Spring is here and we should start seeing a lot happening to the built landscape in Detroit over the next few months. Here are five stories to watch, leading up to one of the biggest reveals in Detroit history.
The 2024 NFL Draft
While not a development story per se, the city is in full spruce up mode to get ready for the influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors for the NFL Draft, April 25-27. Soon, we'll see the Dodge Fountain flowing again in Hart Plaza, parking lots looking a little nicer with planters and benches, and new murals in the People Mover stations. Hotels are pretty much sold out downtown, and a new express bus has started to and from the airport. This event is a huge undertaking for the city, and hopefully the visitors, and the nation, take away a good impression.
Future of Health
The massive development around Henry Ford Hospital and New Center should break ground soon. In addition to a new hospital tower, a new research facility will be built, and residential will be added with new builds and adaptive reuse. The entire project will roll out in phases over the next few years. It will change the landscape of these neighborhoods, adding density to the center of the city.
Little Village
Quietly on Detroit's east side, a new development has been taking shape as a new cultural district. Little Village will see the redevelopment of the Good Shepherd Church into an art gallery, a new bed and breakfast in the rectory. a skatepark and community outdoor space, and commercial space across two homes now connected. It's led by Library Street Collective and Anthony and JJ Curis, and will infuse new life into East Village.
Hotel Water Square
Earlier this year, we saw the opening of the Residences at Water Square, bringing nearly 500 new apartments to the Riverfront. Next up is the neighboring hotel right next to Huntington Place. As we're seeing with the draft, we're in desperate need for more hotel rooms in the downtown core in order to draw bigger events to the city. But not only is the hotel coming; Second Avenue will be extended to the Riverfront and more outdoor space for residents and visitors will be available, bringing greater connections to a part of downtown that's been fairly disconnected over the years.
Michigan Central
On June 6, we'll finally see the results of the hard work to restore Michigan Central. Ford has been working on the redevelopment for six years, and soon the long-vacant station, often seen as a symbol of decay in the city, will be filled with life again. The neighboring Book Depository has turned into Newlab, and Roosevelt Park in front of the station has been redesigned to be more inviting. Expect additional openings and developments kicking off around the area.
