Northville Bids Farewell to Northville Downs: A New Era Begins

Northville Bids Farewell to Northville Downs: A New Era Begins

In the heart of Northville, a notable chapter is coming to a close as Northville Downs, the city’s last horse racing track, prepares to say its final goodbye. After an impressive 80-year run, the racetrack hosted its final race on February 3, marking the end of an era for horse racing enthusiasts in Michigan.

Demolition Plans in Motion

Demolition of the beloved property is slated to kick off in April, with the hopes of wrapping up by mid-summer. Developers from Hunter Pasteur Homes are already busy clearing the space in preparation for a grand $250 million redevelopment project. It’s a bittersweet moment for many as they watch the iconic track, which has been part of the city’s landscape for generations, prepare to disappear.

Seth Herkowitz, the Chief Operating Officer and partner at Hunter Pasteur, shared that the initial step in the demolition process involves asbestos abatement. “This is crucial to ensure a safe environment,” he explained. As the work progresses, the demolition of the paddocks and track buildings will follow, aiming for completion by July.

Safety Measures and Community Concerns

Residents of Northville can rest a little easier knowing that safety is a top priority. Herkowitz mentioned that various construction impact mitigation strategies are in place to lessen disruption in surrounding neighborhoods. This includes fencing around the site, dust control measures, and controlled routing of truck traffic.

City Manager George Lahanas is on board with the plans, explaining that the city is working diligently to ensure that construction activities don’t create chaos. “We want to minimize noise, disturbance, and any pest issues for nearby residents,” he emphasized. It sounds like the city is committed to keeping life as normal as possible during this transitional period.

Contract Awarded for Demolition

In a special city council meeting held on February 26, Renascent Incorporated from Indiana was awarded a demolition contract worth $1.9 million. Of that amount, $600,000 has been earmarked specifically for the river park portion of the property, with some funds eligible for ARPA financing. Meanwhile, Hunter Pasteur is set to cover the remaining $1.3 million.

Looking Ahead

As Northville prepares for change, Lahanas noted that downtown activities should remain largely unaffected, assuring residents that summer community events would go on as scheduled. “Our goal is to keep the main city routes clear of construction traffic, allowing everyone to enjoy the summer as planned,” he said, aiming to bring a sense of reassurance to the community.

A Meeting for Residents

In the coming weeks, the city plans to hold a meeting to give residents a platform to voice their concerns and ask questions related to the demolition and construction processes. Although a specific date hasn’t been confirmed, interested parties can keep an eye on the city website and social media channels for updates.

As Northville navigates this transformation, it’s clear that both excitement and nostalgia linger in the air. The departure of Northville Downs marks the end of a significant chapter, but it also opens the door to a promising redevelopment project that aims to enhance the city’s future. Stay tuned as Northville embarks on this journey, and let’s all hope for a smooth transition that honors the rich history while embracing the new.