Friday, May 15, 2015

Olympia boss to detail new arena project at chamber luncheon

(Thursday, May 14, 2015) - Local business leaders are planning to gather Wednesday in Livonia to hear from one of the key people overseeing construction of a new arena for the Detroit Red Wings and other developments coming to Detroit.

Tom Wilson, the president and CEO of Olympia Entertainment, will speak at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Laurel Manor for members of the Livonia, Westland, Plymouth and Canton chambers of commerce.

Wilson represents the Illitch family organization that is leading this significant redevelopment that will produce the new arena, scheduled to open sometime in 2017, and surround it with a new entertainment and housing district. The overall effort will connect existing and new developments in downtown and midtown Detroit along Woodward Avenue with five walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.

In all, according to Illitch organization reports, the entire project is expected to generate at least $1.8 billion in total economic impact, 8,300 construction and other spin-off jobs, and 1,100 permanent jobs. The overall goal is to build a one-of-a-kind venue for hockey, music, entertainment, and community events, surrounded by modern housing geared for those who want to live in an urban environment.

Wilson plans to provide pictures and descriptions of all components of the entire development district, and he will directly answer questions from the audience.

Seats are still available for this luncheon at Laurel Manor, located on Schoolcraft Avenue just west of Newburgh Road. Admission is $30 for members of either chamber, or $40 for the general public. For more information or to reserve seats, contact the Livonia Chamber at 734.427.2122 or tahmouch@livonia.org. 

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