The stage is set for “Made in Detroit”
The proposed $120 million mixed-development project, encompassing a total of 499 acres, was first announced in the News-Herald on July 7, 1996 and was reported by staff writer Anne Sullivan. A more recently incorporated development company called Made In Detroit, Inc. (MID) would be the general site designer and contact link for this project, which as yet did not have an official name. A public announcement which was to be given by MID Chairman William Merriweather had been scheduled for the prior Friday (July 5th), but was postponed two days before that due to reasons unknown.
Despite this shortfall to the public, Gibraltar Mayor Scott Denison had obviously read into the proposal and found it encouraging. “If they close on the land,” the mayor said, “this could be a premier development in the whole Downriver area.” This particular area of land, which Gibraltar city officials had tried to upsell in the past to potential suitors, had stood vacant despite their efforts. It was selected for development by MID due to its riverfront location and the rather close proximities to business centers in Detroit & Toledo. Gibraltar City Administrator Grant Alberts mentioned construction activity could commence in a few weeks’ time.
These talking points would be among the perks associated with the project:
A full-service Marina
Performing Arts center and Equestrian Center
Riding trails (off-road likely)
A public golf course (nine holes)
Residential and retail attractions in a mixed setting
Various other recreational activities were also promised
Much preparatory work remained to be accomplished before a shovel could be dug. Land acquisition had begun, first for the approved request of 66 acres to be purchased from Chrysler Corporation, who owned the acreage formally occupied by Acustar Chemical at West Jefferson & Vreeland Road. An additional request for 433 acres was being prepared for Waste Management, Inc., which held rights to a former landfill operated by McLouth Steel. Initial communications had also been made with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding the nearby wetlands, of which Humbug Marsh was a part.
Approvals would also need to be granted by the United States EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Planning Commissions for both Gibraltar & Trenton. In addition, MID would need to tap funding sources of their own to proceed. Despite the lengthy to-do list, the project received initial blessings from both city administrations. Gibraltar Administrator Alberts believed the project would give “the city some economic vitality.”
