DTE Energy Unveils Plans For New Downtown Detroit Park
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - DTE Energy Co. is building a public park in downtown Detroit as part of a broader effort to spur economic development on the western edge of the city's central business district, officials announced Tuesday.
The 1.5-acre park, which will include a restaurant, is planned for a vacant piece of land across the street from the Detroit-based utility's headquarters. The park is scheduled for completion in 2017.
"Our vision and promise is to transform this piece of land into a magnificent public green space that will benefit the city and its people for generations to come," Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
A groundbreaking event took place Tuesday at the site. DTE said the park will link the area to The District Detroit, which includes the new Red Wings' arena that's under construction and other entertainment venues and housing developments.
The park will feature a year-round restaurant, a roof deck for a panoramic view of the city and a lawn with walking paths and seating areas. Also planned is a multiuse space for outdoor activities, a roll-in stage for performances, space for food truck vendors and bicycle parking.
"For all of the construction and redevelopment we are seeing in greater downtown, providing access to green space is just as important to our city's growth," Mayor Mike Duggan said.
The contemporary building, which will have three moveable walls that can open during the warmer seasons, will offer:
- A free-flowing design for the bar and eating areas that can hold up to 75 guests
- A 735 square-foot roof deck for a panoramic view of the city, able to hold nearly 50 people
- A sustainable, green roof space that is designed to conserve and collect runoff water to repurpose it for other trees, grass and plants
- A theatrical, upward cantilever roof that extends over the sidewalk for unique flair and to pay homage to Detroit's historic structures
DTE will work with the Downtown Detroit Partnership to develop park programming and identify a restaurant operator to attract visitors of all ages.
The utility said construction costs are being funded by a separate non-utility DTE business, not by customers. No name has been selected for the park and a crowd-sourcing campaign will be held closer to the opening to solicit suggestions from the public.
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