The Canfield Arena, 2100 Kinloch, has been closed indefinitely following an inspection which revealed multiple building and electricity issues.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The Canfield Arena, 2100 Kinloch, has closed indefinitely after an inspection revealed multiple issues and missed payments.
An announcement was made on the arena Facebook page stating that a fire inspection done in early May revealed building hazards stemming from changes made before the current tenant occupied the facility.
“We’ve come to love the arena over the last two years and tried every possible option to keep the building open but the city has decided to close,” the post read.
The building had rodents, electrical and exit issues along with late payments of $15,000 a year since August 2016.
At the time of its closing, the arena was owned by the city which leases it to a tenant that did not make its rent payments on time.
During a May 9 council meeting, City Attorney Gary Miotke said the tenant has to vacate the building by June 5 after they were given a 30-day notice to vacate.
He also said the only access the leasing tenant will have is to remove property from the building and will be supervised.
The property has been padlocked by the Fire Department because of its unsafe condition, Miotke said. He also told the council that because litigation is possible, a meeting will be set to discuss the arena’s future.
Taylor Sportsplex, eight miles away, has allowed the center to operate from its AT&T Arena for hockey practices and games.
The closing caused the postponement of the Garden Bros. Circus which was scheduled to perform at the arena May 12 and 13. Tickets were honored for future shows in Michigan and a Facebook post by the circus company said a future show may be set for June.
The company apologized for any inconvenience the postponement caused to families and said it will still make a donation to the Dearborn Heights Montessori Center.
“A percent of our ticket sales goes to a children’s non-profit,” the post read. “We are still going to make a donation. Our show donation is going to help fund a summer program for children.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)