Members of the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy, the group trying to save old Tiger Stadium, submitted a plan to the Detroit Economic Growth Committee (DEGC) on Monday showing how it hopes to provide an estimated $33.4 million to redevelop the remaining portion of the historic ballpark.
The plan includes a breakdown of financing for the project, and details such as the 694 planned parking spaces and supporting letters from groups such as the Catholic High School League, that express interest in using the field.
Under an agreement reached last year, the conservancy had until March 1 to show it could provide the money for the project. The conservancy hopes to receive $4 million from a federal omnibus budget bill, which is currently awaiting consideration from the U.S. Senate after the House of Representatives approved the bill last week. There are also hopes of securing an allocation of federal stimulus funds, after being identified as a preferred project by the State of Michigan through Governor Jennifer Granholm’s office. The project is also in line for Michigan historic and business tax credits.
In addition, the document mentions that conservancy members have met with representatives of the Tigers and the Detroit Tigers Foundation as part of an effort to work with Major League Baseball on potential youth programs on the site.
The DEGC has already reviewed and approved the designs of the redevelopment, which would preserve the playing field and lower-deck seating of the stadium between the dugouts while creating commercial and retail space along the concourses. There would also be a historic exhibit. If they approve of the financing plan, no further vote from Detroit City Council is necessary, and the project can proceed.
Originally called Briggs Stadium, the ballpark served as the home of the Tigers from 1912 until 1999, when the team moved into Comerica Park. It was also host to the NFL’s Detroit Lions until 1974.
