Downriver Today

Contact:  Dean Creech, City Administrator at 734-493-3802

Subject: Demolition Permit Issued for Former Riverside Hospital

Earlier this week, the demolition permit was issued by the City of Trenton for the demolition of the former Riverside Hospital site. Site remediation is already underway and will be completed in the coming weeks. This remediation is being made possible partially through funding from the State of Michigan and EGLE. Demolition is being partially funded with the assistance of Wayne County.

Originally opened in 1944, the hospital was shuttered in 2002. The hospital sits on an approximately 10-acre piece of land on the Detroit River and has long awaited redevelopment. In late 2021, an agreement between the City of Trenton and NABA management (the property owners) was reached that has set in motion site remediation, demolition and redevelopment.

After a lengthy and detailed vetting process the City of Trenton was granted funds from Wayne County to help remove the blight and hazards from the site. This request for funding was approved by the Wayne County Commission late in 2022. This funding would not have been possible without the support of both Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and Wayne County Commissioner Joe Palamara.

“The downriver community is an important thread in the Wayne County fabric. The importance of this site cannot be undercut. The demolition of Riverside Hospital will be the first step in transforming this space into something that will enhance the community,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “The County’s contribution of $1.5 million was made possible through ARPA funds. We are proud of the progress of the City of Trenton.”

"The demolition, and eventual redevelopment of the old Riverside Hospital site, is a shining example of good things happening when all levels of government work well together,” said County Commissioner Joe Palamara. “The wise use of ARPA funds here is really helping to revitalize the City of Trenton and Downriver as a whole. I am beyond thrilled that this day has finally arrived."

Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa added, “For far, far too long, our residents have had to deal with blight unsightliness on what could be a beautiful property. The development of this waterfront site in the middle of our downtown is of paramount importance to the community, and this is another huge step to get that done. We’re excited to continue to work with the property owners and the County to make sure this site can be utilized to its fullest potential.”

On behalf of the residents of Trenton, we extend a tremendous “Thank you” to County Executive Warren C. Evans, Commissioner Joe Palamara and the entire Wayne County Commission for supporting this critical project for Trenton.

Original source can be found here.