News

28 Apr, 01:00 PM

A new facade panel was installed at 31 E. Judson as building renovations move forward toward 2027 occupancy.

• A new facade panel installed at 31 E. Judson as building renovations move forward toward 2027 occupancy.
• Ground preparation has begun for two new parking decks on the former Phoenix Center site.
• The project advances to the next phase of construction to reconnect downtown streets and drive economic growth.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter today joined state, county and local leaders to mark significant milestones in the ongoing transformation of Downtown Pontiac, signaling continued momentum in this once-in-a-generation effort to revitalize, redevelop and reconnect the city’s core.

Standing at the future intersection of Saginaw Street and Orchard Lake Road where downtown streets will soon reconnect – Coulter and project partners highlighted two major developments:

• The placement of a new exterior facade panel on the 31 E. Judson St. building, which will house approximately 700 county employees.
• The start of ground preparation for two new parking decks on the former Phoenix Center site.

“These milestones show Pontiac’s future is being built right here, right now,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “The heart of our county seat is being rebuilt in a way that reconnects streets and restores economic activity, creating a downtown that works for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Speakers and community leaders signed the facade panel during the event, which was then hoisted into place, symbolizing both tangible progress and a shared commitment to Pontiac’s future. The signatures will not be visible when the building is complete but rather will be part of the building’s historic fabric.

"Oakland County's redevelopment project is a dynamic catalyst for Pontiac's forward momentum. I'm grateful for County Executive Coulter's leadership, for the County Commission's pro-growth approach and for the strong partnership between both county government and city government,” said Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness. “For as long as there's been an Oakland County, over two centuries, Pontiac has been the county seat. As a city, we're honored to be Oakland County's seat of government through our shared past, present and future."

This next phase of the project builds on the completion of demolition of the Phoenix Center in late 2025, a pivotal step that cleared the way for new development and infrastructure improvements. Since then, work has accelerated on the project.

Construction crews have begun installing the new exterior facade on the Judson building, with exterior site work set to begin in May. Interior improvements and a building addition will follow this summer, keeping the project on track for phased occupancy between September and November 2027.

At the same time, preparation is underway for two new parking structures, on the site of the former Phoenix Center, that will support downtown activity and future growth. Ground preparation for the south deck begins this month, with construction ramping up later this year and completion targeted for mid-2027. Work on the north deck will follow closely behind, with completion expected in late 2027.

"This event represents the first of many milestones ahead, setting the stage for the full transformation and revitalization of Downtown Pontiac," said Ben Schneider, vice president and Downtown Pontiac project executive for Granger Construction.

In the months ahead, residents and visitors can expect to see continued visible progress, including:

• Expansion of construction activity on the Judson building, including interior renovations and structural additions.
• The start of vertical construction on the south parking deck by Brinker in August 2026.
• Continued site work and preparation for the north parking deck.
• Ongoing road reconstruction and infrastructure improvements to reconnect Saginaw Street and enhance Orchard Lake Road and surrounding corridors.

These improvements are part of a broader effort to restore investment and connectivity in downtown Pontiac, improve walkability and create new public spaces, including two acres of green space that will be conveyed to the city.

This initiative is a collaboration between Oakland County, the City of Pontiac, the State of Michigan and a broad team of partners, including construction manager Granger Construction Co. and union labor organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 under the leadership of Business Manager James Soosik.

As construction progresses, community input continues to play a central role in shaping the project to meet local needs around economic development, housing, accessibility and public space.

By bringing hundreds of employees downtown, reconnecting critical infrastructure and creating a more vibrant, walkable environment, the Downtown Pontiac transformation is positioning the city for long-term growth and renewed opportunity.

“For too long Pontiac has been overlooked, and this project is the result of real partnerships to make a change,” said Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac). “With a new and modernized downtown, the city is looking forward to showing what residents have always known – Pontiac is the heart of Oakland County.”

Backed by a $174.5 million investment budgeted and approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2025 – including $50 million in support from the State of Michigan thanks to Sen. Jeremy Moss and Rep. Brenda Carter – the project represents a long-term commitment to Pontiac’s resurgence after decades of disinvestment.

In addition to modernizing county operations, the project is expected to generate approximately $80 million in cost avoidance over the next decade by eliminating maintenance costs at outdated facilities. It is also driving economic momentum, with increased private development interest and new projects emerging throughout downtown.

“This project proves downtown Pontiac’s transformation is real,” said Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “It is so much more than just new office space; it is the creation of good-paying jobs, investment and new public spaces where people can connect.”