Project Description:
Donations from the Ruth Mott Foundation and pro football player, Robaire Smith, a former star at Flint’s Northern High School and Michigan State University were announced in June 2005 to help refurbish the Atwood Stadium and rebuild its neighborhood on Third Avenue, just north of downtown Flint. The project would include several building improvements in stages, and would include façade restoration, such as replacing damaged brick, limestone and mortar, repairing the stadium’s iron gates and replicating the original lighting. The renovations will also help preserve a key community anchor in the historic Carriage Town Neighborhood between Kettering University and the University of Michigan-Flint. The stadium’s location along the Flint River also makes its renaissance critical to a foundation-backed strategy that aims to utilize the river’s natural beauty.
The Ruth Mott Foundation will match donations up to $359,506 for the refurbishing of Atwood Stadium. Repairs have been completed on the dressing rooms press box, restrooms, concession areas, scoreboards. In addition, restoration will take place on the brick/limestone facade, wrought iron gates will be repaired, and historic light fixtures will be installed. It is expected that by 2008, a new field turf playing surface will be installed.
The Atwood Stadium, located within a short walking distance from Kettering University and the University of Michigan-Flint, is considered a key anchor to the Flint River District Strategic Plan. The redevelopment plan encompasses both the north and south sides of the Flint River from Grand Traverse Boulevard to the Mott Park neighborhood (east/west) and Kearsley Street and Third Avenue (south/north). The plan, presented by Sasaki Associates includes development of a Kettering Research Park including student housing and “campus town”; river redevelopment including pedestrian bridges, parks, and green spaces; in-fill development including retail and commercial redevelopment; and housing development. For further information on the plan go to www.thelandbank.org.
Background Information:
Atwood Stadium was dedicated on June 8, 1929 and served as the football stadium for several Flint area high schools until the early 1990s. The city spent more than $2 million in improvements in 1995 and has since conducted a fund-raising drive which has led to a new scoreboard, lighting, and expanded parking lot.
For Additional Information Contact:
John McGarry
(810) 760-5388
