As a reminder... At one time or another, during the last decade members of the Ilitch family, Michael Malik or their affiliates and enterprises controlled all these properties in the down town Detroit area.
Take a look.
Showing posts with label Olympia Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olympia Development. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2011
Casino Syndicator Couldn't get a Michigan Gambling License; Yet he's Worthy of a Stanley Cup Championship Ring?
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| Is Michael Malik sporting a Stanley Cup Championship ring? |
Malik, who holds himself up to have been, along with Mrs. Marian Ilitch, one of MotorCity Casino's founders, failed to receive a Michigan gambling license in 1999, reportedly due to character and tax issues; and it was reported Marian Ilitch arranged a buyout of Malik's interest in the casino necessary before the Gambling Commission would allow the gambling hall to open its doors. Not licenseable as a proprietor of a gambling hall but worthy of a Stanley Cup ring?
The terms of his "buyout" with Ilitch have never been revealed publicly. Clearly there's something controversial involved. However, since being formally pushed out of MotorCity Casino, Malik has made his offices in the executive suites at Ilitch Holdings, Inc.'s Fox Theater headquarters. Some consider him to be Mrs. Marian Ilitch's political bag man and others even say he's her Consigliere. Certainly he plays "bad cop" to her "good cop."
Despite more than a decade of legal and personal problems that pile upon the reasons he failed to get a Michigan gambling license, it has been reported that Malik is partners with Ilitch in various unfulfilled schemes to build an Ilitch gambling empire expanded to New York, California and Hawaii.
However, because of the often controversial, even illegal, nature of Malik's activities, it's always denied that he's directly affiliated with Ilitch Holdings or any of its venerable subsidiary brands. Yet he's worthy of wearing a Stanley Cup ring?
No wonder some people he attempts to influence, intimidate or even bully walk away from meetings with Malik thinking he's part owner of the Detroit Red Wings. Or is he? And is that why he's sporting a championship ring? Was Red Wings ownership a part of the buyout of his MotorCity Casino interests?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Ilitch Hires Larson for Downtown Detroit Development
GlobeSt.com - Ilitch Hires Larson for Downtown Development
10.25.2011
By Robert Carr
10.25.2011
By Robert Carr
DETROIT-Ilitch Holdings Inc. has hired Eric Larson, CEO of Bloomfield Hills, MI-based Larson Realty Group, as head of its property group. Mike Ilitch, the founder of the Little Caesars pizza franchise, holds one of the largest portfolios of downtown property through subsidiary Olympia Development.
Eric Larson | Olympia Development
Ilitch’s son Atanas stepped down as president of Olympia Development in mid-June to “focus on private outside business ventures.” Olympia is known for the redevelopment of the Fox Theatre, the Hockeytown Café and the development of Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers baseball stadium.
Olympia also has the lease on the Joe Louis Arena, the Detroit Red Wings hockey arena downtown. There was talk this past year of Ilitch possibly building a new stadium downtown if the purchase of the Detroit Pistons basketball team went through, but the team was instead bought by Los Angeles-based billionaire Tom Gores. Olympia continues a short-term lease of the 32-year-old Joe Louis Arena, and Ilitch has been mum on future plans.
Larson will head the Olympia Development team, but he hires on only as an executive real estate consultant, and will maintain his private real estate firm. With more than 25 years experience, he previously worked for Hines and Bruce S. Brickman & Associates Inc. before joining his father, the late Robert Larson, a former CEO of Taubman Centers Inc...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Another Ilitch Leaves Family Business
6.14.2011
Atanas Ilitch is leaving the family business.
The son of pizza and sports icon Mike Ilitch said today that he is resigning as president of Olympia Development. The real estate company, owned by Mike and Marian Ilitch, handles the real estate for all their companies.
The move was announced in a press release issued today in which Atanas Ilitch cited “outside business interests” requiring his attention as he leaves Olympia Development.
“The team we have at Olympia Development is highly capable, which makes me very comfortable in making this move at this time,” he said in the press release.“ My personal business interests continue to require more of my day-to-day time and attention.
“In my opinion, this is a win-win, and I look forward to recruiting a highly capable and experienced individual to lead Olympia Development into the future.”
A request for an interview was sent to Ilitch this afternoon, but no response was given.
Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc., said his brother has been a key part of the business.
“I greatly appreciate the leadership that Atanas has provided at Olympia Development over the last six years and the tremendous vision and leadership he has shown in our community,” Chris Ilitch said in the statement.
“My brother is one of the most passionate and creative persons I know, and he is absolutely committed to making our community a better place for all.”
Atanas Ilitch became president of Olympia Development in 2005. He has held other positions in the Ilitch companies over the years, including president of Olympia Entertainment from 1993 to 2000.
The search will begin immediately for a new president of Olympia Development. Atanas will help find his successor and stay on until that person is appointed, according to the company’s statement.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Ilitch must announce intentions for Joe Louis Arena June 30
Bill Shea at Crain's Detroit Business blogs:
... Mike and Marian Ilitch, the franchise’s owners [Detroit Red Wings] since 1982, have until June 30 to tell Detroit if they will modernize the 30-year-old, city-owned Joe Louis Arena or construct a new venue that likely would cost $300 million to $400 million.
Renovating Joe Louis reportedly could cost $180 million or more.
The lease expires July 1, 2010, but the Ilitches are contractually obligated to tell the city a year ahead of time their intentions. Doing nothing renews the lease for 20 years.
The team and city have been hush-hush about their Joe Louis talks. Scuttlebutt says the Ilitches want an extension to continue negotiations while they map out a plan for a new venue — likely on the land in the Foxtown area they’ve been buying up in recent years. (Full Post)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ilitch uses taxpayer subsidies to level more Foxtown buildings
3.19.09
Spaces for Final Four
Buildings razed to open room for new parking lots
Buildings razed to open room for new parking lots
Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- To create more parking for the throngs anticipated for next month's NCCA Final Four basketball championship, Ilitch Holdings Inc. is using state Super Bowl XL funds to quickly demolish five empty downtown buildings.
In less than two weeks, four buildings have been razed, including the former Chin Tiki, a Polynesian-themed restaurant featured in the Eminem film "8 Mile." The other demolished structures are a former apartment complex on West Grand River; an office building on West Columbia; and the former Egyptian building on Cass.
