2007 Events --> December 7, 2007
Press event attracts the curious; officials announce quick construction schedule

Huron Township – Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, developers of a new thoroughbred race track, county commissioners, horse owners and many locals were on hand Dec. 7 for the introduction of the Pinnacle Race Course project in Huron Township, a largely rural community bordering Detroit Metro Airport.

The county executive described the $142-million Pinnacle project as a key to  boosting a sprawling Airport City project intended for development at Detroit Metro. The horse-racing facility will begin infrastructure and other improvements to the 1,300 acres within Airport City borders. Backers liken the thoroughbred project to swimmers awaiting the first person to test the waters. Wayne County had been planning to develop an Airport City at Metro since the 1990s.

Everyone is “very excited about Pinnacle coming to Wayne County,” Mr. Ficano said.
Other Airport Cities around the world are credited with attracting businesses and jobs that rival large regions. For example, one European Airport City boasts nearly 60,000 jobs. Another Asian Airport City boasts auto racing, amusement parks and other entertainment. Warehousing, shipping and light industry are the intended business targets, although the county executive said there are no limits to what kinds of growth will be attracted to the region.

The Pinnacle project in Huron will bring some 1,400 jobs and, ultimately, multiple developments in three phases over the next couple of years, including shopping, restaurants and other growth. The first races are scheduled for next July, said Jerry Campbell, project developer and a business titan with many years in banking and the horse industry. It’s expected there will be 165 race days.

Event Photos (Click to enlarge)