The Wayne County Commission approved an agreement with Rock Ventures to build a new $533 million criminal justice center off of I-75 and Warren Ave. near Midtown Detroit.
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Preliminary work is expected to start in the fall on the new center site and is expected to be completed in 2022.
The vote comes one day after the Wayne County Building Authority also approved the deal.
“I applaud Chairman Woronchak and the Commission and Building Authority for their due
diligence, and ultimately their support of this deal, which was the best value and path forward
given the circumstances,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
“We desperately need these new facilities and shovels can’t get into the ground soon enough. Heading into summer, Wayne County is on its best financial footing in quite some time. It’s only fitting that we’ll see that unfinished Gratiot jail torn down soon.”
The new center will provide the county with four buildings as a solution to the long-stalled Gratiot jail project. The county will invest $380 million, with Rock Ventures covering the remaining costs.
“I’m proud of all the work and sweat equity that went into this deal. I’m not sure anyone
involved will ever work on a more complex set of negotiations,” Evans said.
“Thanks to the overwhelming support and vision of Wayne Commission Chair Gary Woronchak and the County Commissioners, today is an historic day for Southeast Michigan. After five years of working to solve a complex set of challenges, today’s vote is a great example of how the public and private sectors can work together to create a great outcome for taxpayers and the region,” said Matt Cullen, Principal of Rock Ventures, who led the negotiations and project team on behalf of Rock Ventures.
“Wayne County Executive Warren Evans’ inspired leadership and collaborative spirit was instrumental in guiding this process. Now we can get to work on creating a new development fitting for the gateway to Detroit. We are grateful to the County for sharing our vision and clearing the way for a project that will positively impact our community for generations to come.”