The last one to go is a parking garage at 145 W. Elizabeth, bought by an Ilitch executive in 2007 through a private company, which listed the Ilitches' Fox Theatre headquarters as its address. That was the period in which the Ilitch family quietly increased control of a rundown patch of downtown long considered a potential site for a new hockey arena for the Ilitch-owned Detroit Red Wings.
Mike Ilitch, co-founder of the Little Caesars Pizza chain that started the family's billion-dollar sports, real estate and business empire, has hinted he prefers building a new hockey arena near the Fox.
No decision has been made about that.
The flurry of demolition is all about "added safety and security," said Ilitch spokeswoman Karen Cullen.
"The structures in question were not suitable for long-term redevelopment," Cullen said. "The ability to move forward and remove non-viable buildings from the area ... greatly enhances the appearance for surrounding property owners and their venues."
In December, the city's Downtown Development Authority approved $2.5 million for the demolitions. The money came from state funding originally intended to level empty buildings in time for Super Bowl XL, three years ago.
The properties will become paved parking lots to accommodate the more than 100,000 people who will converge downtown during the first week of April for the NCAA Final Four.
"Yes, that's still the goal," said Fred Beal, president of J.C. Beal Construction Inc, who lobbied on behalf of the Ilitches to obtain the state money.
You can reach Louis Aguilar at (313) 222-2760 or laguilar@detnews.com
In less than two weeks, four buildings have been razed, including the former Chin Tiki, a Polynesian-themed restaurant featured in the Eminem film "8 Mile." The other demolished structures are a former apartment complex on West Grand River; an office building on West Columbia; and the former Egyptian building on Cass.
The last one to go is a parking garage at 145 W. Elizabeth, bought by an Ilitch executive in 2007 through a private company, which listed the Ilitches' Fox Theatre headquarters as its address. That was the period in which the Ilitch family quietly increased control of a rundown patch of downtown long considered a potential site for a new hockey arena for the Ilitch-owned Detroit Red Wings.
Mike Ilitch, co-founder of the Little Caesars Pizza chain that started the family's billion-dollar sports, real estate and business empire, has hinted he prefers building a new hockey arena near the Fox.
No decision has been made about that.
The flurry of demolition is all about "added safety and security," said Ilitch spokeswoman Karen Cullen.
"The structures in question were not suitable for long-term redevelopment," Cullen said. "The ability to move forward and remove non-viable buildings from the area ... greatly enhances the appearance for surrounding property owners and their venues."
In December, the city's Downtown Development Authority approved $2.5 million for the demolitions. The money came from state funding originally intended to level empty buildings in time for Super Bowl XL, three years ago.
The properties will become paved parking lots to accommodate the more than 100,000 people who will converge downtown during the first week of April for the NCAA Final Four.
"Yes, that's still the goal," said Fred Beal, president of J.C. Beal Construction Inc, who lobbied on behalf of the Ilitches to obtain the state money.
You can reach Louis Aguilar at (313) 222-2760 or laguilar@detnews.com
TVT Note: A comprehensive map of properties believed to be owned or controlled by the Ilitch family in Foxtown is available here.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Highlights of current Ilitch hockey arena lease
Originally published 3.22.09 as a sidebar to comprehensive coverage surrounding a Crain's Detroit Business story, "Where will Wings roost? Joe Louis Arena lease nears end:"
THE JOE LOUIS LEASE
The Ilitch family’s lease for its Red Wings to play at Joe Louis Arena is part of the Cobo Arena master lease. The deal includes:
- The city provides free police and landscaping services, including snow removal, for both the Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Arena, and up to $500,000 annually for capital improvements for the hockey venue.
- The Ilitches pay property taxes on city-owned Joe Louis, but they are capped at $252,000 annually. Without the cap, the tax would be about $1 million.
- The Ilitches pay $25,000 monthly rent for Joe Louis and $12,500 for Cobo.
- Detroit collects a 10 percent ticket tax for Joe Louis events and a 7.5 percent ticket tax for Cobo events. The city collects a surcharge of 10 percent on concessions and 7 percent on suite sales.
- If the lease is renewed, the city immediately loses the ticket taxes and in five years loses the surcharge on concessions and suites.
- A new arena would mean the city could charge for police and snow services and collect full property taxes on the venue. The city also could lose its ticket, concession and suites surcharges. All this depends, of course, on a new lease or stadium deal, its financing and who owns the new venue.
Latest comprehensive update on Ilitch hockey arena saga
3.22.09
Where will Wings roost? Joe Louis Arena lease nears end
Cobo expansion complicates plans for Joe Louis
Cobo expansion complicates plans for Joe Louis
By Bill Shea
Mike Ilitch has until June 30 to say if he’ll modernize The Joe or build a new facility.
The ongoing saga of whether to renovate the Joe Louis Arena or build a new home elsewhere in the city for the Detroit Red Wings has entered its version of hockey's third period — and the team owner can force overtime by negotiating an extension on a lease with the city.
Mike Ilitch, the team's owner since 1982, has until June 30 to tell Detroit if he will modernize the 30-year-old, city-owned arena or construct a new venue that likely would cost $200 million to $300 million.
Talks have been ongoing for several years between the Ilitch organization and the quasi-public Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Even with the clock ticking, no offers are on the table, those involved say.
Adding spice to the drama... (Original Story & extras)
Mike Ilitch has until June 30 to say if he’ll modernize The Joe or build a new facility.
The ongoing saga of whether to renovate the Joe Louis Arena or build a new home elsewhere in the city for the Detroit Red Wings has entered its version of hockey's third period — and the team owner can force overtime by negotiating an extension on a lease with the city.
Mike Ilitch, the team's owner since 1982, has until June 30 to tell Detroit if he will modernize the 30-year-old, city-owned arena or construct a new venue that likely would cost $200 million to $300 million.
Talks have been ongoing for several years between the Ilitch organization and the quasi-public Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Even with the clock ticking, no offers are on the table, those involved say.
