Development Plan for Historic Detroit Site Approved

EDC agrees, Detroit PAL to receive new home

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Dec 16, 2014, 04:06 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of the City of Detroit today approved the development plan and budget presented by Detroit Police Athletic League and The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy (OTSC) for the development of the historic Tiger Stadium site, located at Michigan and Trumbull.

Aerial entry rendering, provided by Pendulum Studios, for Detroit Police Athletic League headquarters at historic Old Tiger Stadium site.

The project will include a restored baseball field with a gated entryway, ticket booth, historic memorabilia, lights, scoreboard, covered dugouts, home run fence, seating for 2,500 spectators, covered pavilion and locker rooms. In addition, PAL will construct a new 9,300 sq. ft. headquarters building that will include a banquet facility overlooking the field.

"Detroit PAL is thrilled at the opportunity to redevelop the original Tiger Stadium field," said Tim Richey, CEO of Detroit PAL. "This means a new sports complex and home for Detroit PAL, which will strengthen our service and mentorship programs for our 12,000 Detroit PAL youth athletes and 1,500 volunteers. This renewal project is also important in the revitalization and continued economic development of Detroit and its surrounding communities."

The total cost of the project is approximately $11 million and PAL expects to utilize $3 million of the $3.8 million federal earmark for it. The remaining balance is expected to be raised through grants and an extensive fundraising campaign, which is scheduled to officially kick off in the first quarter of 2015. Detroit PAL and OTSC have set fundraising milestones between June 30, 2015, and March 31, 2016, to meet the estimated build budget.

"The new stadium will serve as a beacon for old Tiger Stadium enthusiasts and bring back wonderful memories for all of us who enjoyed ballgames at this historic corner," added Richey. "This will provide us the ability to build Detroit PAL's new headquarters/conference and historical interactive center while creating a new Field of Dreams for Detroit kids at the old Tiger Stadium location."

About Detroit PAL
Detroit PAL is a nonprofit organization positively impacting the lives of nearly 12,000 children each year through athletic and leadership development programs with roots dating back to 1970. Detroit PAL empowers the community by training volunteer coaches and creating safe places for kids to play. Each year, Detroit PAL teaches nearly 1,500 caring community members how to be encouraging and effective mentors. Detroit PAL has also renovated numerous parks across the city, transforming them into some of the city's premier athletic facilities. Detroit PAL strives to achieve three important goals for our kids: