Detroit Riverfront Promenade

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Detroit Riverfront Promenade DETROIT RIVERFRONT PROMENADE The Detroit River from Beaubien Street to Grand Boulevard Detroit, Michigan Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website Thanks to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for two of our photos below. The Department of Environmental quality (DEQ) collaborated with the city of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to improve public access to the Detroit Riverfront, build Michigan’s first urban state park, connect downtown destinations, and facilitate growing riverfront greenspace and development. SITE CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY 3.5 miles, linked it with other non-motorized trails, and The Detroit River has always connected the city to the added greenspace. More expansion is expected (see world by water, first as a trade route and later for links below). The DNR built the state’s first urban state shipping the raw materials and finished products that park on the riverfront, followed by an Outdoor Adventure fueled Detroit industry. Once crowded with factories and Center. Orleans Landing, a residential development, was warehouses, by the early 2000s much of the industrial built on an adjacent brownfield site with the help of a riverfront was abandoned and no longer served either DEQ brownfield grant. industry or downtown businesses. The riverfront sea wall was deteriorating and parking lots blocked the few public FUNDING AND INCENTIVES walkways on the river. Detroit’s renaissance would be $6,200,000 DEQ Waterfront Grant incomplete without improving the downtown riverfront for $1,753,160 DEQ Clean Michigan Initiative funding for cement silo demolition public access and events. $7,845,000 local match REDEVELOPMENT $1,000,000 DEQ grant for storm water runoff Unprecedented state and local collaboration turned the Detroit riverfront into a destination. The city planned to OUTCOMES link popular destinations such as Cobo Center, the DEQ grant for a 3,000-foot river walk was a catalyst for continued public and private riverfront Dequindre Cut Greenway, the Veterans Memorial, and redevelopment Hart Plaza with a 3,000-foot Riverfront Promenade. It 3,000,000 people a year now visit the formerly would need to demolish vacant industrial sites, relocate blighted riverfront cement silos, and redevelop vacant riverfront property. Programming from the Tall Ships Festival to The DEQ awarded the city a Waterfront Redevelopment moonlight yoga make the Riverfront Promenade a Grant to demolish crumbling infrastructure and build a destination for residents, families, visitors, and pedestrian walkway with railings, lighting, landscaping, downtown workers and street furniture. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The city’s riverfront vision is still growing more than 10 More riverfront development plans years after the DEQ grant. The nonprofit Detroit East Riverfront plans unveiled Riverfront Conservancy has expanded the Promenade to 517-284-5113 www.michigan.gov/deqbrownfields February 2017 #mibrownfields .
Recommended publications
  • Event Application the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Inc., Is A
    Event Application The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Inc., is a non-profit organization that operates and maintains the RiverWalk, along with its associated green spaces, and the Dequindre Cut (collectively, the ”RiverWalk”). As the steward of the RiverWalk on behalf of the City of Detroit, the private property owners on whose land portions of the RiverWalk are located, and the public patrons of the RiverWalk, the Conservancy’s approval of organized events and the scheduling and location of such events is required. These approval procedures are designed to facilitate organized activities while also protecting and promoting the use of the RiverWalk by the public and respecting the interests of the owners of privately owned portions of the RiverWalk. Each year, dozens of walks and runs, charitable functions and special events are hosted on the RiverWalk by organizations from throughout Metro Detroit and the State of Michigan pursuant to these procedures. If your group desires to hold an organized event on the RiverWalk, you must first submit an Event Application in the form attached. The Conservancy reserves the right to require recognition as a major sponsor in all materials produced for the event and to require information about the Conservancy to be included in registration packets for the event. Failure to name the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy as a sponsor will result in a forfeiture of security deposit. Upon approval of your event, the required fees and security deposit, a certificate of insurance and indemnity agreement are required within 30 days (see attached) in order to secure your date. The approval procedures also apply to leafleting, petitioning, solicitation and demonstrating except as provided in the Conservancy's Policy and Rules Regarding Leafleting, Petitioning, Solicitation and Demonstrating.
