Michigan Avenue landmark being demolished for parking lot
After nearly half a century, a landmark along Michigan Avenue in the City of Wayne is being demolished to make way for a parking lot.
Demolition of the aging structure at 35015 East Michigan Ave. was not without controversy. Bahy Hammoud, owner of the property, has been in a long court battle with the city regarding the future of the site. In March of 2022, Hammoud was ordered by city inspectors to correct several safety and building violations at the structure. The City of Wayne subsequently sued the owner in 2023 seeking to demolish the building based on unsafe structural conditions. The building was subject to tax foreclosure proceedings that same year. Following litigation and appeals, a decision earlier this year from the Wayne County Circuit Court allowed the city to proceed with demolition at the site.
The parking structure has been permanently closed since a fire department training exercise earlier this year exposed serious structural concerns, officials said.
In addition to the parking structure at Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road, the 45-foot peace memorial built in 1975 at a cost of $90,000 will also be removed to facilitate the new parking lot. Officials said the new surface lot “will better serve the community.” The property is adjacent to the Wayne Public Library which will not be impacted by the demolition.
