Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters
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Detroit PBS is preparing to break ground on its long-planned headquarters in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood with fundraising support following last year's federal public media cuts.
Why it matters: The project will bring Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ, a classical and jazz station, under the same roof for the first time, creating a new space for public media programming and community events.
Catch up quick: The new headquarters will be at a century-old former General Motors engineering facility at 234 Piquette Ave., near I-75, I-94 and Woodward Avenue.
- The station sold its old HQ in Wixom for $11 million in 2023 and has been using temporary studios.
State of play: The vision for the new Fred and Barbara Erb Public Media Campus remains largely intact despite rising construction costs that helped push the budget from roughly $30 million to $40 million, Detroit PBS president and CEO Rich Homberg tells Axios.
- Detroit PBS recently completed a $7.5 million challenge grant a year ahead of schedule, helping push its $40 million capital campaign past the 70% mark.
- Construction is set to begin this summer ahead of an expected 2027 opening.
What they're saying: The project arrives as Detroit PBS reports growing community support, with membership increasing from about 68,000 to 81,000 amid uncertainty surrounding federal public media funding.
- "We need to double down and continue to expand our work with telling the story of the most important city in America," Homberg says.