A simple way to be involved in the city’s economic growth is to stay updated on what Detroit developments are underway, where they plan to be, and what exactly they plan to offer. Detroitisit has kept an eye on several popular Detroit developments in the past couple of years and is excited to see projects popping up that bring more action to all areas of the city, especially the ones that are often overlooked in potential. The future is in the community’s hands! 2023 is full of openings, from more affordable housing to increased hotels, hospital reinventions, retail spaces, and huge investments continuing on into 2024.
Detroitisit rounded up a refreshing list of new Detroit developments that are all about the business of retail as well as other commercial spaces that keep the locals top of mind. What’s happening? A lot is, just take a look around!
HAMTRAMCK DRIVE BIKE LANE IMPROVEMENTS PHOTO JOE LOUIS GREENWAY ON FACEBOOK
SOUTHWEST GREENWAY
Successful projects take time to fully implement, but the cool thing about some of these Detroit developments is you can physically watch the progress already being done! The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Michigan Central hosted a sneak peek event last November that showcased a completed portion of the new greenway and the progress being made at the Michigan Central development itself.
What to expect: The $8 million Southwest Greenway project is transforming a defunct railway into a non-motorized below-grade paved trail. The nearly one-mile-long greenway will provide a connection from Michigan Central in Corktown to Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park on the Detroit Riverfront, and ultimately to the 27.5-mile-long Joe Louis Greenway that is being completed in phases.
ENCLAVE
Starting off this list of commercial and retail developments in Detroit is just one of the many real estate projects focused on supporting economic growth in the area. Redevelopment in the West McNichols corridor will be anchored by a taproom from Ypsilanti’s 734 Brewing, which is reported to be Detroit’s sole Black-owned brewery location. According to the developer Chase Cantrell, we can expect the awaited opening from the partner Brian Jones-Chance this summer, along with a restaurant and retail space on the same property.
EASTERN MARKET
RENDERING OF EASTERN MARKET DEVELOPMENT UPDATES, PHOTO THE MOSAIC DETROIT
Nothing is solidified yet on what exact changes are happening in Detroit’s Eastern Market, but there are big active plans in the works for 2023! Eastern Market has experienced some closures of longtime businesses as well as a few openings over the few years, which has brought attention to the area’s room for improvement. Eastern Market has long sought zoning changes to implement a district that focuses on food production and prohibits industry. The rezoning is already official as of 2022, so keep watch in the continuing years as it becomes known as the hub for food production, distribution, and consumption for years to come.
What to expect: Several developments! From new restaurants to wholesale food expansion, projects are in the works, including a new 25,000-square-foot food hall, expansion of corned beef maker EW Grobbel’s operations, and renovation of a historic cold storage building into 55,000 square feet of office space, although the occupants are still uncertain.
COMMERCIAL DEMO AT LACHOY HEADQUARTERS, PHOTO DETROIT DEMOLITION DEPARTMENT ON FACEBOOK
JOE LOUIS GREENWAY CONTINUES THE EXTENSION
Detroit developments to watch in 2023 include a gradual continuation of transforming the Joe Louis Greenway even more than it already has in the past couple of years. You can see the steady progress on the 27.5-mile loop around the city and through Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn for pedestrians and cyclists. In October construction finished on the first new stretch of the greenway, a one-mile section from Joy Road to Warren Avenue on the west side. Stay tuned for this year’s planned extension of the Dequindre Cut and along Hamtramck Drive. However, this project will be in the works for a while
What to expect: Keep an eye on these extension plans, which include securing the last right-of-ways from property owners and finding the means to gather a ton of funds. The total cost of the project is projected to be $240 million, of which the city has raised $114 million.
RIVERWALK REACHES PROJECT END
Detroit developments in 2023 are persistent and pivotal. The revitalization of the riverfront promenade has its sights set on completion this year. This means finished construction on the last unconnected stretch of the east RiverWalk from downtown to Belle Isle, which first requires some redevelopment of the former Uniroyal site.
What to expect: Other projects and progress like the groundbreaking $75 million project happening on the west RiverWalk. The aim is to transform 22 acres west of downtown into the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park with a playground, water garden, and sports pavilion, which is expected to open in 2024. Learn more HERE.
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