Here are a few of the stories we've been reading this week.
NFL Draft prep ramps up
We're getting closer to hundreds of thousands of people visiting Detroit for the NFL Draft (April 25-27). Most of the festivities will take place downtown from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza, although other public spaces like Beacon Park, Capitol Park, and the Corner Ballpark will be activated as well. A draft theater will be set up at the Monroe Park Midway. An app called One Pass will help visitors and fans with all event information. And expect to see storefronts, parking lots, and streetscapes beautified the closer we get to the big day. Detroit Free Press, Crain's Detroit Business
Fisher Body Plant closer to construction
Outlier reports that work is starting to ramp up on the Fisher Body Plant, which will turn a long vacant manufacturing facility into hundreds of apartments in Milwaukee Junction. A photo on Reddit shows fencing and vehicles around the building. The massive project was announced in 2022 and it's taken a while for funding to get in place and work to start.
Main Street grants in North End and Southwest
Recently, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded Main Street grants throughout the state, including two in Detroit. The vibrancy grant for the Southwest Detroit Business Association will support a marketing campaign for more businesses in Mexicantown. In the North End, the grant will support a Light Up Main Street event this winter along East Grand Boulevard. Model D
