Generations have passed since Detroit’s riverfront was last
considered a major year-round attraction for metro area residents. But
Motown resident Steve Foster, 38, sees a change coming.
“This
is my hood,” Foster says, leaning on a rail in front of the new
waterfront plaza, just outside General Motors headquarters. “I walk
around, go to the Renaissance Center, ride the People Mover.” His
lifestyle, he says, centers around the riverfront.
Foster, who lives in the area, has kept an eye on the gradual
reconstruction of the area being touted as the East Riverfront. Work
began two years ago on the stretch of waterfront property that, upon
completion, will extend from Joe Louis Arena to the MacArthur Bridge
linking Detroit to Belle Isle, and on to Gabriel Richard Park.
City of Detroit officials announced several years ago that a long
transformation would turn the former home of factories — like the
Uniroyal tire plant and Medusa cement company — into a haven for
lifestyle-driven activity by 2006.
“I love it,” Foster says. “I can’t wait to see it go all the way to Belle Isle.”
Without
question, his optimism is exactly what city officials are looking for
from residents and, eventually, visitors and tourists. In a city
plagued by an economic crisis, and with a sagging national economy, a
redeveloped riverfront could do wonders for general morale. It might
also attract more people like Foster who predicts, without being privy
to the city’s master plan, that Detroit’s waterfront will be comparable
to the city of New Orleans’ before Hurricane Katrina decimated the
town. He speaks of an expanse where children will enjoy clean
playgrounds, families and individuals will walk and exercise on a
riverfront promenade, and arts enthusiasts can attend concerts and
peruse outdoor exhibits.
Foster might consider himself a visionary, then, because all indicators suggest that it’s going to happen. At last.
Paddling With the Current
The Detroit Riverfront
Conservancy (DRFC), headed by President & CEO Faye Alexander
Nelson, is responsible for leading the public end of a public-private
partnership that will, once and for all, transform Detroit’s
waterfront. “Once-and-for-all” is an important qualification because,
since the industrial age, the Detroit River has catered to industry,
not individuals. One of America’s six international waterways, Motown
capitalized on its standing as a center of trade in the early 20th
century. As a result, the waterfront became a center for commerce, not
community.
Times
change. The need for trade is giving way to a public desire for fine
living. But years of failed plans have dashed public hope. It makes the
succeeding group effort of the DRFC, the City of Detroit, Wayne County
and the State of Michigan that much more obscure. But there is reason
for lifestyle enthusiasts to take notice. Building off of developments
like Harbortown, the UAW-GM Resource Center, Chene, Mt. Elliott and St.
Aubin parks and Stroh River Place, the entire riverfront area is being
transformed.
If the total project were characterized in seasons, the DRFC’s would
be now. The organization is spearheading the development of the East
Riverfront. Begun in 2005, it will feature the 3.5-mile Riverwalk, the
often-hyped bridge-to-bridge walkway that will serve as the public
foundation of the new waterfront. This is the place where citizens and
tourists will be able to bring those kids, rollerblades and picnic
baskets for sunny jaunts and workouts.
A
mix of new and old landmarks will dot the walkway. Fresh additions will
include the relocated Port Authority, and new parks Rivard Plaza and
Gabriel Richard. These will join established and/or traditional locales
like Hart Plaza, the General Motors promenade, Talon Center and the St.
Aubin marina. One of the most historic pieces to come, however, will be
Tri-Centennial State Park.
“This will be the first state park in Michigan to be located in an
urban area,” Nelson says of the agreement negotiated between the city
and the state. The State of Michigan will build the 31-acre park near
Belle Isle.
“It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to provide education and
entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. There will also
be a lot of environmental emphasis through programs.”
Asked whether the close proximity to Belle Isle will create a log
jam of public terrain, Nelson argues that the state will run
Tri-Centennial, taking the onus of responsibility away from Detroit. It
will, in effect, give Motown it’s own version of a Metro Park.
“The key word here is ‘transformational’,” Nelson adds.
“Being able to transform the river is a huge boost to the city. To
be able to enjoy boats, or bring the family to a place where activities
are planned, we haven’t had that for decades.”
Not all of the riverfront transformation is a public matter.
Acquiring access to privately-owned properties has impacted the rate of
development. Fortunately, such areas are now on the way to being out of
the way.
The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. is handling these deals. Two of
the three silos operated by Medusa, age-old eyesores to city residents,
are slated for removal next fall.
Cost
is among the most daunting aspects of making the riverfront
transformation happen. To date, just over half of the Conservancy’s
work is paid for. Most recently, the DRFC received $32 million in
funding as part of a $286.4 billion multi-year transportation bill. The
bill will provide more than a billion dollars in transportation
projects across the state, and will create 61,500 new jobs. Sens.
Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin were instrumental in getting the bill
passed. The award was announced in July.
The DRFC needs $140 million to complete the project. Nelson says the
remainder of the money is “in place.” In reality, it’s on the way. The
Kresge Foundation has awarded $50 million in grants. Another $83
million in committed funds is coming in, and a $57 million capital
campaign is expected to cover the rest of the costs.
As is often the case in a city as politically volatile as Detroit,
opinions vary on the priority being placed on the development of the
riverfront. Some say the city has bigger issues to tackle – like
education – and lacks the resources and resident support to keep up the
East Riverfront recreation areas.
Nelson disagrees with the notion. A developed Riverfront, she feels,
will impact the self-esteem of the city and provide a catalyst for
development that will extend into the area.
It’s the picture
window effect: Make the storefront look good, and attract the
customers. What develops next is a sense of place, a sense of pride,
and a new lifestyle.
Learn More:
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Tricentennial Park
Faye Nelson on the Riverwalk
Riverwalk
Fountains at the Ren Cen
Stroh River Place
Tri-Cenenntial Park
Up river toward Belle Isle
All photographs copyright Dave Krieger