DETROIT — A long-blighted structure on Detroit’s west side has officially come down, marking a turning point for a neighborhood that has waited decades for change. The final section of the Mammoth Building was demolished Sunday, closing the chapter on a former department store that had stood vacant for roughly 20 years.
"We worked extremely hard over the years to get this location of the mammoth building, formerly Kingsway, formerly Federals, to come down, because for 20 years that have been closed," said James Tate, Detroit City Council president pro tem for District 1, "and every year there was an additional layer of decay that has brought down this neighborhood."
Demolition of the structure at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Greenfield Road began in August, following years of legal disputes that delayed progress. City officials said the removal of the building was a critical step toward revitalizing the surrounding area.
"I remember this area when it was at its best," said LaJuan Counts, Detroit’s group executive of construction and building operations. "Although I hated to see the building go, it's truly necessary in order for us to start that rebirth and that revitalization."
Eliminating the long-standing eyesore was a key priority for Mayor Mike Duggan, who made addressing blight a central focus when he took office 12 years ago. As he prepares to leave office, the demolition stands as one of his final accomplishments.
"It means promises made, promises kept, because [it's] one of the things the mayor wanted to get accomplished before he left. So that's the first thing is he kept his promise," said Steele Hughes, deputy manager of Detroit District 1. "The second part is, what's moving next? New administration coming in, and part of that is the excitement of the future."
The demolition also carried personal significance for Tate, who said the timing aligned with his birthday.
"We have no idea yet what's going to spring about it, but what we do know is that it's now fertile ground for redevelopment and transformation," he said.
While no specific redevelopment plans have been announced, city leaders emphasized the site’s flexibility and potential to support a wide range of future uses.
"It could be housing, could be a shopping destination, could be entertainment, you name it. But again, that's the beauty of why we're here today," Tate said.
With the Mammoth Building gone, officials say attention will now shift toward ensuring the vacant land becomes a catalyst for economic growth, community investment and long-term neighborhood stability on Detroit’s west side.
Originally reported by Veronica Ortega in CBS News.
