Detroit, MI – A groundbreaking ceremony to kick off Phase I of the Livernois Streetscape Enhancement Project will be held Wednesday, September 17, at 1 p.m. on the open-spaced property at 16601 and 16565 Livernois Ave. between Grove and Florence streets across from University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) McNichols Campus.
The project will include pedestrian-oriented media improvements, sidewalk enhancements and new landscaping on Livernois Avenue from the Lodge Freeway to 8 Mile Road. Phase I is expected to begin at the end of September and be completed in November.
The $1.3 million project was funded by MDOT, city of Detroit, DEGC, Kresge Foundation and UDM. WH Canon Company, a landscape construction firm, is the project contractor for Phase I.
Isaiah McKinnon, deputy mayor, said: “Just like many of the neighborhoods it connects, this stretch of Livernois is being revitalized, thanks to the great partnership between our community organizations, major institutions, non profits, local businesses and the city. When it is completed, this streetscape project will return Livernois to the kind of walkable shopping district that supports nearby neighborhoods and draws visitors from across Detroit and surrounding communities.”
“Livernois Avenue is the ‘gateway’ to UDM’s McNichols campus and a major thoroughfare for many northwest Detroit residents and businesses,” said Dr. Garibaldi. “Enhancing the Livernois streetscape and landscape from the Lodge Freeway to 8 Mile will make a strong impression on potential residents and business owners, as well as prospective UDM students and their families.”
Malik Goodwin, DEGC, added: “The Streetscape Enhancement Project is yet one more indication of the vitality of historic Livernois Avenue. It’s one of many ongoing initiatives to revitalize this premier shopping and cultural destination.”
