Vote delayed on demolishing historic hotel to make way for new Red Wings arena

DETROIT — The Detroit Historic District Commission  recently canceled a meeting to vote on the demolition of the 13-story Hotel Park Avenue. Now, Detroit City Council members are asking why. The cancelation happened after long-time HDC member Julie Long was replaced by Kenneth Sanders.

It came just days after Olympia Development of Michigan asked to postpone the vote on tearing down the historic structure. The developer says its necessary to make way for its new $650-million Detroit Red Wings arena and entertainment district. Meanwhile, the historic Hotel Eddystone located across the street will be saved no matter what happens to its next door neighbor.

Olympia and the City of Detroit agreed on a deal that implemented zoning changes to the 12-acre plot of land in Detroit’s Cass Corridor neighborhood to pave way for Olympia to begin vertical construction on the site.

Demolishing the Hotel Park Avenue is necessary to make way for a park area and underground loading dock, according to the developer.

Olympia said it will redevelop the Eddystone after the new arena is constructed in time for the start of the 2017 season.

However, preservationists and historians say both hotels should remain standing.

(Editor’s note: The below photos were taken at the end of January)