The riverfront between Hart Plaza and Belle Isle continues to become more connected, with the last leg of the Riverwalk east of Mt. Elliott Park coming soon. Dan Gilbert's Bedrock purchased property between Jos Campau and Mt. Elliott Park last year and now, they're working to activate that section.

Bedrock announced today plans to make improvements to areas along Atwater, Chene, and Jos Campau Streets, near the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre and Atwater Brewery, as well as create a new event lawn. Artwork curated by the Library Street Collective will be installed in these areas, as well as new planters, flowers, trees, benches, and lighting. 

Streetscaping and artwork include:

  • A new event lawn next to Atwater Brewery with planters and foliage. New lighting and planters will be placed along Jos Campau Street.  
  • A new boardwalk will connect Valade Park to Jos Campau with benches and RGB lighting.  
  • Bedrock's buildings (300 River Place, etc) will have new up-lighting to enhance the facades.
  • A new mural in memory of Gilda Snowden across the 5-story Atwater Brewery Parking Lot structure.
  • A light installation from Detroit artist Patrick Ethen and a 200-foot mural from artist Ellen Rutt along Atwater Street between Chene and Jos Campau.
  •  Illuminated structures from Darius Barber, with images of iconic Detroit musicians. 

A rendering of the murals on the side of the Stroh Parking Garage.Bedrock

“The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is incredibly proud of the work we’ve done with our partners to transform the Detroit Riverfront,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “The Detroit Riverfront has gone from a blighted, underused stretch of land to a vibrant, accessible, and engaging destination that welcomes more than three million people each year. We look forward to working with Bedrock to continue to transform the East Riverfront into a destination that both Detroiters and visitors alike can enjoy.”

The installations are expected to start this month and be completed in the spring of 2023.