DETROIT, MI – Detroit’s first major retail development in more than two decades is starting to take shape at Eight Mile and Woodward Avenue near the old Michigan State Fairgrounds.
Gateway Marketplace, located on 36 acres, is expected to include more than 325,000 square feet of retail; Meijer and Marshalls are expected to be the big-name anchor stores.
Check a look at photos Mlive Detroit took of the Gateway Marketplace site in our online gallery; crews appeared to be working hard Monday afternoon on a structure that appears to be where the Meijer will open.
The Gateway Marketplace website estimates that more than 900 jobs will be created once the project is complete this spring.
The Associated Press reported in August that this area of Detroit could include some star power.
NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a Lansing native, is reportedly part of a group that’s submitted a proposal to redevelop the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site, next to the Gateway Marketplace.
The AP, citing a Detroit News report last fall, reported the plan includes a movie theater, park, restaurants, townhouses and senior housing.
The 500,000-square-foot development proposal also reportedly incorporates an Amtrak station.
The Detroit News reported the proposal from Magic Plus LLC is one of three bids submitted and the only one moving forward.
It’s expected to be next to the Gateway Marketplace.
Eric Lacy, MLive.
