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District Detroit, New Red Wings Arena 'On Time'; 60 Percent Of Contracted Workforce Is From Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Hundreds of businesses have taken part in this week's contractor fair for the Detroit District entertainment complex that is currently under construction.

Douglas Diggs, president of Heritage Development Services -- the firm overseeing the construction -- told WWJ Newsradio 950 they have surpassed the goal of hiring 30 percent Detroit workers and companies for the work.

"What we're seeing is a project where we're receiving quality work, the project is on time and we're doing that with a 65 percent Detroit business participation and over 60 percent, right now, of the workforce is Detroit residents," Diggs said.

[MORE: District Detroit Preview Center Gives Sneak Peek At New Arena]

This summer's work included initial ground clearing, utility relocation and earth retention.

"People should be clear that having a commitment to Detroit business and the Detroit workforce does not mean you don't have a commitment to quality," Diggs said. "Everything that the Ilitch family has done has been a quality product and we expect and continue to see that with those firms that have been awarded the contracts to date."

The new Detroit Red Wings arena and initial office and retail space are scheduled to open in the fall of 2017.

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