    [Show full text]
  • Nonmotorized Plan for Southeast Michigan: a Plan for SEMCOG and MDOT's Southeast Michigan Regions
    October 2014 Nonmotorized Plan for Southeast Michigan: A Plan for SEMCOG and MDOT's Southeast Michigan Regions . Developing Regional Solutions Mission SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, is the only organization in Southeast Michigan that brings together all governments to develop regional solutions for both now and in the future. SEMCOG: • Promotes informed decision making to improve Southeast Michigan and its local governments by providing insightful data analysis and direct assistance to member governments; • Promotes the efficient use of tax dollars for infrastructure investment and governmental effectiveness; • Develops regional solutions that go beyond the boundaries of individual local governments; and • Advocates on behalf of Southeast Michigan in Lansing and Washington Mission Providing the highest quality integrated transportation services for economic benefit and improved quality of life. Nonmotorized Plan for Southeast Michigan: A Plan for SEMCOG and MDOT's Southeast Michigan Regions SEMCOG 2014 Abstract The Nonmotorized Plan for Southeast Michigan ties all the components of the region’s nonmotorized system together into an identified system and benchmarks the nonmotorized system that we have, identifies deficiencies, visions where we want to go, and provides strategies and actions on how to get there. Preparation of this document was financed in part through grants from and in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with the assistance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning; and local membership contributions. Permission is granted to cite portions of this publication, with proper attribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Flower Gardens in BLOOM Biking the Riverwalk
    THE DETROIT RIVER aloNG THE RIVERWALK RIVARD PLAZA BIKING THE RIVERWALK WEST VILLAGE NEIGHborHOOD FLOWER GARDENS IN BLOOM The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by a group of dedicated civic, corporate and community leaders who had the vision of what an accessible riverfront could become — bridge to bridge, spanning 5.5 miles from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park just east of the MacArthur Bridge to DETROIT Belle Isle. The Conservancy’s mission is to develop RIVERFRONT the public space of Detroit’s riverfront and serve as an anchor for economic development – all while working collaboratively to create more thriving, THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT WHAT TO SEE THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT walkable and connected communities within CONSERVANCY Detroit. Please consider making a donation to WHAT TO help ensure the Detroit riverfront continues to be Welcome to the Detroit riverfront. Detroit is older If you look across the water, you will see Windsor, Joe Louis Arena Home of the 11-time Stanley Cup - Riverwalk Café The Riverwalk Café offers diverse Eastern Market The largest open-air wholesale/ The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is a non-profit a beautiful place for all. than Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland and every other Canada. Detroit is the only American city with Champions, the Detroit Red Wings, Joe Louis Arena menus at two locations; Rivard Plaza and Gabriel retail market of its kind in the United States, Eastern organization founded in 2003 by a group of deter- SEE + DO Midwestern city. Detroit is 75 years older than the another country just five minutes away by bridge proudly stands on the banks of the Detroit River with Richard Park.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Era of Growth and Sustainability Will Define the Future of the Detroit Riverfront
    Issue 3 • Winter 2017 A NEW ERA OF GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY WILL DEFINE THE FUTURE OF THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT he New Year brings a MacArthur Bridge to Gabriel Richard making an wave of change for the Park for a total of 5.5 miles along increased gift Detroit RiverFront the riverfront. Along that stretch are by joining us Conservancy. In February, beautiful, safe public spaces that exist at a new level we will choose a finalist because of your support. In order to that will allow Tfrom four competing firms to create achieve ambitious stewardship goals, the Conservancy to continue serving a vision for West Riverfront Park. This we are rolling out a new series of generations of Detroiters. spring, we break ground on Atwater unique experiences and special We are incredibly grateful for the past Beach, a great family space that will benefits to thank and engage our and future support of our community move us closer to completing our work most generous supporters in the that makes the work we do possible. on the East Riverfront. Ultimately, we great work the Conservancy is doing will become the cornerstone of a bold for our community. See you in the New Year. vision to connect neighborhoods Every year, the Conservancy maintains Matt Cullen and resources through greenway the pristine beauty and safety of the Chairman of the Board connections across the city and state. riverfront. To do that, we need our Our footprint will take us from community to invest in us. In the spirit the Ambassador Bridge past the of the holidays, I ask you to consider
    [Show full text]
  • Dequindre Cut
    Michigan Municipal League Dequindre Cut Better Communities. Better Michigan. PROJECT DETAILS: NAME: Dequindre Cut DATE: 2009–Present LOCATION: Detroit, Michigan CATEGORIES: Dequindre Cut Live, Work, Play Built Environment PROJECT SCOPE: THE GIST: The Dequindre Cut Greenway The Challenge: is a 1.35-mile intown recre- How can we make an abandoned rail corridor a lively greenway? ational path developed through a public, nonprofit, and pri- Overview: vate partnership that offers a Formerly a Grand Trunk Western Railroad line, the Dequindre Cut is a pedestrian link between the below-streetlevel path that runs parallel to St. Aubin Street just north of Detroit Riverfront, Eastern the Detroit Riverfront. The first completed section of the Dequindre Cut is Market, and many residential between Woodbridge Street and Gratiot Avenue. The greenway features a neighborhoods. Originally, the 20-foot-wide paved pathway, which includes separate lanes for pedestrian abandoned rail corridor had and bicycle traffic, and proposed light rail. The path became a huge success become an underground hotspot story for the city. Naysayers claimed it wouldn’t be safe and no one would for illegal activity including use it, but people started using it before it was even finished. Today, the graffiti art. Eventually, this urban corridor is actively used by residents and visitors alike. project was able to turn that art into a public asset. Accomplishments: Encouraged thousands of residents and visitors to get outside and exercise. A recent study, Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physical Activity Using Bike/Pedestrian Trails, concludes that for every $1 spent on trails, nearly $3 of public health costs are avoided.
