The Second Avenue Construction
DRCFA is extending Second Avenue to the Detroit Riverfront, enhancing pedestrian, bike, and vehicle access to the Riverwalk and the New Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. Opening summer 2026.
The Skybridge
DRCFA is building the Skybridge, a climate-controlled link between Huntington Place and the JW Marriott across Second Avenue. Opening fall 2027, it enhances connectivity allowing guests direct access from their hotel to the convention center.
Joe Louis Parking Garage
Recently acquired by the DRCFA, the Joe Louis Garage is being renovated to expand parking options and capacity for the convention center. Approximately 400 spots set to open late spring 2026.
Capital Improvement Program
Multiple projects throughout the facility are underway to enhance the facility and create a better guest experience.
Westside Expansion
The Huntington Place expansion represents the final phase of this redevelopment and will add approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of new event space at the convention center’s southwest corner, extending the facility toward Second Avenue and downtown.
Please submit your qualifications to pre-qualify for bidding on various projects related to the JLA Parking Deck or the Skybridge.
Teams and Timelines
- Engineer of Record: Mannik Smith Group
- General Contractor: Dan’s Excavating
- DeMaria – Architectural Scope
- Construction Activation and Closeout: October 2026
- Architectural/Engineering Contract: AECOM
- Buro Happold
- INFORM Studio
- Giffels Webster
- Construction Manager Contract: Roncelli/Brinker JV
- Construction Mobilization: October 2025
- Construction Completion: October 2027
- Commissioning Agent: IMEG
- Temporary Support Installation Contract: RAM Construction
- Architectural/Engineering Contract: Fishbeck
- Edge Design Associates
- Construction Manager Contract: Roncelli, Inc.
- Construction Mobilization: May 2025
- Engineering Review: Walker Consultants
- Baseline Environmental: Beam, Longest and Neff/Egis Group
- AE/Structural Contracts Awarded: NORR/Somat Engineering
- MEP Contracts Awarded: Peter Basso Associates and Albert Kahn Associates
- Construction Manager Contract: DeMaria
- Construction Mobilization: Spring 2025
TBD