The fourth and final phase of Woodward streetscape improvements in Midtown have begun with construction expected to wrap up by Thanksgiving. The two segments getting new sidewalks, lighting, trees, trash receptacles and bus shelters are the stretch between Selden and Warren and another between Ferry and I-94. The east side of the street is up first, and will be completed later this month.
The pricetag for the improvements is $4 million, and the project is being funded by ISTEA-21 Funds, the
Kresge Foundation and the
Hudson Webber Foundation with construction management by the Michigan
Department of Transportation .
The previous three phases of Woodward streetscape improvements totaled $7.3 million. All four phases have been spearheaded by the
University Cultural Center Association as part of a comprehensive plan to improve the region's main street. "We don’t think that just doing the streetscape is a panacea," says UCCA president Sue Mosey. "We're also spending a lot of money to help people upgrade their facades."
Zaccaro's Market, the Majestic Theatre complex and the JVS buildings are among the buildings to have already received facade grants; UCCA is lining up commitments to four or to five more in the next year. The organization also plans to build a new building on Woodward at Willis.
Source: Sue Mosey, UCCA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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