    [Show full text]
  • Revanchist Responses to Graffiti in Detroit
    148 Write in Duggan for Mayor, but not on City Walls: Revanchist Responses to Graffiti in Detroit Kirsten Walters Carleton College Kirsten Walters is a senior studying Political Science at Carleton College. Her research interests lie in American Politics, particularly in social policies and state and urban politics. After graduating, Kirsten plans to continue studying these topics by pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science. She would like to thank Professor Richard Keiser for his continued support and guidance in shaping this project. Abstract What similarities do zero-tolerance graffiti management policies share with aestheticization efforts that co-opt graffiti artists into creating sanctioned murals? Existing literature views the former category of policies as revanchist, aiming to retake the city from those considered to be undesirable. In contrast, it regards the latter category as policies that catalyze gentrification through place- marketing. I posit that in cities with high degrees of fear about crime and the safety of investments, the goals of these policies can overlap. Specifically, using the case study of Detroit, I hypothesize that while these policies erase graffiti in different manners, they share the same aim: retaking Detroit from “undesirable elements” to attract middle-class residents and encourage urban revitalization. To support my hypothesis, I conduct a case study of Detroit’s graffiti management policies under Mayor Mike Duggan. I find that government officials and local newspapers frame zero-tolerance policies and beautification efforts in the same way. Specifically, they use these policies to reassure potential investors and middle-class residents that Detroit is safe. Keywords: graffiti, street art, moral geography, revanchist city During Mike Duggan’s 2013 campaign to become the Mayor of Detroit, a grassroots effort aimed to draw attention to his write-in candidacy by placing tags around Detroit that read “Write in Duggan for Mayor” (Ikonomova, 2017).
    [Show full text]
  • Ever Green: an Enduring System of Parks and Greenways in Detroit, 2012
    EVER GREEN: An Enduring System of Parks and Greenways in Detroit Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning Urban + Regional Planning Program University of Michigan, Ann Arbor April 2012 Cover Images Top Left: Dequindre Cut http://www.detroitriverfront.org/dequindre/ Top Right: Maheras Gentry Park http://detroit1701.org/Maheras%20Park.html Bottom Left: Clark Park Youth Ice Hockey http://detroithockeynews.blogspot.com/ Bottom Right: YMCA/Detroit Leadership Academy http://hypnoticbuzz.com/children-new-playground/85136/ EVER GREEN: An Enduring System of Parks and Greenways in Detroit Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning Urban + Regional Planning Program University of Michigan, Ann Arbor April 2012 Eric Dennis Isaac Gilman Ting Ma Amanda Peterson Brent Schleck Stephanie Simon Michael Vos Acknowledgements Acknowledgements We want to thank the following individuals for contributing their time and expertise to this plan: • Brad Dick, Director, General Services, City of Detroit • Tim Karl, Chief of Landscape Architecture, General Services, City of Detroit • Khalil Ligon, Project Director, Lower Eastside Action Plan • Alicia Minter, Director, Recreation Department, City of Detroit • Joe Rashid, Coordinator, Detroit Parks Coalition • Rebecca Salminin-Witt, Director, The Greening of Detroit • Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance • Tom Woiwode, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan We thank the Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative for funding the publication of this plan. We thank other city staff and organization leaders who provided insight through interviews. We also want to thank the faculty advisors, instructors Margaret Dewar and Libby Levy, for providing guidance and support throughout the creation of this plan and for their continued dedication to the University of Michigan’s Urban and Regional Planning Program and the City of Detroit.
