City of Detroit Construction & Demolition Department marks completion of $11M Coleman A. Young Recreation Center renovation

Renovated rec center officially transitions with internal key handoff from Capital Planning to Facilities Maintenance in ceremonial key handoff
Following the handoff, General Services Department will lead the next phase: reopening the center and launching new programs in early May

After closing its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and undergoing $11 million in internal improvements, the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center is officially complete. The City of Detroit Construction & Demolition Department (CDD) celebrates the successful conclusion of the renovation project, which was funded through $5.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $5.1 million in Unlimited Tax General Obligation (UTGO) bond funding. The project has officially transitioned internally within the City’s Construction & Demolition Department — from the Construction/Capital Planning Division to the Facilities Maintenance Division, ensuring long-term care, operations, and maintenance.

Young Rec Center pic1 — Internal key handoff from the Capital Planning Division to the Facilities Maintenance Division, marking the completion of another successful project by the City of Detroit Construction & Demolition Department.

“This handoff represents a full-circle moment, turning a vision into reality,” said Timothy Palazzolo, Director of Construction & Demolition Department. “We’re proud to deliver another revitalized facility that will continue serving our city for years to come.”

The extensive two-phase renovation project was led by general contractor Gandol Inc. Improvement renovations includes: critical internal upgrades designed to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The work included fire alarm and CCTV improvements, pool system enhancements, mechanical upgrades such as boiler replacements, a new chiller, ventilation system updates, and elevator replacement. Additional improvements included electrical upgrades, gym floor refinishing, ceiling and flooring replacements, as well as exterior window replacements, parking lot repairs, landscaping, and more.

Young Rec Center pic2 — Before and after photos highlight recent improvements to the Coleman A. Young Recreation pool.

“While many of these improvements may not be immediately visible, they are critical investments that strengthen the foundation of the building,” said LaJuan Counts, Group Executive of Construction & Building Operations. “These upgrades ensure that the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center will continue to serve the community with safety, reliability, and functionality.”

The Facilities Handoff is a key step in the City’s Construction & Demolition Department’s project delivery process, transferring completed facilities to the Facilities Maintenance division for long-term care. The Coleman A. Young Recreation Center now joins the more than 140 municipal buildings in Detroit, all of which are managed and maintained by the City’s Facilities Division, which ensures that these spaces remain safe, operational, and available for public use.

While this handoff marks the completion of renovations, the General Services Department, Park and Recreation Division will soon lead and announce details about the Coleman A. Young Rec Center grand reopening and upcoming community programs expected to take place in early May.