Detroit Seeking a New Vision for its East Riverfront

The city of Detroit will review the presentations of seven finalists tasked with creating a new vision for the east riverfront—a part of Detroit poised for redevelopment momentum.

1 minute read

January 25, 2016, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


According to an article by John Gallagher, "a new city [of Detroit] panel this week will hear from seven teams of experts that hope to win a commission to fashion a new vision for the east riverfront." Gallagher describes the east riverfront—connecting downtown to Belle Isle—as ripe for new development.

Once selected, the winning team will finalize a presentation to be made this summer. Gallagher describes the scope of the planning exercise:

Among the issues the winning team must grapple with are how to overcome parking shortages in the district as more people visit the RiverWalk; how to make it easier for residents north of Jefferson Avenue to cross the nine-lane roadway to get down to the waterfront; how to include greenways and bicycle paths in the district; and figuring out the proper mix of residential units, retail, and commercial space.

Gallagher also reports that several of the seven finalists represent local architecture and planning firms, including Hamilton-Anderson Associates, McIntosh Poris, the Detroit office of Gensler, and the engineering firm Giffels Webster. Also on the list of finalists are national firms like Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Maurice Cox, Detroit's planning director, and Mark Wallace, CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy are included on the committee that selects the winning team.

Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Detroit Free Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Cyclist rides in protected bike lane in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Adding New Bike Racks

The city will add dozens of new bike racks over the coming months to prevent bike theft and reduce sidewalk clutter.

7 seconds ago - WOKV

Mid-rise brick buildings with retail and restaurants on ground floor on sunny day in Soho, Manhattan, New York City.

In Dense NYC, What Does ‘Human Scale’ Mean?

Advocates reject the NIMBY label, arguing that they seek a more sustainable, incremental pace of growth modeled on mid-rise neighborhoods.

1 hour ago - Next City

Nevada State Senate building.

Nevada Legislature Unanimously Passes Regional Rail Bill

If signed by the governor, the bill will create a task force aimed at developing a regional passenger rail system.

May 28 - KRNV News 4