The Detroit's Economic Development Corp. commission voted last Tuesday (7-1) to tear down the remaining portion of Tiger Stadium. Most of the ballpark was torn down last summer with just the portion between first and third base remaining. The commission sited safety and security (currently being paid by the Conservancy) concerns along with making the area viable to developers as their reasoning for the vote.
Within days demolition crews were in place. Demolition began and stopped on Friday because of a court injunction. A ruling yesterday allowed the crews to resume knocking down a structure standing since 1912.
The vote itself surprised many members of the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy. The OTSC has been trying for a long time to raise funds to save the remaining portion and turn it into a usable ballpark with a museum, retail and office space. Unfortunately, the economy being the way it is, the group was unable to raise the money except a nearly $4 million earmark from the federal government courtesy of Senator Carl Levin.
I'll admit the DEDC, which did not need approval from new Mayor Dave Bing nor the Detroit City Council to make this vote, gave the Conservancy a lot of time plus extended many deadlines to find funding.
The issue for many, including myself, is the recent speed of the process.
What's the rush to create a vacant corner that soon will be overgrown with grass and weeds. The city is not known for cutting grass on time. Not to mention, zero development projects have been talked about to replace Tiger Stadium.
The city is abundant with building safety concerns. What about the old train station which has been vacant for over 20 years.
If the city is concerned with development and revenue why are they moving at a snails pace regarding a Cobo Center renovation. If the International Auto Show leaves the city, you're talking millions in lost revenue.
There is no going back now. Once the “old beauty” is gone, that's it. Don't deny the history of 100 plus years of baseball played at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Trumbull (1896-1999). If you can't keep the building then at a minimum maintain the field for youth baseball. I know I would take my Little League team down there in a second to play a game on that field.
I only hope some of the stadium is remaining for my next trip to Comerica on June 20th. It'll be one last chance to relive my memories of going to see the Detroit Tigers at “The Corner.”
Keywords: Detroit Tigers, MLB Baseball, Tiger Stadium
Comments
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!
Michigan and Trumbull: A last minute call for action!
Tiger stadium will be greatly missed by all...I'm sorry but, I think the conservancy and the people who have power over this matter may want to reconsider saving what they intend to destroy. This place has so much history, and the city wants to flatten it into an empty lot? C'mon now! It's hardly a safety issue when the remaining part is caged off. Why not sit on this decision until things get better economically. Even if it is a long time coming, the added time would provide a second chance to anyone who was/is unaware of the issue to help financially. One of these people might come forward with some funding to help save the treasured landmark. This place has a magical aura. Lets not watch it go the way of so many other legendary ballparks! One might wonder, is there anything the everyday citizen can do? I feel that we need a strong and organized movement here! Anyone who's in say aye! Thank you Bruce for the informative article. Many people were totally unaware of the situation. Spread the word Tigers fans! Help may be right around "The Corner"!