Emerging Opportunities:
As Detroit’s near-west side undergoes revitalization, new opportunities are emerging for businesses, residents, and investors.
Overview
Several improvements have recently broken ground or been announced that will add value to the Full.Live focus area and help spur development including:
● Strategic Neighborhood Fund – $130M in investments targeted to seven Detroit neighborhoods, including Russell Woods
● Joe Louis Greenway – A $240 million plan to create a 31.5 mile recreational greenway that will connect parks and neighborhoods across the city, will run thru Oakman Blvd Community
● Dexter Streetscape – A $450,000 shipping container development in Russell Woods. This commercial structure is used as an incubator
for pop-up businesses
4 properties locations within the SNF
Strategic Neighborhood Fund
The Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), first established in 2017, is a partnership between the city of Detroit and Invest Detroit, a nonprofit organization and community development financial institution, along with numerous other philanthropic funders. Together they make up a partnership to bring about impactful neighborhood investment.
SNF has led to substantial investments in both physical infrastructure and the community itself. According to U.S. Census data and a study from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, SNF neighborhoods have experienced population growth, increased incomes, decreased poverty, and higher neighborhood satisfaction. Since its inception, SNF has invested $262 million, resulting in 10 neighborhood framework plans, 78,000ft2
of commercial space constructed, 378 total housing units created, 86 Homes rehabbed 7 park renovations completed with 4 more in progress and 12 Streetscape projects. The properties defined in this Full.Live plan all lie within this area.
Joe Louis Greenway
The Joe Louis Greenway is a 31.5-mile non-motorized pathway that will connect neighborhoods, parks, commercial areas, and other community resources in Detroit, Michigan. The project will transform underutilized land and vacant lots into a vibrant and sustainable transportation network, providing a safe and accessible option for pedestrians and cyclists.
The benefits of the JLG include improved health outcomes for residents, increased mobility, educational and recreational opportunities, economic growth through new business development, and increased property values. The project also aims to promote community engagement and strengthen social connections by bringing together residents from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods. Overall, the JLG is a transformative initiative that will create a more equitable and sustainable Detroit for all residents. The core of Full.Live is within the 500ft planning area of the Joe Louis Greenway.
Emerging Opportunities - Dexter Streetscape
The Dexter Streetscape project is a $450,000 project aimed at improving the physical and economic landscape of the Dexter Avenue corridor on the east end of Russell Woods. The project focuses on revitalizing the area by creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment with new street lighting, landscaping, and bike lanes. The project also includes the installation of public art and street furniture, as well as the renovation of existing buildings and storefronts.
The Dexter-Elmhurst Community Center will undergo an $8.5M renovation to go along with the streetscape plan. The new community center is less than 1 mile away from the Wormley & Savage building defined in this plan. The Dexter Streetscape project as a whole is part of a larger initiative by the city of Detroit to revitalize neighborhoods and create more equitable and prosperous communities.