Northville Set for Major Transformation as Northville Downs Gets Ready for Demolition

Northville Set for Major Transformation as Northville Downs Gets Ready for Demolition

Exciting times are ahead for the residents of Northville as plans for a massive redevelopment project kick into high gear. Out with the old, in with the new—Northville Downs, an iconic racetrack that has seen eight decades of races, is set to be demolished as early as next year. The city council has officially given a thumbs up to a whopping $250 million development agreement that promises to reshape the landscape of Northville.

The Big Plans

The overhaul is not just about clearing a racetrack; it’s all about breathing new life into the community. Developer Hunter Pasteur is leading the charge on this ambitious project that will take place on a 48-acre site currently occupied by the aging Northville Downs and surrounding areas. What can residents expect? Well, for starters, there will be hundreds of new homes—178 apartments, 42 condominiums, and 31 row houses are just part of the northern section alone. The southern end won’t be left out either, featuring 129 townhomes, 38 single-family homes, and 28 carriage homes. Not to mention, a neat 18,000 square feet of commercial retail space will pop up, adding more vibrancy to the area.

Say Hello to Parks and Waterways

Oh, and that’s not all! The project also includes the creation of three parks for residents to enjoy. And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll be thrilled to learn that plans involve the daylighting of the Rouge River. This initiative aims to restore the river to its natural state by removing obstructions—a move that proponents say will enhance biodiversity and improve the scenic beauty of Northville.

Timeline and Construction

Seth Herkowitz, partner at Hunter Pasteur, has exciting news regarding construction. He projected that demolition efforts would kick off in early 2024 and would likely take about six months. “Upon closing of the track parcel, we will commence environmental remediation activities and demolition of all track buildings,” Herkowitz explained. Then, the real fun begins! The first phase of construction will start soon after, aiming for total completion around 2027.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions from Residents

Community Voices Matter

In particular, residents in the Beal Town neighborhood are keen to engage with developers to discuss traffic mitigation solutions. “We desperately need to work together,” said community member Jonathan Hair, pleading for a meeting with developers. Even city council members echoed these concerns, recognizing that traffic impacts posed a legitimate challenge that needed addressing.

Moving Forward

15%. “New residents can help boost local schools and businesses, and even ease infrastructure costs,” he shared.

As this project gears up for its next stage, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how it all unfolds. The city’s official website will provide updates, including additional information about the Downs Development Agreement, and keep residents in the loop.