Detroit City Council recently gave the green light for the Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) to continue with their plans to replace the derelict Southwest Detroit Hospital with an new soccer stadium. DCFC's new home, to be nestled between the historic Corktown and burgeoning Southwest Detroit neighborhoods, edged closer to fruition as council members voted to cover a sizable portion of the demolition costs. Expectations are for the storied Michigan Avenue and 20th Street location to be transformed from a blighted eyesore into a sports venue capable of galvanizing community spirit and energizing economic growth.
In an agreement outlined by WXYZ, the city intends to reimburse DCFC up to $5.9 million for the demolition expenses. The empty hospital structure has been a blemish on the landscape for nearly two decades, casting a shadow over an otherwise vibrant district ripe for revitalization. DCFC, which has played in various local venues including Keyworth Stadium and Cass Tech High School, aims to kickoff in their new stadium by the 2027 season. This follows a history of climbing up the soccer league ranks and establishing a more permanent foothold in Detroit's sports scene. The process of eradicating the old hospital is anticipated to begin this summer, with a completion target of next spring.
According to an article by ClickOnDetroit, DCFC took ownership of the hospital in 2024 with plans to create a soccer-specific stadium dedicated to serving as the permanent residence for professional soccer in Detroit. This move is seen as a strategic decision to both elevate the profile of DCFC and inject new life into the respective neighborhoods. In reflecting upon the venture last year, DCFC Co-Owner and Co-Founder Sean Mann said, "We are trying to solidify our place as Detroit’s soccer team and it’s an amazing opportunity to build a new venue," in a statement obtained by Crain's Detroit. Beyond the hospital site, DCFC has invested over $15 million in property acquisitions around the area to support their expansion efforts.
The permitance of funds for demolition by the city council was first reported by FOX 2 Detroit, which detailed the demolition cost for the structure at about $6.5 million. The Southwest Detroit Hospital, first constructed in 1974 and only operational until 1991 before a brief stint as United Community Hospital in 1997, has fallen into disrepair ever since its final closure in 2006.
