About the Project
For decades, there has been a devastating disinvestment in the city of Pontiac by corporations and government, leaving the historic downtown strewn with vacant storefronts, crumbling infrastructure and blight. Oakland County, in partnership with the state of Michigan and city of Pontiac, has the rare opportunity to make a transformational investment in Pontiac’s downtown.
By demolishing the deteriorating Phoenix Center and refurbishing a long vacant General Motors building that will become home to up to 700 Oakland County employees, the Pontiac Redevelopment Project will open up the downtown and bring much-needed foot traffic, private investment in retail and housing and a renewed energy to the county seat’s downtown. It is expected to generate $80 million in cost savings from moving out of older, less efficient county buildings over the next decade.
Latest Updates
- April 28, 2026: Oakland County, Pontiac and regional leaders gathered to share a status report of the Judson Building’s renovation, and to sign and hang the first glass panel in the Pontiac Redevelopment Project’s new facade.
- Sept. 15, 2025: Oakland County, city of Pontiac and state of Michigan officials were on hand when the last of the above-ground structures at the Phoenix Center—a flight of cement stairs at the west side of the site—came tumbling down. Once the underground support structures are removed later this year, construction will begin on two new parking garages for downtown Pontiac.
- Aug. 21, 2025: As demolition of the Phoenix Center neared completion—ahead of schedule—Oakland County, Pontiac and community leaders unveiled the next phase of the Pontiac Redevelopment Project. Construction of two parking garages and the rehabilitation of 31 E. Judson, where up to 700 Oakland County employees will move will begin later this year.
- June 11, 2025: The county selected Endeavour Pontiac Partners, LLC as the developer for two parking decks and downtown site improvements.
Logistical Information
Street closures and interim parking arrangements for tenants, workers and visitors to 51111 Woodward Ave. are needed to accomplish this project.
Street Closures
Auburn/Orchard Lake Road closed to through traffic March 31. Construction, delivery and refuse/recycling vehicles may access north loading dock.
Interim Parking
51111 Woodward Ave. tenants, employees and visitors park for free at the northern surface lot, across Auburn/Orchard Lake Road, using a parking code. Parking is 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Visitor and after-hours parking is available on Judson Street.
More About the Project
Oakland County is partnering with the city of Pontiac on a transformational revitalization project in the heart of downtown Pontiac. The Pontiac Redevelopment Project includes:
- Demolishing the Phoenix Center and parking garage — reopening Saginaw Street through to what is now the south end of the Woodward Loop.
- Renovating the vacant former GM building at 31 E. Judson St. into a new county satellite campus — returning 700 county employees to downtown Pontiac after an absence of more than 50 years.
- Creating open spaces for commercial and residential growth opportunities and a much more walkable environment in downtown Pontiac.
- Constructing one or more new parking structures for workers, residents and people doing business in downtown Pontiac.
News
Downtown Pontiac revitalization project reaches new milestones
Published by CBS Detroit
The transformation of downtown Pontiac continues.
On Tuesday, state, county, and local leaders gathered to highlight the progress made involving the Pontiac Revitalization Project.
They discussed two new milestones that build on the city's future, including the site of the former Phoenix Center that was demolished in 2025. Soon, there will be two new parking decks to support the growth of downtown.