Old Joe Muer's site on Gratiot may get cycling velodrome

The Detroit site that once held the legendary Joe Muer's seafood restaurant is in line to get a new attraction -- a world-class velodrome cycling center.

A group called Detroit Velo Project plans to build the indoor cycling arena along with a bike shop and related facilities and programs once it gets final approval from the city of Detroit. The cost is expected to run in the $3 million to $5 million range.

The site is off Gratiot south of Eastern Market where the old Joe Muer's seafood restaurant closed in the late 1990s. The restaurant structure was demolished in 2001 and the site has remained vacant since.

A public hearing on the zoning for the site is scheduled for June 18 at the City County Building.

Dale Hughes, executive director of the Detroit Velo Project, said the project is backed by an anonymous Detroit donor who wishes to give back to the community.

"We want to start a big school program," Hughes said. "The whole purpose of the donor is to leave a legacy, and the legacy he wants to do is leave some kids some opportunities."

Unlike the cycling that millions of people enjoy on the street, a velodrome is an arena for racing specialized bikes and featuring steeply banked oval tracks. Velodrome racing is popular internationally and is an Olympic sport.

Hughes said the indoor arena will feature about 500 seats. He said backers of the project have already met with city officials and have described the plan to nearby neighbors to win support.

Moving aggressively, Hughes said he hoped the velodrome could be built and operating by the end of this year.

Contact John Gallagher: 313-222-5173 or gallagher@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jgallagherfreep.