OT: New Red Wings Arena?
I personally hope this is just a rumor but are the Detroit Red Wings going to possibly have a new arena in 2012? Tearing down the Joe is almost like burning the Bible in my opinion it is blasphemy. Is there any more news about this up in Michigan right now?
Next Door, to the east of Cobo Arena. Basically it serves as a private meeting space and catering hall for Detroit's finest politicians. And their union backers.
You suggested; "To make that land usable, basically you'd have to tear down Cobo entirely and build a new convention center." Precisely.
Yes, but you forgot the part where that's not an affordable option. Where do you think Detroit is going to find the financing to tear down the building, buy the land for a new convention center, and build a new building? It was hard enough as it was to secure the money for the much cheaper renovation option. You're talking multi-billions as compared to the $200 million renovation.
Besides: find another large enough parcel of land in the city somewhere with direct freeway access, public transit access, and a convenient distance from the hotels. Even a place as close as the Michigan Central land isn't what you'd call convenient to the hotels. And don't go "oh let's build a new rail system to serve it then" and add another billion to the cost. Think realistically.