Oakland County, MI

• The first precast wall panel is installed, as vertical construction begins on the South Parking Deck.
• The seven-level structure will provide 610 parking spaces and support the return of hundreds of county employees to downtown Pontiac.
• Work on the North Parking Deck will follow, creating a total of nearly 1,300 new parking spaces between the two structures to serve a revitalized downtown.

Pontiac, Mich. — Crews began aboveground construction on downtown Pontiac’s South Parking Deck by placing the structure’s first precast wall panel with a 300-ton crane. The event marked the beginning of vertical construction on the first of two new parking decks that will support Oakland County’s and its partners’ long-term investment in the city center to help reconnect, revitalize and redevelop the county seat.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter joined state, county and local officials, construction partners and labor representatives to celebrate this major milestone.

“This parking deck is more than concrete and steel,” Coulter said. “It is critical infrastructure that will support new investment, bring hundreds of employees and visitors downtown every day and help create a more vibrant, walkable city for generations to come.”

Located at 14 W. Judson St., just east of the 51111 Woodward building, the South Parking Deck will include:

• Seven parking levels
• 610 parking spaces, including 12 electric vehicle charging stations on the first floor
• A 21-capacity bike rack
• More than 203,000 square feet of sustainably designed space
• A rain garden

Completion is anticipated in summer 2027.

Construction of the South Parking Deck follows months of site preparation after demolition of the Phoenix Center cleared the way for redevelopment. With vertical construction now underway, the project moves into one of its most visible phases, as the structure begins to rise above the downtown skyline.

“At Brinker, we believe construction is about building stronger communities,” said Larry Brinker Jr., president and CEO of Brinker. “We are honored to help deliver the parking decks, and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with Oakland County and Endeavour Pontiac Partners on a project that will support downtown Pontiac’s continued revitalization and long-term growth.”

Construction on the North Parking Deck, located at 10 Water St., will begin following continued site preparation. When completed in late 2027, the eight-level structure will provide 689 additional parking spaces, including 14 electric vehicle charging stations and a 34-capacity bike rack, bringing the combined total to 1,299 new parking spaces supporting downtown Pontiac.

“The 16,000 members of Operating Engineers 324 pride ourselves on being vital parts of projects like this,” said Business Manager Douglas W. Stockwell. “The rebuilding of such an important urban center is exactly what we are trained to do, from operating the heavy cranes and equipment needed to the skills and safety we use on every task. Union labor built Pontiac, and union labor will transform it as well.”

Together, the parking structures will accommodate Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employees, others located at the 51111 Woodward building and county employees relocating to the 31 E. Judson building. The two decks will also serve residents, businesses and visitors, as economic activity continues to grow throughout downtown.

“The official start of the South Parking Deck stands as tangible evidence that we are nearing our vision of a thriving downtown filled with new energy and great hope for the future of Pontiac. Let’s go, Pontiac! And let’s go, Oakland County!” said Mayor Mike McGuinness.

The building of both parking decks is backed by a $66.15 million investment approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2025.

The parking decks are one component of Oakland County’s broader downtown Pontiac transformation, which also includes the renovation and expansion of the 31 E. Judson St. building, roadway reconstruction to reconnect Saginaw Street, improvements along Orchard Lake Road and the creation of approximately two acres of new public green space.

"Projects like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when public and private partners work together toward a common goal. The leadership of Oakland County, the partnership of the City of Pontiac and the engagement of the community have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life,” said Randy Roth, principal of Endeavour Pontiac Partners. "These parking decks are more than infrastructure – they are an investment in downtown Pontiac's continued growth, supporting businesses, attracting future development and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike."

Crews continue to make significant progress on the transformation of the 31 E. Judson building, the future home of about 700 Oakland County employees. Laying the foundation for the building addition that will provide large meeting and collaboration spaces for the board of commissioners is underway. Installation of the building’s glass curtain wall is more than 60% complete and is expected to reach 95% completion within the next five weeks. With interior demolition substantially finished, crews will begin interior improvements this month, marking the next major phase of construction.

Work is scheduled for 100% completion by the fourth quarter of 2027, followed by a phased move-in of Oakland County employees as part of the county’s ongoing investment in revitalizing downtown Pontiac.

The board of commissioners also approved $174.5 million in 2025 — to accompany $50 million in support from the State of Michigan secured through Sen. Jeremy Moss and Rep. Brenda Carter — for the renovation of the 31 E. Judson building, demolition of the Phoenix Center and transformation of downtown Pontiac. The initiative represents a long-term commitment to the city’s continued resurgence after decades of disinvestment.

“I’m incredibly proud to have fought hard for Pontiac and see the continued restoration for this project. It is a reminder of the partnership it took to prioritize Pontiac at the state and county levels,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield). “Securing a historic $50 million investment towards this project means more than new buildings — revitalizing Pontiac means coming together to bring safe, beautiful spaces to our residents and uplifting our community to truly thrive. I’m excited to see this continue to transform.”

“This is about more than redeveloping an office tower. It is about bringing people, jobs, investment, and new opportunities back to our downtown,” said State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac). “Pontiac is my home, and I am proud to continue fighting to make sure our city is no longer overlooked or left behind.”

In addition to modernizing county operations, the project is expected to generate approximately $80 million in cost avoidance over the next decade by eliminating maintenance costs at outdated facilities while helping attract new private investment and economic development throughout downtown.

“Seeing the start of the South Parking Deck demonstrates how this investment has taken a holistic approach in making downtown Pontiac a place that people want to come to for work and leisure,” said Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac). “Parking can make or break an experience and having these parking decks to serve residents, employees and visitors is going to help make a visit to our city a positive one.”

“We come one step closer to the vision of a revitalized downtown with the construction beginning on this parking deck," said Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “Easily accessible parking is essential for economic growth, and this structure will support those coming for work, shopping local businesses or enjoying downtown events.”

The Downtown Pontiac Revitalization Project is a collaboration among Oakland County, the City of Pontiac, the State of Michigan, Endeavour Pontiac Partners, Granger Construction, Brinker, union construction partners and nonprofit organizations to restore investment, improve connectivity and create a thriving city center for generations to come. For more information, visit OakGov.com/DowntownPontiac.