Phase II of The District Detroit is a massive $1.5 billion development. Last week the Opportunity Center, located at Woodward at Montcalm is a first of its kind resource center charged with linking residents with employment and housing opportunities. It was inaugurated at a press conference last Wednesday, August 8, 2023.
It is a crucial first step in the comprehensive development initiative and represents an initial example of promises kept. Having worked with Olympia Development and their partner Related Companies in crafting the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) in my role as Vice-Chairman of the NAC-Neighborhood Advisory Council, appointed by the City Planning Department, I have every confidence that they will fulfill their commitments to this project and our city with integrity and fidelity.
“The Opportunity Center” will focus on providing information related to positions available near and/or within the district. The project, encompasses 10 new and renovated buildings, generating an estimated 12,000 construction jobs, 6,000 permanent jobs, and nearly 700 units of new housing in Detroit, of which 140 of those units will be designated as affordable.
The Opportunity Center will connect people to:
- Affordable Housing: The center will market affordable residential units to income eligible Detroit residents. This will happen concurrently with the promotion of market-rate units throughout the development.
- Jobs: Detroiter’s will be assisted in connecting with available jobs, internships, construction, and cultural opportunities created by the development.
- Transit: Located at 2277 Woodward Ave, the Opportunity Center is accessible via the Q-Line, Bus, and/or a short walk from the People Mover; validated parking is available for visitors.
The District Detroit Opportunity Center is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm, and/or by appointment. The center comes equipped with WiFi, tablets, support staff to answer queries, and space for community meetings.
Inevitably, providing a total of 18,000 jobs for Detroit generates the potential for transformative impacts on the city’s socioeconomic fabric. Done strategically, it will invigorate the local economy, lower unemployment rates, and create a ripple effect of economic benefits.
The District Detroit’s multiple housing developments offer opportunities for Detroiters to further integrate into the heart of the city. Such developments, when planned with an emphasis on inclusivity, can serve as the connective tissue, contributing to keeping our communities together.
It is with great pride that I share with our Hispanic Community that there are two Hispanic Vice-Presidents in key leadership positions on the project. This is, to my knowledge, historically unprecedented for CBO projects. It is also noteworthy that The District Detroit project is in our City Council District 6, essentially making Southwest Detroit an extension of Downtown. I encourage Hispanic Contractors to take advantage of the Opportunity Center to inquire about available bids for the project. To this end, the Henry Ford Health System, Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University $2.5 Billion partner project “The Grand” is seeking to qualify contractors for their project.
Current hours of operation for the District Detroit Opportunity Center are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. For more information call (313) 471-3045, email info@TheDistrictDetroitOC.com or visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.