Adding spice to the drama... (Original Story & extras)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Joe Louis Arena by any other name is still Joe Louis Arena
1.25.09
Slow economy stalls naming deal for new Metro terminal
By Bill Shea
...The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, don't have corporate names on their venues.
The Ilitch Holdings Inc.-owned Red Wings play at city-owned Joe Louis Arena and have the right to sell the venue name but won't, said Karen Cullen, Ilitch's vice president of corporate communications.
That's because the team's lease predates the trend of naming-rights deals, which began in earnest in the 1990s, and the realization fans are very unlikely to call the facility anything but the Joe Louis Arena, making a name deal unattractive to companies.
The Ilitches continue to consider renovating Joe Louis or building a new stadium, and any new venue would likely include a name deal — just as with the Ilitch-owned Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park. The company must tell the city by June 30 if it plans to renew the Joe Louis lease, but may be seeking an extension... (Complete Story)
The Ilitch Holdings Inc.-owned Red Wings play at city-owned Joe Louis Arena and have the right to sell the venue name but won't, said Karen Cullen, Ilitch's vice president of corporate communications.
That's because the team's lease predates the trend of naming-rights deals, which began in earnest in the 1990s, and the realization fans are very unlikely to call the facility anything but the Joe Louis Arena, making a name deal unattractive to companies.
The Ilitches continue to consider renovating Joe Louis or building a new stadium, and any new venue would likely include a name deal — just as with the Ilitch-owned Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park. The company must tell the city by June 30 if it plans to renew the Joe Louis lease, but may be seeking an extension... (Complete Story)
Sunday, January 04, 2009
List of Ilitch/Malik affiliates updated to include these 29 additional entities
TVT has added the following to the comprehensive list of companies and affiliates maintained by and for Detroit's Ilitch family (Mike & Marian Ilitch) and Michael J. Malik, Sr., their casino and real estate partner:
Mike serves as Seven I's President and Marian as its Secretary/Treasurer. Each of the Ilitch's seven children is both a Vice President and Director of Seven I's: Denise D. Ilitch, Ronald Tyrus Ilitch, Michael C. Ilitch, Jr., Lisa M. Ilitch Murray, Atanas Ilitch (born Thomas Ilitch), Christopher Paul Ilitch (CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.) and Carole M. Ilitch Trepeck. (See: Report of Officers and Directors).
TVT wishes to express its regards and thanks to all those who forwarded tips and details that contributed to this update.
See: Comprehensive Compiled List of Affiliates
- Ballpark Operations Management, Inc.
Blue Water Equities, L.L.C.
Caesar Fund Inc.
CB Property Holdings, Inc. (Charlotte Beach Real Estate)
Christopher P. Ilitch Revocable Trust
Detroit Tigers Latin American Operations, Inc.
Downriver Properties & Land Development, Inc. (Ronald Ilitch)
J.R. Michigan LLC (Johnny Rockets)
Lakeland Tigers Food Service, Inc.
LC/CS Westland Inc. (Little Caesars/Chicken Shack)
Michael Ilitch Trust
Michael J. Malik, Sr. Revocable Living Trust
M & M Realty Holdings, LLC
M & M Realty Holdings II, LLC
MLC Financial Corporation
MM Holdings, LLC
MM Annuity I, LLC
MM Annuity II, LLC
MM Family Mineral Ventures, LLC (Malik Family)
MMI Holdings LLC
MRS Holding Company, LLC
Northern Michigan Food Services Company
Olympia Building Corp.
PKC, L.L.C.
Ren Cen 4 Theaters, Inc.
Seven I's Inc. (est. 1978)
Seven I's Realty Holdings, LLC (est. 2007)
Tres Vite, Inc.
TS Ventures (Twist & Shout Gourmet Pretzels)
Mike serves as Seven I's President and Marian as its Secretary/Treasurer. Each of the Ilitch's seven children is both a Vice President and Director of Seven I's: Denise D. Ilitch, Ronald Tyrus Ilitch, Michael C. Ilitch, Jr., Lisa M. Ilitch Murray, Atanas Ilitch (born Thomas Ilitch), Christopher Paul Ilitch (CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.) and Carole M. Ilitch Trepeck. (See: Report of Officers and Directors).
TVT wishes to express its regards and thanks to all those who forwarded tips and details that contributed to this update.
See: Comprehensive Compiled List of Affiliates
Friday, December 12, 2008
$2.5M taxpayer subsidy so Ilitch can demo its decaying structures in west Foxtown
First, recall the dashboard graphic published in the Detroit News on 9.23.08 to demonstrate the uparralled decline of Michigan's economy and that the week before on 9.17.08 Forbes ranked Michael Ilitch #301 on its annual list of the "400 Richest Americans."
And now, in an article published 12.11.08 in Crain's Detroit Business it has been disclosed that various Ilitch Family-owned entities (Olympia Development of MI LLC, Olympia Entertainment LLC, Elizabeth Street Properties LLC, etc.) will receive $2.5 million from taxpayers to demolish six strucutres that Ilitch boarded up and then left decaying during the last decade. Ilitch purchased these devalued properties with intention or in some cases was nearly gifted them by the Wayne County Treasurer; and now he wants another handout?
Capping the demolition list is the historic Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building located on W. Adams Ave. in Grand Circus Park.
In the 12.11.08 Crain's story, Fred Beal of J.C. Beal Construction Inc. reports the facade of the Fine Arts Building will remain intact echoing a previous promise by Ilitch spokeswoman Karen Cullen. (Fine Arts is coming down; Ilitch Lifts City Hopes; Ilitches Downtown Power Play)
Included among the other buildings that would be demolished are West Grand River Lofts at 2030 W. Grand River Ave., and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Noble Mythic Shrine at 2203 Cass Ave.
This is yet another of the Ilitch Family's taxpayer subsidized demolition plans. It will level all but two major structures from property controlled by Ilitch-owned entities in the west end of Detroit's Foxtown -- an area in downtown Detroit that's home to the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and where various Ilitch enterprises are dominate property owners. If this latest round of demo goes forward as planned, left standing on Ilitch owned property in the near vicinity would be just two pre-existing structures: (1) the former Chin Tiki Restaurant building featured prominently in Eminem's 2002 feature film "8 Mile;" and (2) the historic Moose Lodge Building which Ilitch acquired from promoter Blair McGowan.
