Approved: New Red Wings Arena Rezones 12 Desolate Acres

[Photography by Chris and Michelle Gerard]

It's official: Olympia Development has the zoning approvals needed to build a new $450M arena complex for the Detroit Red Wings. The plan approved by City Council requires the historic, 156-room Eddystone Hotel be restored as apartments. In exchange, Olympia has permission to smash its larger brother, the Park Avenue Hotel. Well, sort of.
Legally, Olympia can't dislodge a single brick from Park Avenue before the Historic District Commission grants permission. Sounds like we're due for a dramatic HDC hearing in the near future. In the meantime, have a look around the barren landscape that will eventually hold 20,000 fans.

· Detroit OKs change paving way for Red Wings arena [Freep]