As the
revitalization of the Woodward Gateway Shopping District (located on
Woodward Avenue between Grand Boulevard and Baltimore) gained
significant momentum through the installation of a new streetscape and
several successful façade improvement projects, New Center Council began
to assess the increased parking needs of an improved retail district.
 As a result, New Center Council, Inc. developed a plan complete a variety of
infrastructure improvements to enhance the economic viability of
Detroit’s Historic New
Center. The infrastructure improvements are meant to further improve
the appearance of the area to encourage future investments, physically
connect two areas of economic stability (New Center and Wayne State
University) and encourage pedestrian/bicycling activity between these
areas.
The proposed infrastructure improvements under this plan
include sidewalk and street lighting work, repairs to rail viaducts to
increase pedestrian safety, introduction of bike lanes, and
construction of a municipal style parking lot.
The Woodward Gateway Parking & New Amsterdam (TechTown)
Streetscape Linkages Project has been designed to physically connect,
and build off of, other infrastructure improvement projects in and
around New
Center (Map).
The infrastructure improvements made through the Project will:
-
 Streetscapes:
Complete sidewalk and street lighting work, including the
installation of new landscaping, historic lighting, new pavers, bike
racks, benches and trash receptacles. The Project has been designed
to connect the recently installed TEA 21 Streetscape Enhancements
installed along Woodward Avenue to the enhancements completed in New
Center’s New Amsterdam (TechTown) area. Specifically, improvements
under this program will be installed on the following streets:
a. Baltimore Avenue:
Between Second and John R
b. Burroughs Avenue:
Between Cass and Woodward
c. Amsterdam Avenue:
Between Second and Cass
d. York
Street: Between Second and Cass
-
Median Restoration: Repair and landscape deteriorating Second
Avenue median between 1-94 and the rail viaduct.
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Railroad Viaduct: Renovate the railroad viaducts at Second, Cass,
and Woodward Avenues to allow for safe, well-lit pedestrian accesses
between New Center’s central business district and TechTown/Wayne
State University.
-
Municipal Style Parking Lot: Construct a 122 space retail parking
lot to be owned and managed by New Center Council for the benefit of
Woodward retail businesses. With minimal street parking available
for retailers, the Woodward retail district continues to struggle
with marginal tenants and multiple vacancies. The availability of a
municipal style parking lot will advance retail and residential
investment opportunities in the area, reducing vacancy rates while
providing an amenity to attract quality retail tenants. The lot
will feature a wrought iron gate, rich landscaping, an automated or
manned collection system, and a security system.
-
 Bike
Lanes: Provide bike lanes on Cass Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue to
connect to other non-motorized transportation projects near New
Center, including the Midtown Loop, Hamtramck Trails, and the
planned future phase of the Dequinder Cut Trail (which feeds into
Eastern Market and the Detroit River Walk).
Click here to download a PDF containing the
following:
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Proposed TechTown Streetscape Linkages Project Map
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Connections to Other Non-Motorized Transportation Projects Map
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Photos of Proposed Streetscape Enhancements
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Site Plan for Woodward Retail Municipal Style Parking Lot
Site Plan: Woodward
Gateway Parking
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