June 3, 2009 - Tiger Stadium, Detroit MI

Last of Tiger Stadium to come down

Two demolition machines sit today in left field at Tiger Stadium. The machines were moved to the stadium one day after a City of Detroit agency voted to tear down the rest of the stadium.

Detroit's Economic Development Corporation commission voted 7-1 on June 2, 2009, to demolish what is left of Tiger Stadium. Demolition could occur in the next two weeks.

Sad Sight in Tiger Town.....

In Better Days.........

Vote meets bewilderment

Efforts to save Tiger Stadium struck out Tuesday, after a city commission voted to demolish all that's left of the once-massive landmark.

Detroit's Economic Development Corp. commission voted 7-1 Tuesday to knock down the dugout-to-dugout stretch of the ballpark that still stands at Michigan and Trumbull, rejecting a nonprofit preservation group's plans to redevelop the historic site, home of professional baseball from 1896 to 1999.

The commission voted to demolish the structure because of safety and security concerns but also to make it more attractive to developers.

Thomas Linn, president of the preservation group, said he was unaware further demolition was to be recommended.

"I guess the DEDC's policy is to save the city by demolishing it," Linn said.

But even longtime Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell said he's ready to say good-bye.

"I think we'll have to keep Tiger Stadium ... in our memories," Harwell said.

Linn's group, the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy, had hoped to redevelop the stadium into a $27-million project that would convert space from the dugout-to-dugout section into commercial space and a community center. The playing field would be preserved for youth baseball.

But Waymon Guillebeaux, vice president of services for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., said the conservancy had not raised enough money to prove it could take on the project. He said demolition could happen in the next two weeks.

"Milestones were not met ... a few extensions were given," Guillebeaux said.

Linn, however, said the conservancy has about $4 million in cash and about $18 million in tax credits available, plus another $5 million in commitments.

In late February, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., included a $3.8-million earmark for the stadium preservation in an omnibus spending package.

Levin, through a spokesperson, said he did not understand the city's decision.

"The laudable efforts of energetic citizens to foster further revitalization in the Corktown neighborhood deserve to be fostered and supported, not squelched. With no other plans in the wings for this unique and historic parcel of land, I can't understand why the Economic Development Corp. would choose demolition and create more vacant land in a city that is already filled with too much vacant land," Levin said.

Linn said his group has appealed to the mayor's office and the City Council.

"It seems shortsighted. The city needs another vacant lot on Michigan Avenue like it needs more crime," he said.

Linn also said the conservancy has been paying for security at the site for about eight months, a bill of about $12,000 monthly. It has paid for that through June.

He questioned why the city would take down the structure when there is not a developer waiting. Guillebeaux said there currently is not a buyer or developer for the property.

"I've heard of no project ... that piece of property is not costing the city," Linn said.

The commission's decision does not need approval from either Detroit Mayor Dave Bing or the City Council.

Bing's office did not return calls for comment. Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. also did not return calls for comment.

Related Story

Crowd protests Tiger Stadium plan

Demolition equipment arrived this afternoon at Tiger Stadium, a day after the Detroit Economic Development Corp. commission voted to raze the remaining section of the ballpark.

By 11 p.m, about 80 preservationists, historians and fans had gathered at the landmark. Holding signs that read “This place matters” and singing “Take me out to the ballgame,” some planned to stand guard at the stadium all night, afraid it would be knocked down or damaged after dark.

Rick Ruffner, an Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy board member, called the move “shocking, surprising,” because of the strides the group had made, including securing $3.8 million from Congress and aiming for as much as $18 million in federal and state tax credits. The group pays roughly $11,000 per month for stadium security and maintenance.

“We believe this is doable; we recognize the state of the economy both regionally and nationally,” he said of efforts to save the building.

The Farrow Group, the demolition contractor, could not be reached for comment.

The conservancy’s $27 million redevelopment would include 105,000 square feet of retail, office and community space.

But the conservancy failed to raise $15 million by the March 1 deadline.The commission, in deciding to raze the rest of the park, also cited security concerns and a desire to make the site more appealing to developers.

“In short, demolition was valued more highly than the resources we were able to obtain," said ex-state Rep. Steve Tobocman of Detroit, one of the conservancy’s board members. “I don’t think disappointment quite captures where I am at.” or my experience.

Original Story - Detroit Free Press