At a time when working men and women in Michigan are facing some of the most desperate economic times in their adult lives, one of the richest men in America is asking for several million dollars in taxpayers handouts so he can demolish structures he let decay throughout the last decade. Is that just how rich guys in Michigan do it; spend their money flying around on corporate jets and other luxuries while they watch their business enterprises decay and then ask taxpayers to bail them out?
View comprehensive map @ live.com
And now, in an article published 12.11.08 in Crain's Detroit Business it has been disclosed that various Ilitch Family-owned entities (Olympia Development of MI LLC, Olympia Entertainment LLC, Elizabeth Street Properties LLC, etc.) will receive $2.5 million from taxpayers to demolish six strucutres that Ilitch boarded up and then left decaying during the last decade. Ilitch purchased these devalued properties with intention or in some cases was nearly gifted them by the Wayne County Treasurer; and now he wants another handout?
Capping the demolition list is the historic Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building located on W. Adams Ave. in Grand Circus Park.
In the 12.11.08 Crain's story, Fred Beal of J.C. Beal Construction Inc. reports the facade of the Fine Arts Building will remain intact echoing a previous promise by Ilitch spokeswoman Karen Cullen. (Fine Arts is coming down; Ilitch Lifts City Hopes; Ilitches Downtown Power Play)
Included among the other buildings that would be demolished are West Grand River Lofts at 2030 W. Grand River Ave., and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Noble Mythic Shrine at 2203 Cass Ave.
This is yet another of the Ilitch Family's taxpayer subsidized demolition plans. It will level all but two major structures from property controlled by Ilitch-owned entities in the west end of Detroit's Foxtown -- an area in downtown Detroit that's home to the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and where various Ilitch enterprises are dominate property owners. If this latest round of demo goes forward as planned, left standing on Ilitch owned property in the near vicinity would be just two pre-existing structures: (1) the former Chin Tiki Restaurant building featured prominently in Eminem's 2002 feature film "8 Mile;" and (2) the historic Moose Lodge Building which Ilitch acquired from promoter Blair McGowan.
At a time when working men and women in Michigan are facing some of the most desperate economic times in their adult lives, one of the richest men in America is asking for several million dollars in taxpayers handouts so he can demolish structures he let decay throughout the last decade. Is that just how rich guys in Michigan do it; spend their money flying around on corporate jets and other luxuries while they watch their business enterprises decay and then ask taxpayers to bail them out?
View comprehensive map @ live.com
Ilitch to get another $2.5 million from taxpayers to again demolish buildings
12.11.08
Detroit authority to pay for demolition of Ilitch company buildings
by Nancy Kaffer
Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority approved $2.5 million in state-funded grants to demolish six dilapidated downtown buildings owned by the Ilitch family’s Olympia Development.
The demolition funds are part of a pre-Super Bowl state allocation targeting Detroit’s most dilapidated structures.
Capping the demolition list is the historic Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building in Grand Circus Park.
Also, buildings at 479-481 West Columbia, 2203-2211 Cass Ave., 2030 West Grand River Ave. and 145 Elizabeth St. would be completely demolished and replaced with hard-surface parking lots, said Fred Beal, president of Ann Arbor- and Detroit-based J.C. Beal Construction Inc.
The Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building’s façade will remain as part of an agreement with the city’s Historic District Commission. Olympia will pick up the tab for the estimated $500,000 façade stabilization, Beal said.
The five smaller projects should be completed by the time the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Final Four basketball tournament comes to Detroit in April, he said.
Two board members, attorney Jan Appel and downtown businessman Ted Gatzaros, voted against the project.
The Ilitch family’s ownership of the buildings gave some board members pause, leading to questions about the use of public money to demolish privately owned buildings.
Gatzaros asked whether Olympia-owned properties were those most in need of DDA-funded demolition.
“We need to prioritize where we apply money,” he said.
City officials urged action, pointing to the three years that have passed since the funds were initially made available.
“We have buildings falling down all around us and the owners won’t let us take them down,” said Douglas Diggs, director of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department. “I don’t think there’s any way to say these buildings shouldn’t come down. This impacts all of downtown.”
Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority approved $2.5 million in state-funded grants to demolish six dilapidated downtown buildings owned by the Ilitch family’s Olympia Development.
The demolition funds are part of a pre-Super Bowl state allocation targeting Detroit’s most dilapidated structures.
Capping the demolition list is the historic Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building in Grand Circus Park.
Also, buildings at 479-481 West Columbia, 2203-2211 Cass Ave., 2030 West Grand River Ave. and 145 Elizabeth St. would be completely demolished and replaced with hard-surface parking lots, said Fred Beal, president of Ann Arbor- and Detroit-based J.C. Beal Construction Inc.
The Fine Arts/Adams Theatre Building’s façade will remain as part of an agreement with the city’s Historic District Commission. Olympia will pick up the tab for the estimated $500,000 façade stabilization, Beal said.
The five smaller projects should be completed by the time the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Final Four basketball tournament comes to Detroit in April, he said.
Two board members, attorney Jan Appel and downtown businessman Ted Gatzaros, voted against the project.
The Ilitch family’s ownership of the buildings gave some board members pause, leading to questions about the use of public money to demolish privately owned buildings.
Gatzaros asked whether Olympia-owned properties were those most in need of DDA-funded demolition.
“We need to prioritize where we apply money,” he said.
City officials urged action, pointing to the three years that have passed since the funds were initially made available.
“We have buildings falling down all around us and the owners won’t let us take them down,” said Douglas Diggs, director of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department. “I don’t think there’s any way to say these buildings shouldn’t come down. This impacts all of downtown.”
Original Article: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20081211/FREE/812119975
See comprehensive maps of more than 160 Iitch-owned properties in Downtown Detroit
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Olympia Entertainment partners with new entertainment promoter
According to a press release issued by TIX Corporation (Nasdaq:TIXC), a subsidiary known as Magic Arts & Entertainment announced its partnership and five-year agreement with Detroit-based Olympia Entertainment to present a Broadway series at the fabulous Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.
This five-year agreement between the two companies also encompasses two other Olympia Entertainment-operated venues including: the Masonic Temple Theatre (4,000 seats) and The City Theatre (400 seats).
