New events center, Red Wings arena planned for north end of downtown Detroit

Project will cost estimated $650 million, would go north of I-75 between Cass Avenue, Woodward Avenue

DETROIT – A plan is in the works to bring an events center, including an arena for the Red Wings, to downtown Detroit.

Detroit's Downtown Development Authority outlined the plan Wednesday, saying the project would cost an estimated $650 million.

It would sit north of I-75 between Cass Avenue and Woodward Avenue.

Aerial video: Site where new Red Wings arena will be built

The plan is subject to approval by Wayne County -- $365 million would be funded through private investment and the $284 million in public investment.

The arena would seat 18,000 and cost $450 million alone. It would include a 10,000-square-foot retail space, office space and a parking garage.

Read: Detroit sports fans approve downtown arena plans

The proposal also promises 5,500 jobs for the event center and 8,000 jobs for the mixed use district.

The DDA would own the development.

"(Emergency Manager) Kevyn Orr's Office is aware of this," said George Jackson, of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. "Again, most importantly is that we're not asking for money from the general fund of the city of Detroit."

Jackson said progress on the project could be described as being on the 50 yard line of a football field.

"But sometimes, as you know, when you're on a football field, when you get to the red zone things get a little tougher," he said.

Jackson said they have not been talking with the Detroit Pistons at this time.

"If they want to talk, I won't turn down a meeting," he said.