Share
A new horse racetrack and Michigan casino may soon arrive in Plymouth Township. Northville Downs representatives have recently submitted a proposal to build a new harness racing facility in the northwest part of the town.
An expected future phase of the new project includes a 54,000-square-foot gaming facility and additional parking. The proposed location is only a few miles from the company’s current racing track at Seven Mile and Sheldon Road in Northville.
In 2018, Northville Downs sold its current location to Hunter Pasteur Homes, which plans to develop the land with 450 new residences, commercial space, and parks. But before that happens, Northville Downs will continue to operate with live racing, scheduled from April until September.
First phase of the Northville Downs at Plymouth Township project
The new project, “Northville Downs at Plymouth Township,” is to be built on the part of a 128-acre parcel. It is located at the corner of Five Mile and Ridge roads. It is also on the former grounds of the Detroit House of Corrections prison.
The desired area falls within Michigan International Technology Corridor (MITC). According to the company’s submitted plans, the first phase of the proposed project would include:
- Construction of a half-mile oval harness racetrack
- A two-story, 4,900-square-foot grandstand with a large patio for standing-room race viewing
- 23,000-square-foot racing building
- 35,000-square-foot horse barn
- 3,200-square-foot maintenance building
The planned $25 million project is still in the early phase and under review. Before the project goes any further, it must receive official approval from the Plymouth Township Planning Commission and Board of Trustees.
Plymouth Township supervisor supports Michigan casino and racetrack project
Plymouth Township supervisor Kurt Heise said the racetrack and casino location is a perfect solution for the new Northville Downs. Heise told WWJ Newsradio 950‘s Jon Hewett:
“As of now, based on what I know, I do support the project and I’ll be advocating for it. It’s very intriguing. I think it would provide a great financial benefit to our taxpayers, and it would be a very exciting entertainment venue for all of us in Wayne County.”
Heise said that if the plan moves forward, the township will negotiate a community benefits agreement. An agreement could include the ability to feature public events. One such event could be the return of the Fourth of July fireworks show.
And it could also include recreational events like soccer, car shows and concerts. Supervisor Heise serves as chairman of the MITC and is a chairman of the Western Townships Utilities Authority (WTUA).
