The development is part of a larger vision for the area called the "Macomb Town Center," which is seeking to develop a downtown area in the primarily residential township. SSG president Tom Anastos proposed the facility, which could be expanded into three sheets of ice in the future, due to the township's rapid growth and high numbers of hockey and figure skating participation.

"We feel that it will be a nice fit for Macomb Township and the Macomb Town Center development," Anastos says. "The township's administration has been very supportive of the project and [understands] the long-term benefits this facility will bring."

Other Detroit-area arenas under SSG management include Suburban Training Center in Farmington Hills, Novi Ice Arena and the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena. SSG says it will begin operations of Suburban Ice of Macomb by August 2005. Architect Rossetti Associates of Southfield and builder Frank Rewold & Son of Rochester, will be working with SSG on the project.