PONTIAC (WWJ) -- A big change is coming to Pontiac as demolition officially begins on the Phoenix Center — part of planned makeover for the Oakland County city's downtown district.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Jon Hewett reports at one time the Phoenix Center, at intersection of Water and Saginaw streets, was basically a Pontiac icon.
But the venue hasn't hosted a show since since 2011, and there's been talk for years about tearing it down.
"Well, today comes formal word and a formal ceremony with the removal of signage that that demolition is going to begin in earnest in May," Hewett said, reporting from a news conference at the site on Tuesday.
Along with Oakland County Exec. Dave Coulter, among those on hand for the announcement was Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Moss, who helped to secure $50 million in state funding for the project.
"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.
Oakland County Executive David CoulterJon Hewett/WWJ
Future plans for the site including office space for around 700 Oakland County employees moving back to Pontiac, which is the county seat.
"Along with health department employees, it will also reopen Saginaw Street, reconnecting it in length to the downtown, as well as creating walkable green spaces," Hewett reported.
Other projects include renovating the Oakland Towne Center, formerly the Pontiac State Bank Building, into a loft apartment building.
Future developments and businesses that might show interest in the property are yet to be determined.
