WINDSOR

New Red Wings arena rezoning approved by Detroit City Council

The Associated Press Published Tuesday, April 21, 2015 2:55PM EDT

Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Red Wings, has released concept art for a new entertainment and residential complex for the hockey club. (Olympia Development)

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DETROIT — City officials have approved rezoning property for a new Detroit Red Wings hockey arena just north of downtown.

Council members voted 8-0 Tuesday on the request by Olympia Development of Michigan. The rezoning vote had been delayed a number of times.

A 90-year-old vacant hotel will be demolished as part of the plans for the new arena. Another building will be rehabbed and converted into apartments.

The 20,000-seat, $450 million hockey arena is expected to open in 2017. It will be the anchor for a 45-block entertainment district.

The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate growth between downtown and Detroit's Midtown.

Olympia Development is owned by Red Wings' owners Mark and Marian Ilitch. The team now plays at the riverfront Joe Louis Arena, which opened in 1979.