserved this attention for a very long time," Moss said. The Phoenix Center site is expected to host office space for 700 county employees and incorporate new parking structures and walkable green spaces into the downtown fabric.
Meanwhile, local business owners are anticipating the ripple effects of the project. Andrew Poehlman, a brewer at Fillmore 13 on Saginaw Street, told CBS Detroit, "There's a lot of suburban communities surrounding Pontiac, and all of them want to see the City thrive, cause when the City center thrives, everyone thrives. Everybody remembers what it used to be like; well, nothing's changed. It's still the same." With the projected completion of redevelopment efforts by 2027, downtown Pontiac is poised to experience significant transformation that could have lasting effects on the city's economy and culture.
