What will the Midtown Loop do?

+  Reclaim right-of-way for pedestirans by creating a widened walkway;
+  Improve pedestrian crossings;
+  Use a variety of planting beds to safely separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic;
+  Add unique lighting to improve visibility and spotlight new developments along coures;
+  Help community reclaim much needed green space;
+  Contribute to the quality of life and the lifestyle of the community;
+  Reintroduce native vegetation;
+  Incorporate public art along the greenway;
+  Create an environment to help build a stong sense of place and community.

Click on map for larger image.



Phase 1
A design for Phase 1 has been developed and fundraising is complete.  Construction of Phase 1 is scheduled for Spring 2010, and has been made possible by the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Knight Foundation, the City of Detroit, Michigan State University Land Policy Institute, Metropolitan Title, Woodward Avenue Action Association, Kresge Foundation, and from $2 million in federal earmarking (Phase 1 shown in the map below).

Public Art along the Midtown Loop
The University Cultural Center Assocation (UCCA) just completed the Midtown Loop Public Art Master Plan with the aid of public art consultant, Susan Wilczak, and its public art committee consisting of representatives from arts organziations in the greater downtown area.  The Committee identified 12 different sites located directly along the Midtown Loop that provided the best opportunities for placement of public art, and then identified themes that defined the spirit and potential of these sites, taking into consideration the missions, values, histories, and programming of the many institutions located at these areas, along with their connections to the community.  These motifs will help provide the framework for how public art will be chosen for these sites. Ultimately, it is the public art component that will elevate this greenway to the level of becoming a tourist attraction.

Renderings
Shown below are images of what the VA Medical Center and the Science Center will look like with the Midtown Loop in place!

What is the Midtown Loop?
The Midtown Loop will be a 2-mile greenway trail that will follow exsiting street patterns, specifically following Kirby Street, John R Street, Canfield Street, and Cass Avenue with Warren Avenue serving as the central connector.  The Loop will be linked to greenway initiatives in surrounding areas, providing a key component of a larger greenway network linking Midtown to Eastern Market and the Detroit River.  The Loop will also connect the campuses of Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. 

For more information on the Midtown Loop Greenway, check out the Midtown Loop Greenway, check out the Midtown Loop Presentation!  


  VA MEDICAL CENTER:

Before		After
DETROIT SCIENCE CENTER:
Before		After