Today, August 9, marks the grand opening of The District Detroit Opportunity Center. Located at 2277 Woodward Avenue and accessible via public transportation, the center aims to connect Detroit’s current and future residents with various services, including jobs, workforce training and housing. The District Detroit Opportunity Center is part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was created between Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies and the Neighborhood Advisory Council as part of the 10 new and restored building developments planned in The District Detroit.

Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan, said: “The District Detroit Opportunity Center is a tangible example of our shared commitment to improving the lives of Detroiters by working with various partners in bringing jobs and opportunities to our community. We encourage anyone who is seeking a job, job training or housing assistance to come by or reach out by phone or email.”

Participating state and local partners helping connect people with services include American Interiors, the City of Detroit, Detroit Home Connect, Detroit at Work, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Little Caesars, Michigan Secretary of State, MillerKnoll, Wayne County Community College District and the Workforce Development Institute. 

“Through our partnership with The District Detroit, we are providing clear pathways for youth and adults to build careers in real estate, construction management, and/or the skilled trades,” said Dana L. Williams, Chief Strategy Officer of Detroit at Work. “With the employment and educational experiences designed, Detroiters can work onsite at construction sites with our union partners through the Fast Track program, Detroit youth can gain knowledge about working in this field, and all eligible Detroiter participants can take advantage of the barrier removal services the Detroit at Work system provides, maximizing the untapped talent we all know is here.”

“The District Detroit Opportunity Center is an important tool to help us reach our resident employment and business participation goals,” said Yanet Garcia, Vice President of Construction at Related. “We are and will continue to work hard to ensure that Detroiters are participating and benefiting from our real estate development projects in The District Detroit.”

Pre-development work continues for the planned 10 new and restored buildings in The District Detroit. The first Contractor Fair was held in June and bid packages and construction permits are under development. Inclusive development in The District Detroit will positively impact the city, state and region and includes thousands of jobs and much needed affordable housing along with other community benefits agreed to through a robust community engagement process. 

In addition to The District Detroit Opportunity Center, Olympia Development and Related hosted their first community input design charettes and contributed to Detroit’s Affordable Housing Fund. 

Current hours of operation for The District Detroit Opportunity Center are Monday through Thursday 10am to 2pm or by appointment. For more information call 313-471-3045, email info@TheDistrictDetroitOC.com or visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.