Downtown Employees Enjoy City's "Vibe" And Look Forward To Retail, Housing With New Red Wings Arena (Video)
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - There is an additional sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding the annual Live Downtown games following the recent announcement of a new Red Wings arena with housing, entertainment and retail developments on Woodward.
Participants in the annual Live Downtown Games, which brings together employees of six companies competing in a variety competitions, were looking forward to the additional housing, retail and dining options for the development along Woodward near I-75.
"It definitely bridges the gap between downtown and midtown," said Jessica Krug, Director of Banker Relations at In-House Realty.
Krug made the comments following the first day of the games in Campus Martius Park. The games, along with charity efforts such as building emergency preparedness kits for the Red Cross, are an opportunity to introduce the changes to the region.
"It is really a great time for people who don't live in the city, or aren't familiar with the city, to come down and see what we are all doing down here," she said. "There is a great vibe."
Noel Pinchum works downtown at Quicken Loans and is excited about the proposed development - especially the diversity of options including housing.
"Now that I'm looking to possibly move, it makes it that much better," said Pinchum, who currently lives in Farmington Hills. "We are not just a game day city. You can do anything down here."
Having more options downtown is appealing to Dana Davis, who has lived downtown for five years and works at DTE Energy.
"I've really had a chance to see the whole energy change, and see the residences change, as well,"Davis said. "I'm really looking forward to some retail. I've always said if I could buy a pair of jeans downtown, I know the city is back."
