Introduction This project s purpose is to envision and design an urban greenway known as for the Detroit Midtown area. Midtown includes the region s cultural core, historic and new neighborhoods, Wayne State University (WSU) and the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). The greenway is a non-motorized system that can provide several important benefits to the community, including health, recreation, tourism, cultural interpretation, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Proposed Citywide Greenways
The is part of a greenway connection system that will provide access from Midtown to the Detroit River. Greenway Connections
The consists of a 1.8-mile main route that connects existing campuses and institutions. Site plan
The distance around the Midtown loop is similar to these loops in the Metro Area: Hart Plaza to Grand Circus Park and back Renaissance Center to Harmonie Park and back Detroit Zoo: The Entry to the Arctic Ring of Life and back Downtown Birmingham Downtown Royal Oak Downtown Ann Arbor Overall plan
Precedents Freedom Trail- Boston Brooklyn-Queens Greenway- NYC Chicago River Greenway- Chicago Capital Crescent Trail- Washington D.C. Miami River Greenway- Miami The Embarcadero- San Francisco Willamette River- Portland Little Sugar Creek- Charlotte Asheville Urban Trail- Asheville (N.C.) Three Rivers Trail- Pittsburgh University of Toledo- Toledo Canal Walk- Indianapolis Precedents
Who will use the? Local Residents and Businesses Institutions Medical Center, Science Center, Arts Institute etc for access and fitness purposes Metropolitan population for cultural activities and pedestrian linkages to restaurants, shopping and special events. Visitors, school groups and convention-goers as a destination while in the Detroit area.
What are the elements of Urban Greenways such as? Distinctive Paving Surfaces Separation from Motorized Traffic Attractive and Sustainable Landscapes Unique Lighting and Wayfinding Icons Cultural and Educational Displays Public Art
Looking East at Cass and Kirby Looking South at Kirby and John R Looking North at Farnsworth and John R Looking North at Warren and John R Phase One Studies
Looking Southeast Looking East Looking East Looking East Detroit Public Library
Looking East Looking West Detroit Institute of Art
Looking South Looking Southeast Looking South Looking South College for Creative Studies
Looking Northeast Looking Southwest Looking Southeast Looking Northeast Looking Northeast Barat House
Looking North Looking South Looking South Example Rendering looking South Looking South Detroit Science Center
Looking South Looking North Looking South Wayne State Parking Lot
Looking South Looking Southeast Example Rendering Looking Southeast Looking South John D. Dingell Veteran s Administration Hospital Center
Along the Phase One section of the there are a few existing Pocket Parks and a Sculpture Garden at the College for Creative Studies International Park Hudson s Art Park Josephine Ford Sculpture Garden
The paving material selected for the will be concrete using integral color and stain. This selection will provide the opportunity for interesting color variation and pattern, while also allowing for potential utility repairs. This material can be replaced and still blend in with the original concrete work. Example of Integral Concrete Example of Concrete Stain Example Pattern Paving
LED pedestrian light This lighting system is a sustainable system that will save money by reducing electrical needs and the light fixtures will only need to be replaced every 8-10 years vs. every 2-3 years. Lighting
Bike Storage Locker Bench Light Wand Bike Rack Trash Receptacle Site Furnishings
Typical Dog Litter Station ADA drinking fountain with dog fountain Prototype Dog Litter Station Site Furnishings
The Phase Two Looking West Looking East At Whitney s Edge Looking East from Woodward Ave Canfield
The Phase Two Looking North At Marwil Warren Intersection Twingo s Cafe Bookstore Cass Avenue
In Phase Two signage systems will be implemented that will consolidate wayfinding, complement the existing system, and tie in with the downtown mapping. Existing Signage Proposed Sign Tower Existing Wayfinding in Downtown Detroit that will be repeated along the Wayfinding
Conclusion This pedestrian friendly of some 1.8 miles in length has the potential to tie together the extraordinarily rich blending of people and places along its route. Meeting the daily needs of multiple constituencies, and providing a welcoming gateway for visitors, it will promote synergies and provide the focus for accelerated re-investment in the Cultural Center.