Oakland County, MI
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About the Project
For decades, there has been a devastating disinvestment in the city of Pontiac by corporations and government, leaving the historic downtown strewn with vacant storefronts, crumbling infrastructure and blight. Oakland County, in partnership with the state of Michigan and city of Pontiac, has the rare opportunity to make a transformational investment in Pontiac’s downtown.
By demolishing the deteriorating Phoenix Center and refurbishing a long vacant General Motors building that will become home to up to 700 Oakland County employees, the Pontiac Redevelopment Project will open up the downtown and bring much-needed foot traffic, private investment in retail and housing and a renewed energy to the county seat’s downtown. It is expected to generate $80 million in cost savings from moving out of older, less efficient county buildings over the next decade.
Latest Updates
- Sept. 15, 2025: Oakland County, city of Pontiac and state of Michigan officials were on hand when the last of the above-ground structures at the Phoenix Center—a flight of cement stairs at the west side of the site—came tumbling down. Once the underground support structures are removed later this year, construction will begin on two new parking garages for downtown Pontiac.
- Aug. 21, 2025: As demolition of the Phoenix Center neared completion—ahead of schedule—Oakland County, Pontiac and community leaders unveiled the next phase of the Pontiac Redevelopment Project. Construction of two parking garages and the rehabilitation of 31 E. Judson, where up to 700 Oakland County employees will move will begin later this year.
- June 11, 2025: The county selected Endeavour Pontiac Partners, LLC as the developer for two parking decks and downtown site improvements.
Logistical Information
Street closures and interim parking arrangements for tenants, workers and visitors to 51111 Woodward Ave. are needed to accomplish this project.
Street Closures
Auburn/Orchard Lake Road closed to through traffic March 31. Construction, delivery and refuse/recycling vehicles may access north loading dock.
Interim Parking
51111 Woodward Ave. tenants, employees and visitors park for free at the northern surface lot, across Auburn/Orchard Lake Road, using a parking code. Parking is 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Visitor and after-hours parking is available on Judson Street.
More About the Project
Oakland County is partnering with the city of Pontiac on a transformational revitalization project in the heart of downtown Pontiac. The Pontiac Redevelopment Project includes:
- Demolishing the Phoenix Center and parking garage — reopening Saginaw Street through to what is now the south end of the Woodward Loop.
- Renovating the vacant former GM building at 31 E. Judson St. into a new county satellite campus — returning 700 county employees to downtown Pontiac after an absence of more than 50 years.
- Creating open spaces for commercial and residential growth opportunities and a much more walkable environment in downtown Pontiac.
- Constructing one or more new parking structures for workers, residents and people doing business in downtown Pontiac.
Contact Info
Community Engagement
248-424-7050
PontiacProject@oakgov.com
Media Contacts
Bill Mullan
Public Information Officer
248-858-1048
mullanw@oakgov.com
Kathy Gray
Senior Communications Advisor
248-452-8646
grayk@oakgov.com
News
Pontiac Leaders Unveil Plans for Next Phase of Downtown Revitalization
- The demolition of the Phoenix Center is ahead of schedule and clears the way for modern parking and new public green spaces as part of downtown Pontiac’s transformation.
- Two new parking garages will contain more than 1,000 parking spaces and multiple EV charging stations to support downtown businesses, visitors and the relocation of 700 Oakland County employees.
- The improvements will include the renovation of 31 E. Judson, where 700 county employees are expected to relocate in 2027.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and community leaders today unveiled the next phase of the Downtown Pontiac Revitalization Project, which is paving the way for a transformation of the historic downtown county seat.
The announcement comes as demolition crews are ahead of schedule on the removal of the long-vacant Phoenix Center, making way for the construction of two new parking garages, the development of two acres of public green space, and the renovation and transformation of 31 E. Judson where up to 700 Oakland County employees will move in 2027.
“Today marks another big step toward a more connected and economically thriving downtown Pontiac,” Coulter said. “The new parking garages and the development of an attractive public gathering spot are essential elements of this project that will support our businesses, workers, residents and visitors as well as help attract even more investment.”
Mayor Greimel said the rapid progress being made on the site is a sure sign that the city’s revival is imminent.
“We are excited to see this transformational project move forward. The demolition of the existing parking garage has opened up our downtown and allows for the reconnection of Pontiac’s main street throughout our central business district,” Greimel said. “The upcoming construction of new parking garages will provide parking opportunities for the occupants of the office towers, including hundreds of Oakland County employees who will be moving into the heart of our city, while also providing a much-needed increase in parking spaces for the general public.”
Construction of the garages will begin later this year following site preparation. The removal of the Phoenix Center also signals the start of the renovation of 31 E. Judson, which will include a new and attractive facade. Clearing the dilapidated parking deck also makes way for private partners to reimagine the area surrounding the site with plans for new housing and potentially a hotel.
Below are the stats on the parking garages, which may be adjusted as the project proceeds:
North Parking Garage
- Location: South side of Water Street at South Perry Street
- Total Spaces: 429
- EV Charging: 9 stations
South Parking Garage
- Location: Northwest corner of East Judson Street and South Saginaw Street
- Total Spaces: 610
- EV Charging: 12 stations
There will be additional parking with an 80-space surface lot just to the east of 31 E. Judson St.
The revitalization project, happening in conjunction with the reconfiguration of the Woodward Loop by the Michigan Department of Transportation will reconnect Saginaw Street through downtown Pontiac, creating dramatic sight lines, a walkable downtown, and act as a catalyst for a renewed, bustling and vibrant Pontiac. For more information about the Downtown Pontiac Revitalization Project, including construction bid package opportunities, visit OakGov.com/DowntownPontiac or click here.