DETROIT (AP) Chris Ilitch sounded like an excited tour guide.

He was showing off Little Caesars Arena, the new home of the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons and the gem of a 55-block development dubbed The District Detroit. The project has already cost $1.2 billion and has generated an economic impact within the state of more than $1.5 billion.

The Ilitch Holdings president and CEO is intent on delivering on his vision of making the Motor City vibrant enough to retain college graduates the state educates and to make it a go-to place to live, work and play.