Frequently Asked Questions

The Pontiac Redevelopment Project is a transformational revitalization effort, spearheaded by Oakland County in collaboration with the city of Pontiac, aimed at revitalizing and reconnecting downtown Pontiac, with much of the work planned for completion by 2027, including:

• Demolition of the Phoenix Center.
• Construction of a new parking structure(s).
• Renovation of 31 E. Judson St. to relocate 700 county employees to downtown Pontiac.
• Public green spaces.
• The issuance of an RFP to encourage private investment for commercial and residential uses.
• Transit and roads reconnection and construction, including Michigan Department of Transportation-planned road improvements.

• Judson Street will be converted to one-way traffic, striped and signed to allow parking spaces for visitors to the 51111 Woodward Ave. building, including barrier-free spaces.
• Auburn/Orchard Lake will be closed through the end of 2026. The County is working closely with the City of Pontiac and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to coordinate road closures and traffic rerouting during the redevelopment projects and planned road work that is being done by the City and MDOT, to ensure safe and optimal traffic flow throughout the duration of the project.

The county has not determined how special elements of the Phoenix Center may be incorporated into the renovation of 31 E. Judson St. or other portions of the revitalization project, so no decisions are being made yet about potential disposition requests. Additionally, depending on how elements are attached to the building, they may or may not be salvageable.

The cost is prohibitive. Estimates from experts have been at least $61 million to make the Phoenix Center usable again. More importantly, the Phoenix Center garage limits access to the southern half of downtown. The vision of the city of Pontiac and Oakland County leaders is to remove the Phoenix Center garage and reconnect downtown.

No. The annual debt service of the County’s bond issue will be structured and repaid within the County’s operating tax limitation.

There are no anticipated utility rate increases tied to this project.

Yes, please! In addition, to partnering with Sidewalk Detroit/AECOM to gather feedback from the community to inform discussions on the development of the project, the county also has multiple ways you can share your ideas:

• Email: pontiacproject@oakgov.com
• Phone: 248-424-7050
• Online form: https://forms.oakgov.com/236

The Pontiac Projects (Redevelopment of the 31 E Judson, two parking garages, and road and site improvements) will be funded by a $50 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a $10 million allocation from American Rescue Plan, and proceeds from a bond issue, which will have the Oakland County’s limited tax general obligation pledge.

No. It does not divert resources from other County services or communities.

While the development is centered in downtown Pontiac, the economic impact is regional. Revitalizing Pontiac’s core will stimulate job creation, housing growth, increased commercial activity and improved infrastructure — benefiting the broader Oakland County economy. Stronger urban centers contribute to countywide and regional vitality.

• For visitors, Judson Street will be converted to one-way traffic in each direction and angled parking will be available for 80 spaces during workday hours and available after hours for everyone.
• For tenants and their employees, parking will be on the north side of the building, across Auburn/Orchard Lake Road, which is now closed to through traffic. Tenants and employees will cross the street at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Auburn/Orchard Lake Road and take the wide sidewalk along Woodward Avenue to the new entry point at the south end of the building on Saginaw Street.
• For deliveries and refuse/recycling pickup, the north-side entrance that is currently being used will be available.

The county is intending to move the following departments to downtown Pontiac: Executive Office; Board of Commissioners; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office; Office of Sustainability; Health and Human Services (partial); Veteran Services; Fiscal Services; Human Resources; Purchasing; Economic Development; Workforce Development; Risk Management; Public Communications; Community Engagement; Neighborhood and Housing Development; Equalization; Corporate Counsel; and Community Corrections.

Sustainability is a key design feature. Plans include green infrastructure, such as stormwater management and native plantings, energy-efficiencies through LED lighting and low-impact HVAC, and solar installations. The development also is targeting LEED certification, walkability and bike access.

No negative impact is expected. Environmental assessments are being conducted to ensure the Clinton River is being protected through the project.

This redevelopment builds on Pontiac’s momentum by transforming underused spaces and unlocking the full potential of key public assets in the downtown area. The project brings vibrant mixed-use housing, new commercial opportunities, upgraded infrastructure and welcoming public amenities — all designed to attract residents, businesses and visitors alike. The investment is expected to boost property values, create local jobs, encourage more private investment and strengthen the city’s tax base for long-term prosperity.

The developer for this project, Endeavour Pontiac Partners, LLC, is a Michigan-registered company with four partners — three are from Southeast Michigan and one is from Wisconsin. One of these local partners is a certified minority-owned business (Framework E) and the construction manager, which help the County meet its goals for diversity and inclusion in local contracts. The team was chosen because they have the experience, a strong plan for Pontiac’s future and a proven record of delivering results.