Hamtramck’s historic baseball stadium gets another ‘win’

The first phase of renovation is set to go for the historic Hamtramck Stadium thanks to various state and federal grants. The city has been working with school officials as well as county and state economic departments to fully restore the stadium.

By Charles Sercombe
The restoration effort for the historic Hamtramck baseball stadium just scored a huge home run.
The National Park Service, through its African American Civil Rights Historic Preservation Fund, awarded the city and Wayne County $490,729 to make improvements.
The baseball stadium, built in 1930, served the National Negro League. At the time, Major League Baseball forbade African-Americans from playing in the all-white leagues.
The stadium, one of only five surviving stadiums nationally that catered to the Negro League, was home to the Detroit Stars.
For years the stadium sat idle, slowly deteriorating to the point where it was not safe to go into the grandstands. It wasn’t until several years ago that the stadium’s historical significance was discovered.
Up to that point, there was talk of demolishing the structure, but once research revealed its unique role in American history, it was a whole new ball game.
Local officials and history buffs moved quickly to save the stadium.
Through their efforts, the state designated the structure as a historical site, which helped lead to winning various grants to restore it.
Local baseball historians and fans also formed a non-profit organization called Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium.
Volunteers also came out to maintain what was left of the field. They are known as the Hamtramck Stadium Grounds Crew.
City and school officials recently formed a joint committee to seek further funding, and also teamed up with county and state economic officials.
Various grants started to trickle in. A site developer was hired to come up various renovations that could be completed in phases, with a top wish list coming in at $18 million to turn the site into an active ball field and entertainment complex.
Gary Gillette, the Founder & Chair of the Board of Directors
of the Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium, said the latest grant solidifies the historic value of the stadium.
“The recent National Park Service African American Civil Rights grant recognizes Hamtramck Stadium’s important role in Negro League history,” Gillette told The Review in an email.
“The grant, and other funding we have recently secured, gives the Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium the opportunity to memorialize the past, while providing a valuable new community park resource to current Hamtramck residents.”
The recent award is one part of four possible funding sources that — if they all come through — will total almost $1.5 million dollars.
The Detroit Tigers organization, which is also a part of those sources, has committed to kicking in a little over $400,000. That piece of the puzzle has yet to come through, but city officials expect it will happen.
A Wayne County block grant totaling $500,000 was awarded earlier.
The first phase of renovation includes:
o Remove Roofing $34,720
o New metal Decking and Standing Seam Roof $208,320
o Remove Paint on Structure (Columns and Trusses) $130,200
o Repaint Structure (Columns and Trusses) $173,600
o Flashing $26,040
o Gutter System $3,735
o Downspouts $2,250
o Repair Steel (Columns and Trusses) $259,800
The total cost for this work is over $800,000.
Other improvements include:
• Demo Seating and Handrails $83,783
• Clean and Strip Paint on Metal Frame $119,690
• Repair and Replace Metal – allow $287,256
This portion amounts to $490,729
A new field, costing $50,000, will also be installed.
There is also a $70,000 cost for construction administration.
Renovation work is expected to begin this year.
Posted April 17, 2020