Olympia Entertainment worked with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing to illustrate new District Detroit area with large-scale 3D printed models.

Although the city of Detroit was once globally renowned as an automotive industry pioneer in the early 20th century, massive economic decline has left the surrounding urban area downtrodden and deteriorating.

But Olympia Entertainment, the owner of professional sports teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, has some ambitious plans to revitalize the 50-block Downtown Detroit area.

In order to gain support and better showcase their vision for their District Detroit project, Olympia Entertainment and the architectural design firm Zoyes Creative Group have enlisted the help of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. The 3D printing service provider has created two large-scale 3D printed models that were featured in a multimedia demonstration for the project.

The first model showcases the proposed Little Caesars Arena, which will be both the centerpiece downtown area and the uture home of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. The second model that Stratasys helped create was a 3D printed replica of the entire 50-block district, which features an eclectic mix of six theaters and three multi-use sporting venues.

District Detroit is an Ambitious Project

Not only do these exceptionally detailed models act as a firsthand sales tool, they also provide developers with an attainable vision for this ambitious project. According to Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment, the 3D printed models helped them sell all of their suites in just 40 days.

In order to make these architectural renderings into printable models, Zoyes Creative Group was faced with the complex task of manipulating and rethinking the designs for 3D printing. To ensure these models were properly prepared to be 3D printed, the Stratasys Direct Manufacturing team checked and repaired potential issues in every file.

Though the architectural firm used their own Stratasys machines for the project, the 3D printing service provider assisted by printing and reviewing pieces in a fast and efficient manner. This eventually led to the creation of a highly detailed 3D printed model of the Little Caesars Arena, which even included the intricate light columns and over 20,000 miniaturized people seated throughout the stadium.

All in all, Stratasys’ involvement with The District Detroit project proves that even on a smaller scale, 3D printing technology can help us envision and work towards a brighter, more fruitful future.

Source: Stratasys Direct