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Oakland County outlines Phoenix Center demolition, downtown redevelopment and parking plans
Summary
Oakland County officials told the Pontiac City Council demolition of the Phoenix Center is underway and outlined a multi-part downtown redevelopment that includes new county offices at 31 East Judson, temporary parking plans and community engagement dates.
Oakland County Deputy Executives Sean Carlson and Megan Sellers told the Pontiac City Council on April 1 that demolition of the Phoenix Center began March 31 and will continue through the fall with final site work into December 2025.
County officials framed the removal of the aging Phoenix Center as part of a larger “revitalize and reconnect” project that also includes renovating 31 East Judson as county office space for roughly 700 employees, constructing new parking structures, reconfiguring the Woodward Loop and coordinating other county-owned redevelopment parcels in downtown Pontiac.
The county presentation included a high-level schedule and maps showing phased demolition: utility shutoffs and fencing are complete, heavy demolition began in late March, south-side work starts May 19 and work will progress clockwise to the north and east before demobilization. Carlson said interior demolition for 31 East Judson is targeted to start in July 2025 and county staff relocation will occur later this year; he expects demolition activity substantially complete in December.
Carlson and team described temporary parking and access plans for county employees currently using the 5111 Woodward structure. He said the county negotiated use of Lot 9 to avoid shuttles and is seeking temporary customer parking on Judson so employees and visitors remain proximate to county offices during construction.
The county said it intends to place project banners and QR codes on fences so residents can view demolition camera feeds and get answers to frequently asked questions. Carlson also said the county will try to preserve select artifacts from the Phoenix Center, commission artists to repurpose some materials, and explore resale of stadium seats tied to nonprofits and downtown businesses.
County staff announced several community engagement events: a community dinner on April 23, a business/workforce outreach at 5111 on April 30 (9 a.m.) to connect Pontiac contractors and workers to construction opportunities, a Michigan Building Trades outreach on May 14 (9 a.m.–noon), and other small-business events. Carlson said negotiations with developers for the larger redevelopment remain in progress.
Council members and residents raised questions about Spanish-language signage, homeless encampments inside the structure before demolition, artifact preservation and opportunities for Pontiac hiring. Carlson said FAQs and outreach will include Spanish translations and pledged continued clearance and outreach about people who might still shelter in the building.
The county presentation closed with contact and outreach promises; Carlson told council he would share slides and event dates so the city and residents can help spread the word.
