Date: October 6-11, 2013

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Sponsor: Southwest Detroit Business Association

Subject Area: Economic growth and corridor revitalization

Panel Chair:  Leigh Ferguson

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 Panel Assignment and Recommendations

The Southwest Detroit Business Association asked ULI to provide strategic recommendations on a 6.9 acre parcel located at West Vernor & Livernois Avenue.  This former Department of Public Works site is strategically located between the relatively successful West Vernor Avenue retail corridor and the industrial parcels adjacent to the CSX intermodal rail facility.  The panel was asked a series of land use, market and development potential questions including Identify potential reuses and tenant mix for this site given the current and future trends market conditions in Southwest Detroit.

ULI assembled an Advisory Services panel composed of volunteers who are experts in economic development, land use, real estate development, and the public and private sector. The panelists engaged in a five-day process including a substantial number of stakeholder interviews, to produce a series of  recommendations that will be expanded in an upcoming report.

The panels recommendations focused on creating a mixed use development called Vernor Square that will be will be a center for employment and the sale of local goods, a community meeting place, and a significant destination for residents and visitors which reflects and engages the community of Southwest Detroit.