Detroit has been testing out a variety of ways to be more pedestrian and mobility-friendly in recent years. Last year saw the closures of long stretches of Michigan Avenue and Vernor Highway during
Open Streets Detroit. Last month, the bike share system
MoGo was launched.
And last week, the city closed the southernmost section of Woodward, between Larned Street and Jefferson Avenue, to create a plaza. Dubbed "The Spirit of Detroit Plaza," the three-month long installation contains food trucks, seats and tables, and artwork. It will also improve access from Campus Martius to the riverfront.
An article in the Detroit News has more details, as well as rationale of the planners. "Janet Attarian, deputy director for planning and development for the city, said the decision to transform the roadway into a gathering space ties into a larger city initiative to create a 'green necklace of public spaces' along Woodward and to the riverfront," writes Jennifer Chambers.
"We see this plaza as a pivotal place in connecting those two. It's right in front of city hall and it's the people's plaza," Attarian said in the Detroit News article.
The installation connects with the recently construction esplanade just south of Campus Martius.
Also check out
Curbed Detroit's write-up, which contains photography of the plaza.
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