[DetroitSky]

U of D Jesuit closes on purchase of long-vacant Johnson Rec Center from Detroit

Detroit — U of D Jesuit High School and Academy on Thursday closed on its purchase of the Johnson Recreation Center from the city of Detroit, officials said.

Renovations of the long-vacant recreation center at 8550 Chippewa and Joe Louis Park are part of the school's $7.5 million project to improve its athletic and service programs.

The Detroit City Council approved the sale for $625,000 last spring. Following a due diligence process, the school's board voted last month to finalize the purchase of the property.

Work will begin this summer to renovate the 20,500 square-foot building, including an updated gym, locker rooms and community meeting rooms. The project will also include three soccer and lacrosse fields on 10.5 acres of open green space. Work on the fields is expected to be completed in spring 2021, according to officials. The center will be completed in summer 2021.