Detroit is challenging expectations, meeting beliefs and soaring above dreams for the city. We first started the “Detroit Inspires Me” campaign a year and a half ago when this city was beginning a renaissance; businesses were returning to downtown, millennials were moving downtown and large-scale developments were just beginning to break ground.
Today Detroit continues to inspire us, with new parks, buildings and just-announced projects. Needless to say, this renaissance is just coming into full bloom, and we’re excited for all of it.
New Skyscrapers
Dan Gilbert’s planned construction on the former J.L. Hudson’s department store site will feature an 800-foot residential tower, a mixed-use retail and office space “block” and a public sky deck as well. The yet-unnamed building is slated for completion in 2022 and aims to be the tallest building in the State of Michigan upon completion. Dan Gilbert also has a new residential tower in the works, called “The Monroe Block.”
Several new Detroit hotels are in the works, everything from an adjacent Cobo Center hotel to a Shinola Hotel in Midtown.
Public Commons Expansion
Public areas have exploded in recent years with the opening of Beacon Park, Spirit of Detroit Plaza, New Center Park, RiverFront expansion and more. Detroiters now have more recreational opportunities than ever to spend time outside in city or state managed parks and plazas.
The mayor’s office also recently unveiled plans of a 26-mile bike path around Detroit, aptly named “The Joe Louis Greenway.”
These outdoor activities have us dreaming of warmer weather and biking around the city.
Updated Transportation
On Woodward? It’s an inspiring experience whether you’re walking it, biking it or riding it on the QLine.
The 12-stop QLine travels along Woodward connecting downtown Congress Street to New Center’s Grand Boulevard. The cable car was opened for riders during the summer of 2017, and it debuted as a cheap and efficient way to get around town.
The addition of MoGo Bikes was a welcome opportunity for Detroiters during the summer of 2017. With MoGo Bikes, riders can rent a bike at one location, ride to around the city, then return their bike to a different MoGo bike deposit. The transportation method brings a new meaning to “ride and go” bike sharing!
Entertainment Uprising
Between new arenas, restaurants and attractions, Detroit is only moving up.
The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons moved into the brand-new Little Caesars Arena in September, and it has been a record-breaking year for the stadium. The accompanied District Detroit is a growing area north of 1-75 on Woodward that houses LCA, mixed-use office and retail property and rumored soon-to-be residential units.
New restaurants like Grey Ghost, the London Chop House and the GMRENCEN’s soon-to-be top of the tower restaurant all have us excited to work and play downtown.
Now that’s inspiring. We can’t wait to see what the next few years brings to this city, and all those who love it.
