Northville is Set for a Major Makeover
Nestled just 27 miles from the bustling heart of downtown Detroit, the charming city of Northville is gearing up for a transformation that will reshape its landscape and community. The last horse racing track in Michigan, Northville Downs, closed its doors on February 3, paving the way for an exciting new redevelopment project known as The Downs.
A Big Investment in the Future
Just recently, on May 20, ground was broken for this ambitious project that carries a hefty price tag of $248 million. Developers Hunter Pasteur Homes are teaming up with a stellar cast that includes Forbes Co., Soave Real Estate, and Toll Brothers. Their combined efforts will result in a vibrant community featuring 472 units made up of 174 apartments, 53 condos, and 245 single-family homes and townhomes, along with retail spaces and parking facilities.
What’s in Store?
When all is said and done, The Downs will not just provide new homes for families but also feature lush greenery. The development plan includes a 1.5-acre central park that will gracefully separate the apartment and condo buildings. Additionally, residents can look forward to three more parks: the 1.25-acre Gateway Park, the expansive 10.44-acre River Park, and the central park that aims to showcase a restored branch of the River Rouge.
Bringing Back Nature
The River Rouge, which has a history of being buried in the 1960s, will be beautifully restored as part of the project. The parks will connect to the nearby Hines Park Trailhead, providing outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. How cool is that? Northville will soon have plenty of space for residents to stroll, mingle, and breathe in that fresh air.
Designed with Character
The architects behind this exciting project—Presley Architecture and M Architects—are all about honoring Northville’s existing charm. They plan to incorporate diverse building heights and facades, complemented by a mix of styles and colors that resonate with the area’s character. So, expect to see some stunning designs that will make the neighborhood even more appealing!
Support from the State
To help make this project a reality, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy awarded a significant $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant for the site’s remediating needs. The funds will address the environmental impacts of previous uses of the property, which include cleaning up contaminants from the old racetrack.
Timelines and Teamwork
This remarkable project is set to be completed by 2026, with development happening in phases. While Hunter Pasteur focuses on the apartments, condos, and row homes, Toll Brothers will work on constructs for single-family homes along with the river restoration project. The collaboration shows a serious commitment to revitalizing Northville and providing a quality living space for families.
The Community Awaits
As Northville prepares for these changes, excitement and curiosity fill the air. Residents and potential homebuyers alike are eager to see how this extensive redevelopment will enhance community life. With parks, homes, and retail spaces coming together, The Downs is sure to be a place where families create lasting memories.
So there you have it! Northville is on the brink of an incredible transformation, and it’s all set to begin right now. Keep an eye out for more updates—you won’t want to miss what’s next for this burgeoning area!
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
