A group of local investors came up with $50 million to finance the redevelopment, which will pay homage to Joe Louis and the history of the now-demolished Brewster-Douglass housing projects.
A developer plans to spend $50 million renovating the Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center.
The news comes less than a month after the mayor warned of impending demolition barring any last-minute, viable proposals.
As threats of demolition loom over the long-abandoned recreation center, the city suddenly is sprucing up the building.
The Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center may be demolished as Detroit Mayor Duggan looks for developers for the Brush Park area.
Hopes of reviving the building vanished with the death of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward.
The recreation center, which closed in the 2000s, became a source of hope and pride for children and teenagers at a time when the growing African American population was confined to segregated slums.