Infrastructure and Planning

I-375

At the close of 2023, the DDP received a grant from the Kresge Foundation to be a balanced voice and contribute our resources to make the most of the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project by revisiting the project’s design, community engagement, and mitigation. 

Revisioning I-375 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance Downtown and offer new opportunities for our community by creating a contiguous, activated space. The I-375 project has the potential to reconnect and reinvigorate Detroit. DDP is committed to convening stakeholders and working with the City of Detroit and MDOT to see that vision through. 

Through our engagement, the DDP can bring together business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a plan that is walkable, connected, and sensitive to the project’s reparative, historical, social, economic, equity, and mobility aspects. 

I-75 Cap

The Kresge Foundation also awarded DDP a grant to oversee a Vision and Alternatives Analysis to support the I-75 Overbuild Project in Downtown Detroit. The project will explore freeway-capping options between Cass Avenue and Brush Street within the MDOT-owned I-75 right-of-way. Multiple alternatives for the cap or partial cap, including a no-build option, will be explored before the selection of a Preferred Alternative using criteria as developed by MDOT, the City of Detroit, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership. A robust and meaningful community engagement process will inform the vision and identification of a preferred alternative for the project.

Washington Boulevard Promenade

A full renovation of the Washington Boulevard promenade from Park Avenue to Michigan Avenue was completed in late 2023. The $1.3-million project was funded by the Detroit Downtown Development Authority. DDP oversaw project construction and management. The plan was initiated by Bedrock and incorporated feedback from Washington Boulevard stakeholders. The project respects the historic character of the neighborhood while creating a connected north-south walkable path with native plantings and landscaping. 

Recycling Grant

With support from a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recycling grant, DDP continued to promote recycling within Downtown park spaces and during major events. Strategic placement of temporary recycling bins during summer programming and major events is allowing DDP to evaluate a long-term vision for permanent recycling within the Downtown. Additionally, DDP added two new vehicles to support recycling collection. 

Infrastructure Grant

DDP was awarded $2 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund to support pedestrian infrastructure. The funds supported improvements to ensure safety and accessibility in advance of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and future events in Downtown Detroit. During the Grand Prix event weekend, the pedestrian infrastructure supported over 130,000 visitors across five bridges. The placement of the pedestrian bridges created a safer, more interactive environment for visitors in Downtown. 

Digital Information Kiosks

The City of Detroit selected the DDP to install and operate a city-wide Digital Information Kiosk system. The second phase of the digital kiosks was implemented in 2023, bringing a total of 28 units installed across the city. An additional two kiosks are slated for construction in early 2024. The kiosks offers patrons information about Downtown and other Detroit neighborhoods, from nearby restaurants and shops, to offices, community events, social services, an emergency call button, and more. 

Supplemental Lighting

DDP continues to build on the success of the winter lighting program with additional attractions and décor across the Downtown, including DDP’s Parks and Public Spaces. In spring of 2023, DDP, with support from the BIZ, restored the pedestrian light wands along the medians on Broadway. This project enhances the streetscape with programmable lighting throughout the year and continues to create connected corridors within the Downtown. 

The Detroit Sign

In 2023, the Detroit sign traveled to two neighborhoods. The sign first landed at Marygrove Conservancy at the end of 2022 for their Light Up Marygrove holiday event highlighting small businesses, where it illuminated the campus until February of 2023. It also made its way to the Jefferson/Chalmers neighborhood for the grand opening of Detroit Souls second location. The Detroit Sign also made short stops at Campus Martius Park and Eastern Market for DDP’s Annual Detroit Aglow. Funded in part by the DTE Foundation, this sign was designed and fabricated locally.