The roots of the historic district of Greektown in downtown Detroit reach back to the 1830’s. This vision plan reimagines a new neighborhood center that comfortably accommodates a mix of uses.
Originally settled as a residential neighborhood by the Greek immigrant community centered around a church, restaurants, coffeehouses and shops, over time the district evolved into a more commercial center. As a result, the residential population dwindled and about half of the neighborhood’s 50 acres were given over to surface parking and vacant lots. While locals and tourists still visited the neighborhood for dining and nightlife, its authentic Greek identity waned significantly. The Neighborhood Vision Plan seeks to return Greektown into a vibrant mixed-use district that honors it heritage, with a rhythm of cultural, commercial and residential uses linked by a focus on street life. The plan identifies four potential public spaces to recenter activity: a triangular plaza at Monroe and Randolph streets that could be the “gateway” to Greektown, an area called Clinton Park near Gratiot Avenue, a park on the south side at Saint Antoine Street, and a pocket park off of Beaubien Street. These centers, along with complete streetscapes with signage, catenary lighting, seating, and trees, enable a framework for highly programmable opportunities. Vacant corner lots are activated by sports courts, fountains, lawns/parks, and playgrounds, which are more intimate in scale, and appropriate to community-building. These interactive spaces are also intended for a wide range of markets, concerts, fitness, and pop-ups.
”Built from the feedback of its many stakeholders, the plan targets key areas for reinvestment.
