DPSCD moving forward with plan to demolish historic Cooley High School

June 1, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District has reversed its previous plan to partially preserve the historic Cooley High School building and will now proceed with complete demolition this summer, citing safety concerns, arson attacks, and blight violations. The Mediterranean Revival-style building, which opened in 1928 and closed in 2010, was once a prominent Detroit high school but has remained vacant for over a decade. While the structure will be razed, the district will continue with its $25 million sports complex project on the site, featuring a football field, track, and green space, expected to be completed by 2028.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students and residents who will use the future sports complex
Cooley High School alumni, including former teacher Ann Boucher and others who hoped to see the building preserved or repurposed
Life Remodeled nonprofit organization, whose 2023 proposal to convert the building into a community hub was rejected
Neighborhood residents near the 15055 Hubbell Ave. location on Detroit's northwest side
Community organizations and nonprofits that could have operated in the building under Life Remodeled's proposal

What action is being taken

The district is moving ahead with plans for full demolition of the Cooley High School building, scheduled for this summer
DPSCD is proceeding with the $25 million sports complex project on the site

Why it matters

This decision marks the loss of a historic 1928 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents one of Detroit's most significant architectural and educational landmarks. The demolition reflects ongoing challenges in Detroit regarding how to handle large vacant historic structures, balancing preservation costs against safety concerns and practical redevelopment needs. The sports complex represents a substantial investment in athletic facilities for students and the community, though it comes at the expense of a building that many alumni and preservationists hoped could be repurposed for housing or community use.

What's next

The $25 million sports complex project is expected to be completed by 2028, funded by $15 million from the state and $10 million raised by the DPSCD Foundation, and will include a football field, outdoor track, green space, and updated parking lots. It remains unclear whether the previously planned locker room, weight room, community gathering space, and alumni dedication will still be included in the final project.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com