    [Show full text]
  • Mid-Century Modern Apartments on Lafayette
    GREEN LIVING Lots of green space to run UNIT AMENITIES ANNOUNCING THE NEWLY-RESTORED around, have a barbeque and enjoy the view! Our apartment home amenities will make you BIKE CULTURE With quick access to local bike feel right at home every lanes, you can pedal to your destination. time, featuring: • Air Conditioning PET FRIENDLY Your best friend is welcome • Original Hardwood Floors and even has a dedicated outside play area. • Generous Closets • Balconies or Patios WALK TO DOWNTOWN Only a short stroll to your • Hi-Speed 1GB Internet favorite dining and entertainment venues. • Individual Thermostat • Window treatments • Updated Light & New stainless steel kitchen appliances Plumbing Fixtures & modern cabinetry. • Spacious Living FT2 & Dining Rooms 1BD / 1BA, 650 • Foyer Entry & Coat Closet • Video Intercom • Kitchen with Brand Name Appliances • Updated Full Bathroom • Linen Closet • Large Picture Brand new modern Windows bathrooms with • Plenty of stylish fixtures & plentiful storage. Natural Light COMMUNITY AMENITIES 2BD / 1BA, 900FT2 At Central Park Apartments, we offer a variety of community amenities featuring the following: CONTACT CENTRAL PARK • Gated & Covered • On-Site Resident Visit our welcome center to schedule a tour of our Parking Manager renovated models or locate additional information • Hi-Speed 1GB Internet • 24 Hour Emergency about an apartment home. • Private Entrances Maintenance Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday by Appointment • Laundry Facilities • Professional MID-CENTURY MODERN APARTMENTS Snow Removal 621 Orleans Street #49 - Detroit, MI 48207 • Online Payment & Resident Services 313-567-2298 [email protected] ON LAFAYETTE PARK, DETROIT • Private Pet Play Area www.centralparkdetroit.com www.centralparkdetroit.com Come home to an apartment home that is a short walk or bike ride to the Central Business District, Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market, Riverfront and all major LIVE IN A UNIQUE, SPACIOUS MID-CENTURY MODERN COMMUNITY..
    [Show full text]
  • The Legacy of Bicycles in Detroit Michigan: a Look at Greenways Through Time Todd Scott Detroit Greenways Coalition Todd@Detroit
    The Legacy of Bicycles in Detroit Michigan: A look at greenways through time Todd Scott Detroit Greenways Coalition [email protected] Gwen Gell Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan [email protected] Greenways are constantly evolving and changing infrastructure. Greenways are trails accessible to non-motorized forms of movement which provide ecological, transportation, and connective functions within an urban area. For the purposes of this piece, the term “greenways” also includes bicycle infrastructure on roadways. As a city’s land uses change, new administrations come into power, and the economy fluctuates, greenways and bicycle routes shift. This brief report highlights the change in greenways overtime in an effort to illustrate the story of non- motorized transportation in the City of Detroit. Detroit’s topography is favorable to bicycles. The expansive flat land makes for a pleasant experience biking thought the city. While there has been an increase in ridership and bicycle infrastructure in recent years, the known legacy of bicycles began prior to the automobile and contributed to the development of the Motor City. Timeline Pre-1700 Established Native American networksi throughoutii the regioniii were the first greenways in Southeast Michigan. Early surveyors map the trails created and used by the Anishinaabe, Wyandot, Iroquois, Fox, Miami, and Sauk tribesiv. The present-day grid patterns of the region follow these original Native American pathways. 1701 Cadillac establishes Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit - this is considered the ‘founding’ of the modern City of Detroit 1851 The first velocipede is for sale in Detroit 1868 On December 18th, on Jefferson Avenue, the Detroit Journal reports the first velocipede ride in Detroit.
