Vacant Prison to be Torn Down by December

It's hard not to notice the machines and demolition crew hard at work tearing down the former prison on Five Mile and Beck roads in Northville Township.

"We wanted that building down as soon as possible," said Township Manager Chip Snider. "It's unsightly when it's half-way torn down."

The Northville Township Board of Trustees finalized a contract last month with salvage company Adamo Group to demolish the former Robert Scott Correction Facility at no cost to the township. 

He said the demolition crew is on track to finish the project in December, and the next step will be for the township to get community input on what to do with the property once it's ready for development.

"This township board never plans by accidents. They focus on building their vision based on the capacity of the land," he said.

The prison shut down in 2009, and the township bought the property from the state for $1 in September.

One of the township's options is to sell the property under a development agreement, said Township Supervisor Robert Nix at a meeting last month. This agreement would give the township control of what gets developed on the land, which he said is better than simply assigning the land a particular zoning. 

The township board of trustees will have study sessions, all open to the public, around September and October to determine the best use for the property. 

"The supervisor will announce those," he said, "and we want good attendance."

Northville Patch readers chimed in with their thoughts on what should be built on the property. 

Dori Panagis said she would like to see a grocery store. Sandy Salloum agreed.

"I would love to see a Krogers store. Lots of room for driveways and a parking lot," she said in her comment on a previous article. 

Patch reader "johnj" said the property presents a unique opportunity to create an outdoor multipurpose space, like a music theater. 

"Young professionals would flock to our great communities, if this happened here. Plymouth/Northville is a growing hub and energy is building here – this suggested project would only add fuel," he wrote.

What are your ideas for what should replace the former prison? Tell us in the comments.