A prominent site that's been home to an abandoned hospital near Michigan Central will soon get a big upgrade. Detroit City FC has acquired the property, with plans to build a new soccer-specific stadium.
The site sits at Michigan Avenue and 20th Street, near I-96 and I-75, a few blocks away from the newly restored Michigan Central Station and close to the vibrant Southwest Detroit. DCFC wants to have the stadium open for the club's 2027 season.
“This is a huge step for our organization to build a modern venue to serve our club and community. As longtime residents of the city, with a few of us even living within walking distance of the site, the leaders and founders of the Club view this project not only as an opportunity to grow our organization and sport, but as a civic endeavor to give back to the city we love. We look forward to starting a process to connect with our supporters, city residents, and community leaders, among others, to craft a community-focused, grassroots professional soccer stadium that serves the City of Detroit,” said CEO Sean Mann of Detroit City FC.
Southwest Detroit Hospital has been vacant for nearly two decades. It was owned by Dennis Kefallinos, who owns many deteriorating properties across the city. Crain's reported earlier this week that the site was sold to Edward Siegel for $6.5 million.
The club has been playing at the historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, where they started playing in 2016. Before that, they played at Cass Tech. The club was founded in 2012.
“A DCFC home match is a can’t-miss stop for any true sports fan in the US, but our players, staff, and supporters deserve a stadium with modern amenities that retains the best elements of Keyworth while also putting the club on firmer financial footing,” said Alex Wright, Co-Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Detroit City FC. “The city and the people of Hamtramck were there when we needed them. Investments by our club and supporters give proof of our gratitude, and we are excited to set forth on the challenge to make our forever home just as iconic.”
Specifics of the project aren't known yet, but expect a public engagement process as more details are revealed.
