Can a Parking Garage Spark Detroit's Retail Comeback?

As downtown Detroit attracts scores of new residents, it remains largely underserved by retail. A proposed project announced this week, which could bring 10 to 20 new stores to the area, is reason to be optimistic for a retail revival, says Gallagher. "Coming on top of the Whole Foods grocery store under construction in Midtown and the rising number of coffee shops, restaurants, and temporary or 'pop-up' retail stores on Woodward, the downtown and Midtown scene shows clear evidence of a retail revival, although with a long way still to go."

The retail space will occupy the ground floor of a multi-level parking garage, which some see as a crucial component in the area's growth. "More parking, more retail stores and more restaurants, all of these conveniences and services are part of what is required to create a thriving urban core that people want to live in and visit," said George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. "We are very excited about this new development."