The last phase of the multi-year project also includes a $2-million grant from the Ford Motor Co. Fund to finance the development of the 3,500-sf Ford Center for Exploration and Discovery.

"The Ford Center will be a conduit for informal Jewish education," says Sharon Hart, president of the community center.

The renovations will take at least a year to complete.

Other projects include renovations to various buildings, halls and auditoriums, as well as the addition of the Milk and Honey restaurant and the InLine Hockey Center.

Big news is that the racquetball and squash courts in the sports center will be closed permanently, in order to provide 19,000-sf of fitness floors and studios. The Franklin Fitness and Racquet Club in Southfield has agreed to offer discounted memberships.

"We're sad to disappoint these loyal members," says executive director David Sorkin. "But Franklin is a fine club, and we believe our racquet sports-playing members will be well cared for there."

The JCC is already home to some of the best racquet sports players in the world. Many of the players are former immigrants who played in Detroit when racquetball first came to Michigan.

About $1.5 million will be used to fund other renovation projects, such as a learning center, a library, and an administrative office relocation.