Magic Johnson Behind Detroit Development Plan
DETROIT (AP) - Hall-of-Fame basketball player turned businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson is part of a group that's submitted a proposal to redevelop the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site in Detroit.
The Detroit News reports Friday the plan includes a movie theater, park, restaurants, townhouses and senior housing. The 500,000-square-foot development proposal also incorporates an Amtrak station.
The newspaper reports the proposal from Magic Plus LLC is one of three bids submitted and the only one moving forward. It's expected to be next to the Gateway Marketplace, the first major shopping center in Detroit in years.
Johnson's partners are Detroit entrepreneur Marvin Beatty and Lansing businessman Joel Ferguson. Ferguson also is on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.
Johnson led Michigan State to the 1979 college basketball national championship.
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