Magic Arts & Entertainment is headed by longtime-business partners Lee D. Marshall and Joe Marsh. In 2008, Magic Arts & Entertainment became part of Tix Corporation with Marshall and Marsh assuming the roles of Co-CEO of Tix Productions, a newly-formed subsidiary of Tix Corporation. The Magic office is run out of Cleveland, OH and Salt Lake City, UT.
Olympia Entertainment is one of the industry's most diverse sports and entertainment companies, owned by Detroit entrepreneurs Mike and Marian Ilitch. Headquartered in Detroit, Olympia Entertainment owns and operates Detroit's Fox Theatre, the intimate City Theatre, and also books and operates Masonic Temple Theatre, Joe Louis Arena, Comerica Park and "The Legendary" Cobo Arena. Other Ilitch-owned companies include: the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Champion Foods, Uptown Entertainment, and a variety of venues within these entities. Additionally, Marian Ilitch is the owner of MotorCity Casino in Detroit. 2007 revenues for the Ilitch-owned companies totaled $1.8 billion.
A former executive producer at Olympia Entertainment (Gregory Young) and one of Marian Ilitch’s current casino gaming partner (Michael Malik) are involved in a $300 million federal fraud case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission against entertainment promoters John P. "Jack" Utsick, Robert Yeager, Donna Yeager, Worldwide Entertainment, Inc., The Entertainment Group Fund, Inc., American Enterprises, Inc., and Entertainment Funds, Inc.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Extended member of Ilitch family attacks City of Detroit
Michael Malik, a casino syndicator and real estate 
developer, attacked and blamed the City of Detroit in the wake of congressional defeat of a plan he had championed that would have allowed him to build an off-reservation casino in Port Huron, just 60 miles from downtown Detroit. More than a decade ago, Malik had proposed the same casino plan for downtown Detroit.
An article published 6.26.08 in the Port Huron Times Herald reports Malik as saying:
Malik was a one-time partner in Detroit's MotorCity Casino, now owned solely by Marian Ilitch. In 1999, Malik was forced to relinquish his interests in MotorCity Casino when the Michigan Gaming Control Board refused to grant him a gaming license. He reportedly transferred his shares to Marian Ilitch. Since then, he's been working side-by-side with Ilitch on various development and casino management projects.
Malik and Ilitch are also pursuing casino development projects in California, Hawaii and New York. Members of the Ilitch family had backed Malik's plans for the Port Huron casino but because Marian Ilitch owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino, regulations prohibit her from having a direct financial interest in any other Michigan casino. There is little, however, prohibiting other members of her family or affiliates of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., from having a financial interest in such a project.
The Ilitch family owns Little Caesars Pizza, the Fox Theater, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. The family manages city owned properties like Comerica Park and Joe Louis Arena. The family owns significant undeveloped or abandoned real estate in downtown Detroit. Olympia Entertainment and Olympia Development are two Ilitch affiliates that have pursued various development projects in Detroit. The Ilitch family has yet to announce any development plans for its large downtown real estate holdings.
developer, attacked and blamed the City of Detroit in the wake of congressional defeat of a plan he had championed that would have allowed him to build an off-reservation casino in Port Huron, just 60 miles from downtown Detroit. More than a decade ago, Malik had proposed the same casino plan for downtown Detroit.An article published 6.26.08 in the Port Huron Times Herald reports Malik as saying:
"The city of Detroit believes they are the only group in the state that deserves to have everything their way. They believe all benefits should be their benefits, and that all development should be their development. They always want help, but they never offer help."Malik is Mrs. Marian Ilitch's casino and development partner. His business offices sit among the suite of executive offices at Ilitch Holdings, Inc. in Detroit's Fox Theater Building. There is reportedly a door connecting Malik's personal office with Marian Ilitch's personal office.
Malik was a one-time partner in Detroit's MotorCity Casino, now owned solely by Marian Ilitch. In 1999, Malik was forced to relinquish his interests in MotorCity Casino when the Michigan Gaming Control Board refused to grant him a gaming license. He reportedly transferred his shares to Marian Ilitch. Since then, he's been working side-by-side with Ilitch on various development and casino management projects.
Malik and Ilitch are also pursuing casino development projects in California, Hawaii and New York. Members of the Ilitch family had backed Malik's plans for the Port Huron casino but because Marian Ilitch owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino, regulations prohibit her from having a direct financial interest in any other Michigan casino. There is little, however, prohibiting other members of her family or affiliates of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., from having a financial interest in such a project.
The Ilitch family owns Little Caesars Pizza, the Fox Theater, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. The family manages city owned properties like Comerica Park and Joe Louis Arena. The family owns significant undeveloped or abandoned real estate in downtown Detroit. Olympia Entertainment and Olympia Development are two Ilitch affiliates that have pursued various development projects in Detroit. The Ilitch family has yet to announce any development plans for its large downtown real estate holdings.
One must wonder if Malik's sentiments are held by his partners at Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Ilitch Holdings acknowledges need for VP of Government Relations
a press release issued 5.27.08 by Ilitch Holdings, Inc.:
Ilitch Holdings Creates Government Relations Position, Appoints McLauchlan as Vice President
DETROIT, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilitch Holdings, Inc., today said Michael (Mike) McLauchlan has joined the company in the newly created position of vice president of government relations. President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ilitch made the announcement.
"As Ilitch-owned businesses grow, the addition of a government relations position will help us to build stronger, more strategic relationships with this important stakeholder group," said Ilitch. "Mike is a recognized professional and his more than 20 years of experience will be an asset to our organization. He has built strong relationships at all levels of government and is therefore well suited to interact with key governmental officials and community representatives in addressing the various legislative and civic issues that impact Ilitch-owned businesses."
Previously, McLauchlan was senior vice president and manager of government relations for Comerica Incorporated where he was responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of Comerica's local, state and federal government relations activities. His work at the bank earned him the high honor of Comerica's Chairman's Circle in 2004.
A lawyer by trade, McLauchlan was associate counsel at Hayduk, Dawson, Andrews and Hypnar P.C. before working at Comerica.
