Detroit’s hospitality industry is set to receive a major boost with the construction of a new 600-room JW Marriott hotel in downtown Detroit. The luxury hotel, located next to the Huntington Place convention center, is expected to open in early 2027 and will play a pivotal role in attracting larger conventions and events to the city. The project is valued at $397 million and includes a raised pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel directly to Huntington Place.
A dilapidated former General Motors factory in Detroit, Fisher Body Plant 21, is set to be transformed into new housing. The project, which will include 433 residential units and commercial space, is receiving a $1 million grant from EGLE, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, for environmental remediation and cleanup. The project is part of a broader effort to revitalize Detroit’s brownfield sites.
Lightstar, in partnership with the City of Detroit, has launched an ambitious solar energy project called “Locally-Sited Utility-Scale Solar.” This initiative aims to integrate solar energy infrastructure with sustainable agricultural development in Detroit, creating a model for urban sustainability. The project will involve the installation of solar panels at two community-centered sites, generating approximately 10MW of power and providing opportunities for urban farming. Lightstar is committed to community engagement and will provide energy efficiency upgrades to qualifying homeowners in the project area. The project also includes a partnership with JIMA Studio to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive development.
Project HQ Hotels & Residences, a collaboration between Sam Nazarian and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is set to transform the lifestyle hotel sector with its innovative approach and strategic partnerships. The brand’s inaugural locations will be in Montreux, Switzerland, and Detroit, Michigan, offering discerning travelers unique culinary experiences, vibrant nightlife, and advanced technology, catering to Millennials, Gen-Z, and Latin communities.
A shooting incident at a city-run water park near Detroit left 10 people injured. The incident occurred on Saturday in Rochester Hills, Michigan, while families were enjoying the park to escape the heat. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and authorities confirmed the recovery of a handgun and empty magazines. The suspect is believed to have fired approximately 28 shots, reloading multiple times. The authorities urged the public to avoid the area as it remained an active crime scene. The investigation is ongoing, and the conditions of the victims remain unclear. The shooting comes less than a year after the Oxford High School shooting in the same county, where four students were killed and six others were injured.
During a visit to Detroit’s 180 Church, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for visiting the community, while criticizing Presidents Obama and Biden for not doing so. Trump highlighted the Platinum Plan, a $500 billion investment in Black businesses and churches, which Sewell praised as a tangible plan addressing the needs of the Black community. While Biden spoke at an NAACP dinner in Detroit last month, he is now attending a fundraiser in Los Angeles with former President Obama. The Biden campaign estimates Saturday’s event will raise at least $28 million.
Detroit’s recent hosting of the NFL Draft, attracting a record-breaking number of fans, is a testament to the city’s remarkable transformation. Once a symbol of urban decline, Detroit has emerged as a vibrant hub of innovation and revitalization, attracting new residents, businesses, and investors.
The NFL Draft is not just about football skills but also about style. The pre-draft red carpet in Detroit showcased the individuality of the top prospects through their fashion choices. From tailored suits to eye-catching patterns and accessories, each outfit told a story of their journey to the pinnacle of professional football.
The NFL Draft 2024 promises to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent history, with the possibility of record-breaking trades, quarterback selections, and a potential run on offensive prospects.
Just in time for the NFL Draft, Detroit welcomes a new ESPN BET branded sportsbook and restaurant at Hollywood Casino Greektown. Spanning 4,500 square feet, the upper-floor venue offers a high-tech betting experience with wagering kiosks, big-screen TVs, and an expansive video wall. Guests can indulge in elevated bar food and drinks while immersing themselves in the action. To mark the opening, ESPN talent and programming will be featured throughout the week, including the “First Draft” podcast and the “Unsportsmanlike” morning show on ESPN Radio. ESPN BET Live will broadcast from the sportsbook on Thursday and Friday, and live “Sportscenter” segments will originate from the property. Additionally, the casino’s “Rock Bar” has been transformed into an expanded sports viewing and betting area.
