A new parking deck in downtown Pontiac is starting to take shape.

Crews began above ground construction on Pontiac’s South Parking Deck on July 29 by placing the structure’s first precast wall panel with a 300-ton crane. It marked the beginning of vertical construction on the first of two parking decks.

State, county and local officials, construction partners and labor representatives to celebrate the milestone.

“This parking deck is more than concrete and steel,” said Dave Coulter, Oakland County’s executive. “It is critical infrastructure that will support new investment, bring hundreds of employees and visitors downtown every day and help create a more vibrant, walkable city for generations to come.”

Located at 14 W. Judson St., just east of the 51111 Woodward building, the South Parking Deck will include:

Seven parking levels.
610 parking spaces, including 12 electric vehicle charging stations on the first floor.
21-capacity bike rack.
More than 203,000 square feet of sustainably designed space.
A rain garden.
Completion is anticipated in summer 2027.

Construction has followed months of site preparation after demolition of the Phoenix Center cleared the way for redevelopment.

Construction on the North Parking Deck, located at 10 Water St., will begin following site preparation. When completed in late 2027, the eight-level structure will provide:

689 additional parking spaces, including 14 electric vehicle charging stations
34-capacity bike rack

Together, the parking structures will provide 1,299 new parking spaces in downtown Pontiac and accommodate Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employees and others located at the 51111 Woodward building and county employees relocating to the 31 E. Judson building.

“The official start of the South Parking Deck stands as tangible evidence that we are nearing our vision of a thriving downtown filled with new energy and great hope for the future of Pontiac. Let’s go, Pontiac! And let’s go, Oakland County!” said Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness.

The building of both parking decks is backed by a $66.15 million investment approved by the Oakland County commissioners in 2025.

Crews continue  transforming the 31 E. Judson building, the future home of about 700 Oakland County employees. The building’s glass curtain wall is more than 60% installed  and is expected to reach 95% within the next five weeks. With interior demolition substantially finished, crews will begin interior improvements this month, marking the next major phase of construction.

Work is scheduled to be completed  by the fourth quarter of 2027, followed by a phased move-in of county employees as part of the its ongoing investment in revitalizing downtown Pontiac.

“We come one step closer to the vision of a revitalized downtown with the construction beginning on this parking deck,” said Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak), Oakland County commission chair. “Easily accessible parking is essential for economic growth, and this structure will support those coming for work, shopping local businesses or enjoying downtown events.”