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Detroit Revitalization --
Major Projects Recently Completed
Tour Overview
Dozens of developments and
billions in investments are just the start.
It's the will and determination of residents, business leaders, and
civic leaders that have led to the completion of a number of major projects
in the city and paving the way to Detroit's revitalization.
Tour a few of these significant developments below!
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Renaissance Center
100 Renaissance Center
Opened in
1976 with the hopes of re-energizing Detroit's economy, the Renaissance Center, or "Ren-Cen", is again
at the forefront of Detroit's redevelopment efforts. General Motors moved its headquarters to
the Renaissance Center in 1996 and spearheaded extensive
renovations completed in early 2005.
The renovations not only modernized the facility but made it more
accessible and welcoming to the public from Jefferson Avenue.
The Ren-Cen and its 6 cylindrical towers previously offered mainly
office space and few public attractions.
Now, the building's interior treats visitors to a brilliant new Wintergarden
that provides views of the Detroit River, a suspended glass circulation ring
that helps improve pedestrian flow inside the building's maze-like interior, a
GM-sponsored showroom of historic vehicles, a first-run movie theater, a
1,298-room hotel located in the 73-story center tower, and several prominent
restaurants and retailers. The exterior of the facility was
also redeveloped. The Ren-Cen's
Riverfront Promenade is the first step and centerpiece of Detroit's overall Riverfront revitalization.
Riverfront
100
Renaissance Center
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The
dawn of a vibrant Riverfront is
one of the most exciting initiatives under way in Detroit today. The
City boasts nearly 14 miles of frontage along the fascinating Detroit River, three miles of which are the focus of massive
development investment. Early stages
of the revitalization are complete and open to the public, including the Renaissance Center's Riverfront
Promenade and Tri-Centennial State
Park. The East Riverfront (the stretch between
the Ren-Cen and Belle Isle) is slated for completion by late 2007 and
construction of the West Riverfront
is to take place shortly thereafter.
Plans for the three mile stretch include a continuous RiverWalk with green spaces complete with outdoor dining, children’s
playscapes, art fairs, fishing areas, and historical markers. You will also be treated to awe-inspiring
views of Belle Isle, Windsor, Canada and the
occasional ocean freighter!
Campus Martius Park & Compuware Office Center
Intersection
of Woodward
Avenue and Monroe Street
Website
A
fire devastated the city of Detroit in 1805, and the rebuilding process began in Campus Martius Park. The
intersection of Woodward Avenue
and Monroe was designated the city's "Point of Origin", from which
a new street grid was developed. With
the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument serving as a marker, the park became the center of a bustling
downtown area and a major gathering place for citizens. By the 1960s, Campus Martius was no longer
vibrant as the city rezoned the area to accommodate increased downtown
traffic and shifted the focal point of the city to Hart Plaza. But, after a long hiatus, Campus Martius Park is back with a whole new
look. In 1999, the city initiated
redevelopment of the park with the goal of creating the best public space in
the world. The first phase of this
project opened in late 2004 and includes sculptures, spectacular lighted fountains, a
seasonal ice skating rink, and two entertainment stages. The park is anchored by the new Compuware
office center which complete with a spectacular 16-story atrium, a waterfall,
and retail and dining amenities.
Grand Circus Park
Vicinity of Woodward Avenue and Park Avenue
Grand Circus Park has often been called a skyscrapter
graveyard. But Grand Circus Park is perhaps the best place to see Detroit's troubled past giving way to a
bright future. Such gems as the Kales Building (an Albert Kahn
design) sat vacant for 20 years. The building
has become an excellent example of adaptive reuse with its conversion into
lofts and commercial space in 2005.
With luck (and a few investors!), many more office buildings,
theatres, and other structures in the Grand Circus Park area will
experience the same rebirth.
Fortunately, the plethora of of entertainment options in this area make it a good bet
that the tranformation will continue. Grand Circus Park is perfectly situated within a
block or two of the Foxtown / Stadium District, Harmonie Park, and the Theatre
District. A number of
popular bars and restaurants are located in this area as well.
Foxtown / Stadium District
Vicinity of Woodward Avenue and Elizabeth Street
Anchored by
three major new developments -- Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the exquisitely
renovated Fox Theatre -- the Foxtown
/ Stadium District has become the entertainment hub of Detroit.
It is located along Woodward Avenue just north of Jefferson Avenue within walking distance of Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, the Theatre
District, and Greektown. Just north of this area is Brush Park, location of several major
residential developments and renovations.
Tour Map
Number of Destinations: 5
Overall Tour Time: 1/2 - 1 full
day
More
Information
Click on the links below for more information on other development
activities in the city of Detroit:
City of Detroit
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Downtown
Downtown
Detroit Partnership
Model D
Revitalization -- Projects on the Way
Riverfront
The World is Coming
Woodward Avenue Scenic Tours
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