A bold vision for Highland Park

When looking at real estate and development in Detroit over the next few years, it’s important to keep an eye on Highland Park, which has incredible opportunity along the Woodward corridor and beyond.

Courtesy of MKSK Studios

Last year, Highland Park mayor Hubert Yopp tasked the Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA) Board of Directors to develop a two, five, and ten year plan for development in Highland Park. Board chair Theresa Johnson plans on focusing first on demonstrating that there is demand for development, through community-driven, targeted, short term wins in multi-modal infrastructure, activated public spaces, and pop-up experiences that celebrate the strength and vitality of Highland Park.

Courtesy of MKSK Studios

MKSK Studios provided Curbed with an overview of what the group presented to Highland Park officials at the end of April. In it, we see opportunities for increased public space, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, an emphasis on pedestrian safety, increased retail opportunity, and taking advantage of the Inner Circle Greenway, connecting neighborhoods of Detroit with Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn in a non-motorized capacity.

The vision starts this summer with pop-up programming and activation of public spaces, with the hopes of spurring more development in the area. The first two years of the plan also include acquiring and stabilizing various structures around Highland Park. Curbed will follow this plan as it takes shape throughout the year. Here are some of visuals of the current situation, early plans, and future outlook. As always, Curbed readers, we’d love to know what you think.

Courtesy of MKSK Studios

Courtesy of MKSK Studios

Courtesy of MKSK Studios