Oakland County Officially Begins Phoenix Center Demolition, Outlines Plans for Downtown Pontiac Growth

(Oakland County, April 9, 2025)

Pontiac, MI- The redevelopment, revitalization and reconnection of Downtown Pontiac is officially underway. The long-anticipated structural demolition of the Phoenix Center will begin in May, marking a major milestone in the city’s transformation. This project paves the way for a more connected and vibrant downtown, bringing new investment and opportunity to the heart of Oakland County’s seat.

“This is a turning point for Pontiac’s future,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “For decades, many have disinvested in Downtown Pontiac, limiting its potential. Now, we are unlocking the opportunity to attract businesses and bring new energy to our county seat.”

The demolition will be led by Adamo Group, with soft demolition such as utility disconnections already underway. Full structural teardown will start in late May. The process will continue through the end of the year.

“The Phoenix Center has long been a Pontiac icon. As a lifelong resident of Pontiac, I have fond memories of attending concerts and community events here with family and friends,” said Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac). “This building was originally designed as a part of downtown Pontiac’s revitalization in the 1980s. It is only fitting the end of its story marks the beginning of a new chapter of our city’s transformation.”

As part of this project, Orchard Lake Road/Auburn Avenue will be closed for the duration of the demolition. Once the structure is removed, the road will be reconstructed, realigned and reopened, along with Saginaw Street, which will be reconnected to downtown.

“This is a major moment in the history of our community. The demolition of the long-derelict parking garage is the first step in the rebirth of our downtown,” said Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel. “The removal of this aged structure will reunify Saginaw Street, which is Pontiac’s main street, after its obstruction for more than 40 years, and will allow Oakland County to move at least 700 employees into a new county facility in our downtown.

“It clears the way for the construction of a new, modern parking garage to address the central business district’s parking needs, and the creation of new green space at ground level to host concerts and other public events. Today will be known for generations as the day that Pontiac stood up and began to reclaim its rightful place as the heart of Oakland County.”

Traffic will be rerouted as follows:

Eastbound Orchard Lake Road/Auburn Avenue traffic will be directed onto southbound Woodward Avenue.
Westbound Auburn Avenue/Orchard Lake Road traffic will be rerouted onto northbound Woodward Avenue.
East Judson Street within the Woodward Loop will become a temporary one-way street eastbound with angled parking.

With the demolition and construction underway, alternative parking options have been designated for State of Michigan employees and visitors at 51111 Woodward Avenue:

East Judson Street: 84 angled parking spaces reserved for visitors, employees with accessibility needs and after-hours use.
Lot 9 (north of the Phoenix Center) for employees.

The demolition of the Phoenix Center is just one piece of a pivotal investment in Downtown Pontiac, made possible through partnerships among Oakland County, the City of Pontiac, the State of Michigan and others. The project includes:

Moving hundreds of Oakland County employees into the former GM building at 31 E. Judson St. by 2027, bringing new energy and economic activity to the city center.
Reopening Saginaw Street to reconnect downtown.
Constructing a new parking structure to support local businesses, workers and residents.
Creating walkable green spaces that make downtown more inviting.

The redevelopment is being made possible through funding from the State of Michigan, Oakland County through the American Rescue Plan Act and additional state and federal grant programs.

Key partners in this project are Oakland County; the State of Michigan; the City of Pontiac; owner’s representatives Farbman Group and Facilinet Services, Inc.; architecture and engineering and urban planning by HED, Design Workshop and Spalding DeDecker; construction management from Granger; and demolition of the Phoenix Center by Adamo.