As an update, the outdoor soccer complex being constructed for the Rochester Soccer Club (RSC) south of Dutton Road, east of Bald Mountain Road is moving along according to schedule.

People often ask us when it will open, so we contacted the club to confirm their construction timeline.  Since turf grass for soccer fields must be designed to handle heavy use and abuse, it actually takes two growing seasons before the fields can be used for practices.  The grass was planted in Fall 2013, so they’ll have to wait one more year.

The club will make a final determination after this winter, but they’re hopeful the fields will be ready by Summer 2015.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

There will be a new “place” for people to live on Primary Street.

An application has been submitted to the City of Auburn Hills to develop 1.12 acres of vacant land located at the southwest corner of Primary Street and Grey Road.

The developer, Steuer & Associates, Inc., intends to construct three new six-unit townhome buildings on the property.  All 18 units will have approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of living space.  Each unit will have an attached two car garage.  The investment is estimated at $3 million.

Upon receiving City Council approval, this attractive development is expected to break ground in the Spring.  It’s part of a slate of new residential housing projects valued at $90 million scheduled to start construction in Downtown Auburn Hills in 2015 . 

Those interested in learning more about Primary Place are encouraged to attend the public hearing at the Planning Commission’s meeting on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

Palace Sports & Entertainment continues to make significant investments at The Palace of Auburn Hills.  Records show that they’ve expended close to $50 million to upgrade the arena since owner Tom Gores purchased the Pistons franchise and overall business a little over three years ago.

Currently, contractors have been working two shifts (approximately 15 to 20 workers per shift) at the facility to complete another multi-million dollar project.  They’ve been re-supporting the existing trusses on the roof to accept a new state-of-the-art scoreboard and hoist.  The hoist was installed last week.

The new scoreboard is expected to be delivered this week and should be installed by mid-September to allow PS&E technicians the opportunity to practice with its new and exciting features before the start of the Pistons’ basketball season.  The first pre-season game is October 7th against the Chicago Bulls.   The Palace’s command and control center has also been reworked to accommodate the new scoreboard operations.

Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come about sign upgrades planned for outside The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

Staff has been working closely with Chicago-based Clayco Realty Group on an estimated $20 million housing development in the heart of Downtown Auburn Hills.

On July 14th, the Auburn Hills City Council entered into a purchase agreement to sell City-owned land to Clayco in the general vicinity of the former Mound Steel property, located at 3507 Auburn Road, with the intent of facilitating the construction of a new apartment complex along with associated parking and road improvements.  The exciting project will be designed to accommodate our growing college student population.  It is anticipated to house between 250 and 300 people.

The company was recruited by the City of Auburn Hills to help expand the number of residents living within close walking distance of the Downtown retail core, which national experts believe will help strengthen the viability of the area.

Although the project is still in the early stages of design right now, we’re hopeful to bring plans forward for public review later this year.

Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development