Prior to that, he was a legislative assistant to State Senator Gilbert J. DiNello of the Michigan State Senate.
McLauchlan is an active member and has served on the boards and committees of numerous professional and nonprofit organizations including the American Bankers Association, Financial Services Roundtable, Michigan Bankers Association, California Bankers Association, and Automotive Alley. He is currently the treasurer and chairman of the finance committee for the Detroit Police Foundation, and is currently an advisory board member for the Michigan Children's Trust Fund. Additionally, Mike serves as the 2007-2008 chairman of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
McLauchlan earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a Doctorate degree in law from Detroit College of Law. A Michigan native, he resides in Grosse Pointe Woods with his wife and three children.
About Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Ilitch Holdings, Inc. provides technical and professional services to the companies owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch. The Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kits Fundraising Program, Champion Foods and Uptown Entertainment. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch is the sole owner of the MotorCity Casino Hotel.
DETROIT, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilitch Holdings, Inc., today said Michael (Mike) McLauchlan has joined the company in the newly created position of vice president of government relations. President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ilitch made the announcement.
"As Ilitch-owned businesses grow, the addition of a government relations position will help us to build stronger, more strategic relationships with this important stakeholder group," said Ilitch. "Mike is a recognized professional and his more than 20 years of experience will be an asset to our organization. He has built strong relationships at all levels of government and is therefore well suited to interact with key governmental officials and community representatives in addressing the various legislative and civic issues that impact Ilitch-owned businesses."
Previously, McLauchlan was senior vice president and manager of government relations for Comerica Incorporated where he was responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of Comerica's local, state and federal government relations activities. His work at the bank earned him the high honor of Comerica's Chairman's Circle in 2004.
A lawyer by trade, McLauchlan was associate counsel at Hayduk, Dawson, Andrews and Hypnar P.C. before working at Comerica.
Prior to that, he was a legislative assistant to State Senator Gilbert J. DiNello of the Michigan State Senate.
McLauchlan is an active member and has served on the boards and committees of numerous professional and nonprofit organizations including the American Bankers Association, Financial Services Roundtable, Michigan Bankers Association, California Bankers Association, and Automotive Alley. He is currently the treasurer and chairman of the finance committee for the Detroit Police Foundation, and is currently an advisory board member for the Michigan Children's Trust Fund. Additionally, Mike serves as the 2007-2008 chairman of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
McLauchlan earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a Doctorate degree in law from Detroit College of Law. A Michigan native, he resides in Grosse Pointe Woods with his wife and three children.
About Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Ilitch Holdings, Inc. provides technical and professional services to the companies owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch. The Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kits Fundraising Program, Champion Foods and Uptown Entertainment. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch is the sole owner of the MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Several other property owners present obstacles to Ilitch plans for Foxtown hockey arena
Ilitch Holdings, Inc. apparently has yet to take control of three properties fronting Cass Avenue between W. Montcalm Street and W. Columbia Street in the Foxtown area of downtown Detroit. Ilitch entities control the properties on the west side of Cass Avenue including the former Chin Tiki bar and restaurant used in the Eminem film "8 Mile," the historic Detroit Moose Lodge and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Noble Mythic Shrine.
The properties noted as #201, #202 & #203 in the graphic below combined with parcels controlled by Freda Alibri, #180, form the better part of almost 1 square block in an area predominately controlled by various Ilitch enterprises and located behind the Ilitch-owned Fox Theater. Speculative reports have suggested the area behind the Fox Theater could possibly be the site of a new hockey arena to replace Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
The properties noted as #201, #202 & #203 in the graphic below combined with parcels controlled by Freda Alibri, #180, form the better part of almost 1 square block in an area predominately controlled by various Ilitch enterprises and located behind the Ilitch-owned Fox Theater. Speculative reports have suggested the area behind the Fox Theater could possibly be the site of a new hockey arena to replace Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
Ilitch controls Cass Avenue LLC; and what about Cass Avenue Development properties
John Kotlar, Vice President of Tax Affairs at Ilitch Holdings, Inc. is the registered agent of record with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DL&EG) for an entity known as Cass Avenue, LLC. Kotlar is also agent of record for Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and Ilitch-owned Olympia Development of Michigan LLC.
An entity recorded as Cass Avenue Development -- but not registered with the Michigan DL&EG -- holds title to at least 8 parcels (see below) in downtown Detroit near the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. The parcels encompass nearly two square blocks. (see map)
Is Cass Avenue Development a d/b/a for Ilitch-controlled Cass Avenue, LLC; although no entity by that name is registered as such with the DL&EG.
It has been reported that Ilitch Holdings, Inc. (Olympia Entertainment) has been in negotiations to take over the management of Detroit's Masonic Temple Theater, currently under management of Nederlander Co. LLC.
MAP of properties controlled by Cass Avenue Development.
An entity recorded as Cass Avenue Development -- but not registered with the Michigan DL&EG -- holds title to at least 8 parcels (see below) in downtown Detroit near the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. The parcels encompass nearly two square blocks. (see map)
Is Cass Avenue Development a d/b/a for Ilitch-controlled Cass Avenue, LLC; although no entity by that name is registered as such with the DL&EG.It has been reported that Ilitch Holdings, Inc. (Olympia Entertainment) has been in negotiations to take over the management of Detroit's Masonic Temple Theater, currently under management of Nederlander Co. LLC.
MAP of properties controlled by Cass Avenue Development.
Detroit forum affirms Ilitch paid record price for .17 acre Foxtown parcel
On 12.24.07 a forum participant, 3rdworldcity, posted the following affirmation of a previous TVT post in a forum thread, "Motown site (Woodward/75) back in the news:"
Dennis K [Keffalinos] was paid $1,600,000 for the .17 acre parcel on Grand River. That's $234/sq. ft., not a bad price. (Price reported by Verifiable on this forum, which I verified from the seller.) What is amazing is that the Ilitch entity took no steps to prevent the public from seeing the purchase price, such as filing a Valuation Affidavit. Unbelievable. That [apparent] slip-up will cost them a fortune when negotiating future purchases and may sink an arena behind the Fox if they have much more land to acquire.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Ilitch Holdings hires director of communications
Haselhuhn Joins Ilitch Holdings as Director of Communications
DETROIT/PRNewswire/ -- The appointment of Jennifer Haselhuhn as director of communications for Ilitch Holdings, Inc., was announced today by Karen Cullen, vice president of corporate communications.
