Million Square-Foot Distribution Center in Detroit to be Redeveloped — Reportedly for Amazon
Up to 1,000 jobs could be coming to Shelby Township, Michigan through the development of a more than 1-million-square-foot distribution center at a former automotive electronics supplier site.
Neither county, township nor state officials would confirm who was behind the redevelopment, citing non-disclosure agreements with the developer and others. But Crain’s Detroit Business reported July 18 that Amazon was eyeing the property.
No one could immediately be reached at Amazon.
The Macomb County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Shelby Township Board of Trustees approved a remediation plan for the large, vacant site on July 18. The township’s planning commission gave approval last week. On July 20, the county commissioners are to discuss scheduling a public hearing Aug. 23 on the brownfield plan.
According to information on the township’s website, the brownfield plan is to promote redevelopment of and investment in the property and provide tax incentives to those willing to invest in the revitalization of the property. The document calls the center a “logistics optimization center” and names the developer as Hillwood Enterprises, L.P. in Rosemont, Ill.
Tax increment financing would pay for cleanup and restoration. Construction would start next month.
During the township meeting tonight, a township official said the site is 200 acres with 85 acres to be redone.
John Paul Rea, the county’s planning and economic development director, would not confirm the tenant would be Amazon but said “we’re thrilled of the development opportunities here in Macomb County.”
But Crain’s, in an article posted July 18, said Amazon intends to create 1,000 jobs at a distribution warehouse at the site at 23 Mile and Mound roads. Citing anonymous sources, Crain’s said the site is being redeveloped for Amazon, which is already building similar-size regional fulfillment centers in Livonia and Romulus.
Township attorney Rob Huth also would not confirm Amazon, saying there are non-disclosure agreements with the developer.
Otie McKinley, spokesman for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., said: “I’m not able to make that confirmation” regarding Amazon.
