Detroit to Buy 142 Acres of Former State Fair Grounds

Mayor Mike Duggan announced the city is buying 142 acres of the former Michigan State Fair Grounds. Magic Plus, LLC will buy 16 acres.

Michigan State Fair Coliseum and Agricultural Building

Bre’Anna Tinsley/ WDET

The City of Detroit is buying a portion of the property where the historic Michigan State Fair is being sold.

The property sits on Woodward and Eight Mile Road.  

District Two City Council Member Roy McCalister says he believes the development of the parcel will help bridge the gap between Detroit and Oakland County.

“It’s something that’s going to be connecting as far as this region goes, as well as how it’s going to make sure that people start wanting to come here,” McCalister says. “And that’s the main thing; how are we going to develop jobs, how we are going to develop affordable housing.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says he plans to use the land to attract employers and increase job opportunities for city residents.

The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority approved the sale of approximately 142 acres of the land to the city for $7 million dollars. Another 16 acres along Woodward will be sold to Magic Plus, LLC for $471,000. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.