"Jennifer brings more than 13 years of communications practice to Ilitch Holdings," said Cullen. "She has a wide variety of experience that will help us meet our communications goals internally and externally as we continue to grow our organization."
Previously, Haselhuhn was a communications director at Casey Communications, a Detroit-area public relations firm. There she serviced a variety of automotive and non-profit clients while also overseeing daily operations of the agency.
Before working at Casey Communications, Haselhuhn was the manager of communications at GMAC Financial Services. Her main responsibilities included managing the company's charitable contributions and events. As such, she implemented a strategic and standard process for giving and helped streamline event participation, particularly for GMAC's significant involvement with Habitat for Humanity.
Prior to that, Haselhuhn was a financial communications integrator at General Motors Corp., where she was responsible for driving a better understanding of financial performance and business goals and objectives internally. Her responsibilities also included speechwriting for executive members of the finance staff.
She also spent more than six years at Delphi Corp., serving in a variety of communications roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to leaving Delphi, she was the speechwriter for the company's vice chairman and responsible for creating and managing the execution of a communications plan to help transform the corporation into a lean enterprise.
Haselhuhn received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Eastern Michigan University. A Michigan native, she now resides in Orion Township with her husband, Paul, and two-month-old daughter, Hadley. She is a published writer of various magazine articles and poetry. Her other hobbies include trail running and adventure racing.
Ilitch Holdings, Inc., based in Detroit, is an Ilitch-owned company that provides professional and technical services to other businesses owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch. Other Ilitch-owned companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries inlude: Little Caesar Enterprises, Blue Line Foodservice Dstribution, Champion Foods, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and Uptown Entertainment. Total revenues for the Ilitch-owned businesses in 2006 totaled $1.6 billion.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-24-2007/0004689316&EDATE=
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Detroiters hoping Ilitches will adopt their neighborhood too
8.28.07Hope for Cass Corridor
Ilitch takeover of Masonic Temple may spur development of decaying area
Robert Snell and Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- Ilitch Holdings Inc.-- the billion-dollar family empire of sports, entertainment, pizza and real estate in downtown Detroit -- hopes to venture into a long-abandoned stretch of the city: the Cass Corridor.
Ilitch's Olympia Entertainment is negotiating to take control of the iconic Masonic Temple, a city landmark mired in so much debt its owners, the Masons, face losing the building. The deal could be announced within a week to 10 days, said Bill Betz, president of the Masonic Temple Association, which would continue to own the 16-story landmark.
An Ilitch-run Masonic could be an energizing development for an area trapped in poverty and decay, according to city, business and neighborhood officials. It is the one spot left in the city core that could most benefit from a business titan who revived the Fox Theatre area 20 years ago, they say.
A Masonic deal could be transformational, Betz said.
"In five years -- the whole neighborhood -- you won't recognize it," he said.
Security and money from entrepreneurs willing to back projects near an Ilitch endeavor will likely follow the Little Caesars Pizza owner into "the Corridor," developers and city officials said.
Ilitch Holdings spokeswoman Karen Cullen would only say "discussions are continuing."
For now, though, much of the Cass Corridor looks forgotten and mean. Across from the Masonic is Cass Avenue Park, where on a recent afternoon a group of bare-shirted men with grocery carts full of personal belongings sat in a circle, sharing a bottle wrapped in a paper bag.
'Lots of things happen'
The Ilitches would not be the first major players to enter the Corridor, specifically the southern part, defined by Cass Avenue between the 1-75 service drive and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Other influential developers have purchased blighted properties with intentions to restore them to housing and small businesses, adding to the few already there. There's a dog day care center and renovated housing that advertises DSL access.
"Obviously a lot needs to be turned around down there," said George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the quasi-public city agency promoting Detroit development. "But it's the logical place for growth if you want what's happening in Midtown to merge with all the growth that's going on downtown.
"With the Ilitches jumping in there, it becomes very interesting. Because when they set up shop in an area, lots of things happen."
One thing that could happen is the Masonic becomes a solid, steady venue for entertainment again.
But only after the Ilitches pay off the Masonic's outstanding bills, Betz said.
The Masonic association's debt grew in recent years as other Masonic organizations relocated from the Gothic-style building to the suburbs and entertainment bookings plummeted.
The association, which would still own the building under the deal that's being negotiated, owes about $242,000 in delinquent property taxes and unpaid water and sewer bills, and faces possible foreclosure in March.
There are parallels between the Masonic venture and Ilitch's work over the past 20 years that created a sprawling sports and entertainment district along Woodward just south of Cass Corridor across I-75. And while the company has similar deals with Cobo Center, Joe Louis Arena and Comerica Park, all of which they do not own, the company essentially controls all commercial business at those locations and reaps the revenue.
Slide worsened in 1980s
In the 1970s, the Cass Corridor was filled with Appalachian families and still had an area called Chinatown, said Patrick Dorn, executive director of the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation, which rehabilitates and builds affordable housing nearby.
Those with enough money left and the neighborhood started to decay once property owners started selling to negligent owners, Dorn said. The slide worsened in the 1980s when the city made the area home to social service providers such as homeless shelters.
"That was the finishing touch," Dorn said.
"Whenever you have isolationism where there's nobody there, except people you wouldn't want to meet in the dark, you're not going to be the first one to put money in."
The neighborhood is exceedingly poor, especially compared to the rest of the city. Median household income is $8,317, far below the city's median household income of $29,526, according to the U.S. Census.
It is the second poorest census tract in the city, and arguably the poorest populated area.
Joel Landy, a 30-year resident of the Cass Corridor, says he's been a part of more than $20 million in investments there and he intends to invest at least that much in the near future. He owns more than 45 properties ranging from small storefronts to multiple housing units to empty lots.
On a recent drive through Cass Corridor, Landy pointed out brothels and drug havens as well as restored buildings and new retailers.
"It looks pretty tough but there's so much opportunity and many beautiful buildings. I welcome the Ilitches because they've been a great force. I just hope they look around the area and notice what else needs to be done in the area," Landy said.
