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New Center Council
has completed TEA-21 (Transportation Enhancement Act for the 21st
century) Enhancement Projects for both the Woodward Gateway and
New Amsterdam (TechTown) Districts. TEA-21 grants are awarded
competitively by the Michigan Department of Transportation using federal
funds. The funds are intended to enhance the aesthetic quality of
transportation facilities, from historic train stations to roads. Both
projects involved the installation of decorative sidewalk pavement,
pedestrian lighting, street trees, and street furnishings such as trash
receptacles and benches. New Center Council (NCC) initiated and oversaw
the preparation, submission, and completion of both streetscape
projects.
Please review the
PDF for details regarding the
enhancements and design elements chosen for each district.
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Woodward Gateway Improvements |
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The Woodward Gateway
streetscape improvements were installed along the three blocks of
Woodward directly south of Grand Boulevard. The State of Michigan grant
of $817,425 will be matched by $769,965 from the City of Detroit for a
total project cost of $1,587,390.
 The
Woodward Gateway streetscape improvements, which included the demolition
of the deteriorated sidewalk canopy along Woodward, allowed property
owners to invest in facade restoration and property rehabilitation
projects, since the permanent sidewalk canopy was preventing access to
the front facades for repairs. Since this public improvement project
was installed, retailers in this shopping district have noticed an
increase in visibility, more foot traffic, and most importantly, a
noticeable increase in retail sales
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New Amsterdam Streetscape Improvements |
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 The
New Amsterdam streetscape improvements were installed along
Cass Avenue from the
Train Viaduct to the I-94 Service Drive and along
Amsterdam Avenue
between Second and Woodward, as well as
Burroughs Avenue
between Cass and Woodward Avenues. The State of Michigan Grant of
$707,683 was matched by the City of Detroit’s $1,409,593 to realize a
$2,117,276 investment.
The New Amsterdam
streetscape project transformed this area from its former industrial use
to a warmer, more inviting neighborhood with pedestrian appeal. The
improvements targeted new mixed-used developments in the New Amsterdam (TechTown)
District, such as the Graphic Arts and New Amsterdam Lofts (a $14
million residential loft development, completed), Wayne State
University’s TechTown (Phase 1, TechOne opened April 2004), and the
State of Michigan’s NextEnergy (completed in 2005). These new mixed-use
developments, and the overall success of the New Amsterdam (TechTown)
District, would not be possible without the enhancements provided for
under this grant.
Please review the
PDF for details regarding the
enhancements and design elements chosen for each district.
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