    [Show full text]
  • 2008 Trail Directory 9.Pdf
    Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance PO Box 27187 1213 Center St Ste D Lansing MI 48909 (517) 485-6022 Connecting Michigan’s Trails and Greenways www.michigantrails .org MichiganMichigan TrailTrail MapMap && DirectoryDirectory Legend: Detroit Place Name Copyright 2008 Michigan Trails and Greenways ID NAME OF TRAIL MILES SURFACE INFORMATION CONTACT PHONE SnowmobileHorse ORV Notes ENDPOINTS WEBSITE Open Multi-Use Trails UPPER PENINSULA Alliance 41 KEWEENAW 1 State Line Trail 102 unimproved MDNR Forest Management Division (906) 353-6651 Wakefield, Stager www.michigantrails.org/map North County Trail Wayne County Name This map may not be copied or reproduced by any means, 2 Watersmeet/Land O’Lakes Trail 9 unimproved MDNR Forest Management Division (906) 353-6651 Land O’Lakes, Watersmeet www.michigantrails.org/map or in any manner without the written permission of Michigan Calumet 3 Bergland to Sidnaw Rail Trail 45 unimproved MDNR Forest Management Division (906) 353-6651 Bergland, Sidnaw www.michigantrails.org/map 5 14 Trail ID - See Trail Table Highways Trails and Greenways Alliance 4 Bill Nicholls Trail 40 unimproved MDNR Forest Management Division (906) 353-6651 Houghton, Adventure Mountain www.michigantrails.org/map Hancock 6 5 Hancock/Calumet Trail aka (Jack Stevens) 13.5 unimproved MDNR Forest Management Division (906) 353-6651 Hancock, Calumet www.michigantrails.org/map Boundary Between Adjacent Trails Other Primary Roads Should you find any inaccuracies or omissions on this map, Houghton we would appreciate hearing about them. Please
    [Show full text]
  • Bike Trail Guide
    Know before you go! Safety Tips: • Let the coach operator know you are loading/ Bike Trail unloading your bike Biking Tips: • Remove or secure water bottles, pumps or any All SMART Fixed Route buses are equipped loose items that might fall off Guide with easy-to-use bike racks. The cyclist is • Be sure to load and unload bikes toward responsible for all aspects of placing, securing the curb. and removing their bicycle. • When deboarding the bus, please remind the operator you are going to be removing your SMART is not responsible for loss or damage to bike from the rack personal property such as bikes, accessories and other equipment. • Avoid kneeling or squatting out of the operator’s line of sight Board your bike by following these three Additional Information: easy steps: • There is no additional fare for bikes 1. Pull handle up to release and lower rack • The rack will NOT accommodate tandems, 2. Place your bike on the rack tricycles, or most recumbents 3. Pull hook out and over tire • Each bus carries two bikes at a time on a first- come first-serve basis. Bikes are NOT allowed Deboard your bike by following these inside the bus at any time three easy steps: • Cyclists must be able to load and unload their 1. Upon exiting, inform the driver that you will be bikes without assistance removing your bike • The bus driver can assist with instructions 2. Remove bike • Bikes in the racks do not touch other bikes, the 3. Pull handle out to fold rack back to upright bus or other vehicles position.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners Thursday, July 11, 2019
    Minutes Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners Thursday, July 11, 2019 A regular meeting of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority’s Board of Commissioners was held on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakwoods Metropark. Commissioners Present: Robert W. Marans Jaye Quadrozzi Timothy J. McCarthy Bernard Parker John Paul Rea Steve Williams (arrived at 10:57am) Kurt Heise Staff Officers: Director Amy McMillan Chief of Finance Rebecca Franchock Other Attendees: Miller Canfield Steve Mann Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Mark Wallace, Matt Cullen City of Novi Victor Cardenas Absent: Deputy Director David Kirbach 1. Call to Order Chairman Marans called the meeting to order at 10:33 a.m. 2. Chairman’s Statement Commissioner Marans thanked Commissioner McCarthy for his two years serving as Chair during a tumultuous time at the Metroparks. 3. Public Participation None. 4. Approval – June 13, 2019 Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Quadrozzi, support from Commissioner Rea that the Board of Commissioners’ approve the June 13, 2019 Work Session, Regular meeting and Closed Session minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Approval – July 11, 2019 Full Agenda Motion by Commissioner McCarthy, support from Commissioner Quadrozzi that the Board of Commissioners approve the July 11, 2019 agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Approval – July 11, 2019 Consent Agenda Motion by Commissioner Rea, support from Commissioner Heise that the Board of Commissioners approve the July 11, 2019 consent agenda as presented. a. Approval – June 2019 Financial Statements b. Approval – June 2019 Appropriation Adjustments c. Report – Marketing Update d. Report – Monthly Capital Project Fund Update e.
    [Show full text]