Other prominent developers such as Dwight Belyue have also recently purchased properties in Cass Corridor the past few years. "You know, when the Ilitches set up shop in the Fox, that area didn't look all that different from Cass Corridor," Belyue said, who owns the Belmar Development Group. He and Seattle developer Mike Dunne bought three apartment complexes on the corner of Cass and the I-75 service drive that were known crack and prostitute dens.
Betz, the Masonic president, said a deal to transfer management of the Masonic is imminent, though he refuses to identify Ilitch by name despite a Ilitch Holdings representative confirming the company is in negotiations.
"All the pieces of the puzzle, I believe, are in place," Betz said.
The temple has two theaters, which seat 4,400 people and about 1,550, respectively. A third theater sits unfinished on the temple's seventh floor.
There also are two massive ballrooms that host weddings and meetings, and a vacant 10-story office tower that could house lofts or apartments, Betz said.
You can reach Robert Snell at (313) 222-2028 or rsnell@detnews.com
Ilitch takeover of Masonic Temple may spur development of decaying area
Robert Snell and Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- Ilitch Holdings Inc.-- the billion-dollar family empire of sports, entertainment, pizza and real estate in downtown Detroit -- hopes to venture into a long-abandoned stretch of the city: the Cass Corridor.
Ilitch's Olympia Entertainment is negotiating to take control of the iconic Masonic Temple, a city landmark mired in so much debt its owners, the Masons, face losing the building. The deal could be announced within a week to 10 days, said Bill Betz, president of the Masonic Temple Association, which would continue to own the 16-story landmark.
An Ilitch-run Masonic could be an energizing development for an area trapped in poverty and decay, according to city, business and neighborhood officials. It is the one spot left in the city core that could most benefit from a business titan who revived the Fox Theatre area 20 years ago, they say.
A Masonic deal could be transformational, Betz said.
"In five years -- the whole neighborhood -- you won't recognize it," he said.
Security and money from entrepreneurs willing to back projects near an Ilitch endeavor will likely follow the Little Caesars Pizza owner into "the Corridor," developers and city officials said.
Ilitch Holdings spokeswoman Karen Cullen would only say "discussions are continuing."
For now, though, much of the Cass Corridor looks forgotten and mean. Across from the Masonic is Cass Avenue Park, where on a recent afternoon a group of bare-shirted men with grocery carts full of personal belongings sat in a circle, sharing a bottle wrapped in a paper bag.
'Lots of things happen'
The Ilitches would not be the first major players to enter the Corridor, specifically the southern part, defined by Cass Avenue between the 1-75 service drive and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Other influential developers have purchased blighted properties with intentions to restore them to housing and small businesses, adding to the few already there. There's a dog day care center and renovated housing that advertises DSL access.
"Obviously a lot needs to be turned around down there," said George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the quasi-public city agency promoting Detroit development. "But it's the logical place for growth if you want what's happening in Midtown to merge with all the growth that's going on downtown.
"With the Ilitches jumping in there, it becomes very interesting. Because when they set up shop in an area, lots of things happen."
One thing that could happen is the Masonic becomes a solid, steady venue for entertainment again.
But only after the Ilitches pay off the Masonic's outstanding bills, Betz said.
The Masonic association's debt grew in recent years as other Masonic organizations relocated from the Gothic-style building to the suburbs and entertainment bookings plummeted.
The association, which would still own the building under the deal that's being negotiated, owes about $242,000 in delinquent property taxes and unpaid water and sewer bills, and faces possible foreclosure in March.
There are parallels between the Masonic venture and Ilitch's work over the past 20 years that created a sprawling sports and entertainment district along Woodward just south of Cass Corridor across I-75. And while the company has similar deals with Cobo Center, Joe Louis Arena and Comerica Park, all of which they do not own, the company essentially controls all commercial business at those locations and reaps the revenue.
Slide worsened in 1980s
In the 1970s, the Cass Corridor was filled with Appalachian families and still had an area called Chinatown, said Patrick Dorn, executive director of the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation, which rehabilitates and builds affordable housing nearby.
Those with enough money left and the neighborhood started to decay once property owners started selling to negligent owners, Dorn said. The slide worsened in the 1980s when the city made the area home to social service providers such as homeless shelters.
"That was the finishing touch," Dorn said.
"Whenever you have isolationism where there's nobody there, except people you wouldn't want to meet in the dark, you're not going to be the first one to put money in."
The neighborhood is exceedingly poor, especially compared to the rest of the city. Median household income is $8,317, far below the city's median household income of $29,526, according to the U.S. Census.
It is the second poorest census tract in the city, and arguably the poorest populated area.
Joel Landy, a 30-year resident of the Cass Corridor, says he's been a part of more than $20 million in investments there and he intends to invest at least that much in the near future. He owns more than 45 properties ranging from small storefronts to multiple housing units to empty lots.
On a recent drive through Cass Corridor, Landy pointed out brothels and drug havens as well as restored buildings and new retailers.
"It looks pretty tough but there's so much opportunity and many beautiful buildings. I welcome the Ilitches because they've been a great force. I just hope they look around the area and notice what else needs to be done in the area," Landy said.
Other prominent developers such as Dwight Belyue have also recently purchased properties in Cass Corridor the past few years. "You know, when the Ilitches set up shop in the Fox, that area didn't look all that different from Cass Corridor," Belyue said, who owns the Belmar Development Group. He and Seattle developer Mike Dunne bought three apartment complexes on the corner of Cass and the I-75 service drive that were known crack and prostitute dens.
Betz, the Masonic president, said a deal to transfer management of the Masonic is imminent, though he refuses to identify Ilitch by name despite a Ilitch Holdings representative confirming the company is in negotiations.
"All the pieces of the puzzle, I believe, are in place," Betz said.
The temple has two theaters, which seat 4,400 people and about 1,550, respectively. A third theater sits unfinished on the temple's seventh floor.
There also are two massive ballrooms that host weddings and meetings, and a vacant 10-story office tower that could house lofts or apartments, Betz said.
You can reach Robert Snell at (313) 222-2028 or rsnell@detnews.com
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