Illitches Plan Next Move

Marian Illitch hinted November 27th at her billion-dollar family empire’s plans for the downtown Detroit area but didn’t give specifics, including whether an arena is in the works.

Illitch’s husband, Mike Illitch, owns hockey’s Detroit Red Wings, which is leased to play at the city-owned Joe Louis Arena through 2009. This has led to speculation that if he decides to not renew the team’s lease, the Illitches would build a new arena near the Fox Theatre.

"Most likely [the project] will be to expand property behind the Fox Theatre. It may not turn out to be everything that everyone expects – for instance, an arena – however, it will be the best when it gets done," the family matriarch said at a press conference ostensibly for the opening of the MotorCity Casino Hotel, according to the Detroit News.

The family has previously mentioned they were in discussions with several national retailers about moving to the area.

In addition to the MotorCity Casino, which Marian owns, and the Detroit Red Wings, together the Illitches own Illitch Holdings, the Little Caesars Pizza chain and downtown Detroit properties ranging from concert venues like the 5,000-capacity Fox to restaurants like the Hockey Town Café.

A spokeswoman for Illitch Holdings said comments made at the press conference don’t mean a decision has been made about an arena or the downtown area, according to the News.