Planning for the Strategic Redevelopment of Downtown Detroit, Michigan
Executive Summary
Since its founding in 1701, Downtown Detroit
has evolved from a major shipping port and
industrial mega-power, to a place of racial unrest
and economic troubles, to its present incarnation
as a gritty city looking for a comeback. At this
point, the main question for the downtown area
concerns how to revitalize this once glorious city
into a major hub of entertainment, retail, office
and residential for residents and visitors alike.
Our goal for the city was to create an oasis of
walkable urbanity that would be a destination
place for visitors and a safe, clean and attractive
city for residents.
This study begins with a summary of Detroit’s
history. In our historical review, we concentrated
on information that pertained to the downtown’s
layout and character and could help inform future
redevelopment. Additionally, an inventory of the
historic buildings, public spaces, and known sites
of environmental concern was conducted to get
an accurate snapshot of some of the key features
of the study area.
Working closely with the Brookings Institution
Metropolitan Policy Program Urban Markets
Initiative and the Social Compact, we conducted
an in-depth market analysis. The market
analysis included a review and revision of the
widely available demographic information. Using
alternative data sources to the census, we found
that the current downtown population is higher
than previously thought and the earning potential,
aggregate income, and disposable income are
all higher than previously anticipated.
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Austin, Jennifer
Bailey, Elizabeth
Drake, Kelly
Duggan, Kerry
Houlan Therese
McCallion, P. Jeremy
Schuh, Elizabeth