Major Project Planned For Novi Expo Center Site

NOVI (WWJ) - A planned development in Novi could mean hundreds of new jobs.

The property, where the Novi Expo Center once stood, will be home to a development that will include a national hotel chain and a mix of commercial and office space.

The Burton-Katzman firm is being tapped for the project along with Core Partners in the construction design and marketing.

The project will take advantage of the prime location at I-96 and Novi Road.

"I'm waiting for a commitment from a major hotel," said Keven Adell, who represents landowners, the Adell Family Trust.

"It would cost $100 million and employ hundreds of people, union people, to build these two structures," said Adell.  "So, you know, a project this size would take two years, but the greatest thing is the    is the development is already here."

There's no word yet on which hotel chain is being courted.

Novi City Manager Clay Pearson told WWJ's Pat Sweeting  he's pleased to see a major development planned for this property.

" It's got a special commercial rehab designation, so they can get some incentive for this property," said Pearson. "And I think anything that comes up will be high-quality -- that's our first and foremost interest.

The 25-acre site was originally developed as an auto factory in 1952, prior to becoming the expo center until its demolition last year.