County staff outline Pontiac redevelopment progress, demolition kickoff and community outreach

Oakland County staff briefed the Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee on progress at the Pontiac redevelopment project, including ongoing demolition at the Phoenix Center site, potential developer negotiations for several parcels and planned community outreach and workforce events.

Sean Carlson of the Executive’s Office presented a slide update that listed contractors and consultants working on the multi‑component project, named key parcels (including 31 East Judson and 5111 Woodward), and described a phased demolition and parking plan. Carlson said demolition at Auburn and Orchard Lake Road had begun and that the county intends to start building a parking structure on the south side by the end of the year. He also said the county is negotiating with an entity identified as the Endeavor Group on a potential redevelopment agreement for the Phoenix Center site and that Granger and others are under contract for demolition and construction management tasks.

The presentation outlined public‑facing measures: a visual wrap and QR codes at demolition fences with daily photos from cameras and drones, temporary parking arrangements for displaced employees using 5111 Woodward with additional customer parking, and planned outreach events including a community dinner, a business and workforce outreach session and a small‑business outreach event on May 21. Carlson said the county is working to coordinate with local agencies and trade groups to include prevailing‑wage contractors and to create opportunities for Pontiac residents and small businesses to participate in upcoming work.

Nut graf: The briefing provided committee members with schedule milestones, contractor and developer negotiation status, staffing and parking plans during demolition, and a calendar of community engagement activities; the committee voted to receive and file the update.

Committee members asked about sequencing, parking details, potential retail at street level in future garages and coordination with the Pontiac master plan and regional transportation planners. Sean Carlson answered questions about the project’s timeline, how parking and employee access would be managed during demolition, and outreach plans to include veterans and local trades. Commissioner discussion emphasized aligning transportation and zoning plans and encouraging retail at street level where new parking structures are proposed.

The committee took a motion to receive and file the presentation. The motion was moved by Commissioner Taylor and supported by Commissioner Johnson and was recorded as approved. Staff said follow‑up items include continued developer negotiations, final parking‑garage design details and additional public engagement events.