Cobo Should Be Moved to Unused Stadium

Cobo Hall is now used as the city's main conference center, but located along the banks of the Detroit River, is too far away from the city's central business growth area to be of much use, said Tony Camilletti, SVP of JGA Inc. of Southfield.

Since Ford Field, the new Detroit Lions football stadium opened last year, the bustle of the city is moving into a more central location, he said. His firm is known for designing mostly retail stores.

However, Camilletti says it only makes sense to move the conference center traffic to the more accessible site of the 90-year-old Tiger Stadium, which is located just off of I-75. "You have to look at what will enhance the viability of the downtown area," Camilletti said.

Two casinos, the MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino, are building or expanding into permanent facilities nearby, Camilletti said. This marrying of entertainment and conference traffic would create more demand for hotels and bring more office and other business to the central downtown area.

"Cobo Hall isn't comfortable to get to, especially when it's time for the Detroit Auto Show," Camilletti said. He told GlobeSt.com that the former baseball stadium could be adapted for reuse and operated in a similar way as McCormick Place is in Chicago. "That's in such an ideal location, it's really extended the downtown business to the south side of town," Camilletti said.

Three proposals for the reuse of the stadium are being studied by the city. The city's vision includes recreation centers, a swimming pool, ice skating rinks, loft apartments, condominiums and retail space.

A $170-million plan by Nonrahs-Sinacola Stadium Redevelopment was submitted that matched that vision, city staff members say. International Stars LLC is proposing a mixed-use development along with reuse of the ballpark by minor league sports teams.

The other plan was brought by Navin Field Consortium, which has also proposed a reuse of the ballpark for minor league teams.

The city is expected to trim the proposals very soon. "Interviews will be conducted beginning on Feb. 10, and final selection of the developer will be made on Feb. 24," said city officials. "There will be an approval process by March 3, and we'll execute a memo of understanding on March 18."

Camilletti said a condominium project just doesn't make sense for that area, and a minor league team would not have the same draw of a conference center crowd. "I'm not saying I know how much space would be needed for a new Cobo Hall, but it seems like it could be done, much the same way land was arranged for the two side-by-side stadiums," he said.

Cobo is currently at 85% occupancy most of the year, and usually, when used as a convention center is at 70% occupancy. Expansion talks are recommended, said city officials.