EDC votes to demo Tiger Stadium

[jtf1972]

I would like to see a scaled back plan that would allow for future expansion. Make it a park extending to 12th St. that has as it's big feature the original Tiger Stadium playing field & outfield dimensions. Plant it to be a lush, green space that makes a great setting for little league or softball games. Gate it off and charge a fee for usage of the field, to pay for upkeep. Call it Bennett Park, since that was the name of the original ballpark there and the Tigers have went downtown to Illitch's giant bat & ferris wheel emporium a decade ago. A statue of Charlie Bennett would be a nice touch, and a Michigan Sports History Museum would be perfect down the road.

[jtf1972]

If Jackson really spent eight years trying to find a way to preserve it, then it is obvious why it has gotten nowhere.

[Alley]

Demolition has begun.

[Fnemecek]

This is a fantastic day for Detroit. After years of delay, we finally begin construction on the George Jackson Gardens. This new site will feature:

• Dirt;
• Weeds; and
• Trash.

In related news, a group of U.S. Senators were seen in Washington, DC drinking champagne and debating what they should do with the $18 million in federal money that would have otherwise gone to Detroit for the obstructionist OTSC plan.

[HazenPingree]

I'm supporting Barrow.

[ghettopalmetto]

I bet other once-great industrial cities like Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are just pissing themselves with envy at the modernization of Detroit, while they have all those ugly old eyesore buildings hanging around. Suckers!

What kills me is that the City of Detroit went out of their way to make a statement, and that statement is, "Fuck off, dear residents." Getting a contractor to mobilize on a Friday afternoon, you ain't exactly getting his bargain labor rate. Way to be prudent with taxpayer dollars, George Jackson!

[heedus]

While I don't necessarily agree w/the demolition happening right now, it appears to be imminent. So, what's next? Is the Conservancy going to at least try to save the field and perhaps even the dugouts? Is a "Field of Dreams" of sorts out of the question? Could someone in the know please provide any thoughts/clarification on any possible next steps?

[buildingsofdetroit]

They started at 3:41, mauled on the lower deck stands for a few minutes, then stopped. Not sure why.

[urbanoutdoors]

It appears an injunction is being issued but unfortunately they were in such a hurry they have now taken a portion of the upper deck....

[East Detroit]

I am surprised they didn't pull a Madison/Lenox and knock down all the supports first.

By the way, is the clubhouse still there under the stands?

[Beech Cricker]

Both clubhouses are still intact.

[buildingsofdetroit]

It appears an injunction is being issued but unfortunately they were in such a hurry they have now taken a portion of the upper deck....

WAIT. Part of the upper deck is gone?!?!?!

[JMarx]

Does look like they started to clip the upper deck...check out the pics at the link below...

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090...ium-demolition

[Gistok]

Just a quick question... in bringing the stadium back to some semblence of Navin Field, wasn't the upper deck going to be removed anyway?

Also as an FYI... only 2 "specific" historic structures that were ever on the National Trust's annual "List of 11 Endangered Historic Places" were torn down.... a Motel in Reno Nevada [[after it was on the list), and the Madison-Lenox [[while it was on the list). Tiger Stadium was on the list about a decade ago, and would make it #3.

No wonder George Jackson is not highly thought of by the National Trust.

[7andkelly]

A temporary stay of execution?

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/19670640/detail.html#

[urbanoutdoors]

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news..._tiger_stadium
I like this one a little better...

[Beech Cricker]

The following must read hit my e-mail last night--thought I'd share it with the group:


Please open the link below which is a column by Mary Kramer, the publisher of Crain's who you know is one of the most influential opinion makers in town. The column seriously questions the DEGC's actions and gets into how Rick Ruffner's offer to help in the redevelopment was totally ignored. If at all possible, could you help send this around like wildfire? This needs to be sent to all the media, the City Council, and the Mayor. Also, open up the link that refers to the reporters story.

Mary Kramer column:
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/section...insdetroit.com

Crain's article:

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...E/906059989/-1

[buildingsofdetroit]

I have a couple of photos from yesterday, including a look at the damage done to the upper deck, over at www.buildingsofdetroit.com/places/tiger. Just click on demo pix. They're the last ones added to the gallery.

[Novine]

Maybe Geo. Jackson will attack Mary Kramer and call her a liar too. What's wrong with Detroit? Why can't it attract new business? Because you have people like Geo. Jackson in charge who operate on pay-to-play basis and only reward friends [[Ilitches) and family and can't be bothered to assist anyone who isn't in the right circles. Thank you to Mary for finally giving voice to what so many of us having been saying for a long time.

[ghettopalmetto]

Maybe Geo. Jackson will attack Mary Kramer and call her a liar too. What's wrong with Detroit? Why can't it attract new business? Because you have people like Geo. Jackson in charge who operate on pay-to-play basis and only reward friends [[Ilitches) and family and can't be bothered to assist anyone who isn't in the right circles. Thank you to Mary for finally giving voice to what so many of us having been saying for a long time.

Oh, get real. What do *businesspeople* know about economic development???

[Trumpeteer]

Oh, get real. What do *businesspeople* know about economic development???

I sincerely hope that was a bit of sarcasim

[FlyByDon]

6-6-2006

Attachment 1582

[JMarx]

Thanks for sharing the pic, FlyByDon!

...they definately took a bite out of her during those couple hours...

[histeric]

As I look at Flybydon's picture, and reflect on the plethora of ignorant comments on this thread, two things come to mind.

First, there is clearly, an awful lot of orange in the demolition debris, which tells me that they are tearing it out, remaining seats and all. As a taxpayer in the city, I am disgusted that such waste is taking place right in our faces. On this board, people who missed the first and only auction, have expressed interest in purchasing seats. The OTSC expressed interest in taking possession of remaining relics to use for fundraising activities. And instead, the DEGC made a horrible deal, which requires all those remaining seats to be destroyed and landfilled. With that kind of shortsighted decision, it is no wonder we still have an incinerator and are so far behind the rest of the country in recycling policy. Arrogance at it finest.

The other thing that screams at me when I look at Don's picture is that beautiful four acres of greenspace, and how much I would like the opportunity to walk upon it before they tear it apart. Did you know that the OTSC has twice requested permission to use that space for events that could be used to both educate the public about its mission and raise the necessary funds to carry it out. And both times they were dismissed by the city and DEGC. Think about it. The greatest asset in the campaign to create public awareness and support of the OTSC was denied to them. Why? Liability? Insurance was offered. OTSC doesn't have the experience to arrange such an event, so the Parade Company was contacted. So WHY? Is it possible that there are powerful people that don't want to see the OTSC actually succeed?

It it pretty clear to me what is what.

[FlyByDon]

Four more Aerial images added to the pages from 6/6/2009

http://www.aerialpics.com/G/TigerStadiumDemo.html