The Coliseum Racquetball Club in Westland, Michigan, wasn’t just a building; it was a landmark. For decades, this 44,000-square-foot facility hosted national racquetball tournaments and local leagues, becoming an iconic destination for athletes and the community alike. Built in two phases—the first in 1979 and the second in 1982—the Coliseum was purpose-designed as a racquetball hub.
But as the years passed, the building’s role in the community evolved. Part of it transitioned into a health club, while the rest sat vacant, awaiting its next chapter. When the owner asked me to list the property, I knew it wouldn’t be a simple transaction. There were several challenges–its specialized design, an existing tenant, and the seller’s unique requirements–which created a unique opportunity for us to prove just how much local expertise and determination can accomplish.
Here’s how we turned a beloved but underutilized property into a promising opportunity for the future.
The Coliseum wasn’t a standard commercial property listing. While it boasted a prime location on Ford Road, one of Westland’s busiest corridors, the property came with its fair share of challenges.
First, the building’s racquetball-focused design, while functional for its original purpose, wasn’t immediately adaptable to just any use. We would need to find a buyer with vision and the resources to take on the project.
The seller also had specific conditions that complicated the sale:
And finally, an existing tenant – The property’s tenant added a layer of complexity for potential buyers, who would need to factor the tenancy into their plans.
These conditions narrowed the pool of possible buyers significantly, but I knew that with the right approach, we could find someone who recognized the property’s value and potential. At The Thomas Duke Company, we specialize in overcoming challenges like these. This property gave us a stage to show how local expertise can make all the difference.
In commercial real estate, finding the right buyer often comes down to knowing the market—and I know the Westland area like the back of my hand. From city officials to local developers, I’ve built relationships that allow me to quickly identify an opportunity and connect it with people looking for exactly that opportunity. It’s matchmaking at its best.
Instead of relying solely on the property listing to attract interest, I took a proactive approach. Using our extensive database and local network, I reached out directly to potential buyers who might see the Coliseum’s promise.
Within just two weeks, we had multiple interested parties and began conducting property tours. During these tours, I focused on showing not just the building’s history, but also its future possibilities. The Coliseum wasn’t just a building; it was an opportunity to redevelop or adapt a site in one of Westland’s busiest and most visible locations.
Ultimately, we found a buyer who was the perfect fit. They understood the building’s challenges but also saw its potential. Most importantly, they were ready to work within the seller’s strict timeline, ensuring a smooth and speedy transaction.
In less than 30 days, the deal was closed. For the seller, it was a success story: the property sold quickly, meeting all their conditions without compromising on value. For the buyer, it was an exciting opportunity to acquire a landmark property with incredible potential for redevelopment or adaptive reuse.
But the impact of this sale goes beyond the immediate transaction. For the Westland community, this deal represents a new chapter for a property that has been a part of the city’s identity for decades. Whether the Coliseum is reimagined as a new type of community space or redeveloped for a different use, it holds the promise of once again playing a central role in the area’s growth and vitality.
The success of this transaction wasn’t just about finding a buyer—it was about finding the right buyer. That’s where our local expertise came into play. At The Thomas Duke Company, we don’t just work in real estate; we immerse ourselves in the communities we serve. We understand the nuances of the market, the needs of buyers and sellers, and the unique opportunities that each property presents.
For the Coliseum, this meant leveraging every tool at our disposal, from market insights to personal connections. It also meant working closely with the seller to understand their goals and working with potential buyers able to navigate the challenges. In the end, it was this hands-on, relationship-driven approach that made the difference.
The sale of the Coliseum Racquetball Club was a reminder of what’s possible when you combine market knowledge, persistence, and a commitment to finding the best outcome for everyone involved. This property had its challenges, but it was the kind of project that makes what we do so rewarding.If you’re considering selling a property, taking on a challenging listing, or exploring new investment opportunities, I’d love to help.
Feel free to reach out to me, Frank Rakipi, at frakipi@thomasduke.com or call 248-476-3700. Let’s talk about how we can create a plan that works for your goals and turns your challenges into opportunities.
