By Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Time for reflection. Four decades ago, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) launched one of Detroit’s most highly anticipated fundraisers to convene leaders and promote Detroit’s growth. The evening brought together dignitaries and community leaders for dinner and networking at Cobo Hall, what we now know as Huntington Place, and concluded with a walk over to Hart Plaza for the annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony.
Setting the scene, in 1984 times were tough, businesses and residents were moving out of the city. We were recovering from the recession as automotive manufacturing facilities within the city limits closed. These and other factors contributed to a reduction in development and growth.
But Detroit still mattered. That same year, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series, the Detroit Grand Prix hosted its Formula One Championship Race in the streets of Downtown, and Prince launched his Purple Rain Tour at Joe Louis Arena with seven sold-out shows.
Forty years later, a significant part of Detroit’s turnaround includes the very same business community that believed and invested in the city regardless of its momentary challenges. Some of those unwavering leaders include the Ilitch and Ford families, Roger Penske, Edsel B. Ford, Peter Karmanos, Dan Gilbert, and the deep commitment of the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Over the decades, the DDP has remained a dedicated and steady hand – from City administration changes and economic cycles to more recent successes. Throughout its 100+ years of service, one key element has remained consistent – the importance of collaboration.
Collaboration was a vital component to the opening of Ford Field in 2002, the creation of Campus Martius Park in 2003, hosting the Super Bowl in Detroit in 2006, and the NCAA Final Four Tournament in 2008. Beyond events, it is what brought multi-modal transit to Downtown, including the QLINE and MoGo bikeshare in 2017, and the opening of Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park.
As additional investments were underway, the DDP collaborated with the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) to create its BIZ Ambassadors, a team to help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the Downtown’s parks and public spaces.
During the pandemic in 2020, many residents turned to DDP-managed parks and public spaces because they were a haven – whether to connect and engage safely with their loved ones and community, or to work outdoors using free Wi-Fi. Collectively – we persevered.
In 2022, the DDP celebrated 100 years of service to Downtown Detroit community and has tracked close to $3 billion in investments Downtown – a figure that remained steady in 2023. Detroit saw population growth for the first time in decades in 2023, and the Detroit Grand Prix returned to the streets of Downtown Detroit. Earlier this year, our rich city took center stage for the NFL Draft and the DDP, along with its partners, made this a citywide celebration.
Investment Downtown continues to climb, and the growth is expanding beyond the Downtown core to neighboring communities and neighborhoods. Downtown’s economic and cultural drivers contribute to the health and vitality of all neighborhoods, the importance of the Downtown cannot be overstated.
Now more than ever, other cities look to Detroit and the efforts of the DDP as a model for urban innovation, and the good news is – we are just getting started. There is plenty more room for growth in population, jobs, investment, and attractions. Detroit’s future is bright.
The variety of opportunities on the horizon requires an inclusive network of collaboration with as many community, civic, and corporate partners as possible. The DDP is excited to work together to bring our collective efforts to fruition in ways that would enable us to Make It Happen Together.
The DDP will celebrate all this and more at the 2024 Detroit Aglow presented by Amazon on Monday, November 25 at MGM Grand Detroit. The event the DDP launched four decades ago celebrates its 40th anniversary, and in honor of this milestone year, the event theme is Aglow for 40 Years: Celebrating Connections.
The DDP is proud to serve as a steward of the Downtown, which is possible through the generous donations of our sponsors, partners, board, staff, Downtown businesses, public administrations, residents, and visitors.
If you would like to support our work, we invite you to attend Detroit Aglow, a benefit for the DDP. To learn more or purchase your ticket, visit Eventbrite or DowntownDetroit.org.