Amazon Distribution Center to Be Built At Michigan Fairgrounds

The City of Detroit has a deal in place that would bring an Amazon distribution center to the Michigan Fairgrounds property on Woodward Avenue. 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says there is an agreement in place to sell 142 acres of the Michigan State Fairgrounds to a pair of financial groups for $9 million.

“Thirty thousand riders a week pass through there, and so we said we want you to spend $7 million and build a transit center on the site in addition to your purchase price.” — Mayor Mike Duggan

Once finalized, Amazon will be the property’s first tenant. The nearly 4 million square foot distribution center will be built without tax breaks.

“This is ground breaking territory for the city of Detroit, but I believe that the proximity to 8 Mile, Woodward and I-75 made this so attractive that we were able to land Amazon without having to do any tax abatements or incentives.”

Duggan says the Amazon facility will create about 1,200 new jobs and is slated to open in 2022. There’s no guarantee that some or all of those jobs will go to city residents. 

Duggan says the developer will pay to build an indoor bus transit center on the property. The current center is the second largest hub in the D-DOT system. 

“Thirty thousand riders a week pass through there, and so we said we want you to spend $7 million and build a transit center on the site in addition to your purchase price,” Duggan said. 

Construction at the fairgrounds will start this fall pending final approval of the deal at next month’s city council meeting.