Walkability and urban spaces are taking the nation by storm, especially in cities.
Multiple reports say that the “Spirit of Detroit Plaza” will be constructed in front of the Spirit of Detroit, closing down Woodward between Jefferson and Larned in downtown Detroit to all vehicle traffic.
It will be turned into a pedestrian plaza that will be officially announced today. It’s expected that this will be a three month trial and then the project will be evaluated.
Below is a rendering from the City of Detroit.
Cars also won’t be allowed on the Woodward sides of the Monument to Joe Louis, with vehicle traffic only being able to go down Jefferson.
Car traffic looking to go north up Woodward will need to find alternate routes, as this change means plaza means drivers will no longer be able to turn north onto Woodward from Jefferson or, for that matter, south to Jefferson from Woodward.
The new plaza will cost $300,000 to construct and vehicle traffic will be shut down today. Crews were already at work on the median this morning.
Below are some pictures of the areas where cars will no longer be allowed from this morning.
The plaza will officially open on Monday, June 12 at 11 a.m.
Less than a month ago, Quicken Loans spent $400,000 to create an “esplanade” near the QLINE stop in the median on Woodward.
