Exciting Plans for Northville: A New Mixed-Use Development on the Horizon!

Exciting Plans for Northville: A New Mixed-Use Development on the Horizon!

Northville is buzzing with anticipation! Four developers are gearing up to present their ideas for an exciting new mixed-use development on the Northville Downs horsetrack property. This isn’t just any old proposal though; the potential transformation of this 49-acre site, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs, could very well reshape the area’s landscape.

A Rocky Road to Redevelopment

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Back in October 2018, Hunter-Pasteur Homes submitted a formal proposal that aimed to turn the Northville Downs racetrack into a vibrant community space. The vision included both commercial and residential units that could breathe new life into the area. Fast forward to August 2019, and we saw Hunter-Pasteur pull the plug. Why? Well, there were a few bumps in the road. Residents, city council members, and planning commission threw the brakes on the $200 million dream due to concerns over the sheer size and scope of the project.

Residents voiced their worries about possible increased traffic, high density, and potential environmental impacts. It was a classic case of “too much, too soon.”

Getting Community Input

However, the planning commission hasn’t been sitting idle since then! Over the past year, they’ve been combing through their master plan for redevelopment and actively seeking the community’s insights. They launched surveys to gauge what local residents and business owners think about the racetrack site and the two nearby parcels along Cady and South Center streets. Clearly, they want the community to have a say in what the future holds!

Getting Ready for the Big Reveal

Mark your calendars for August 30! On this day, the planning commission will host a joint presentation featuring Hunter Pasteur Homes alongside The Forbes Company, Toll Brothers, and Oboran. They’ll be showcasing their conceptual design for this highly anticipated project. It’s worth noting, though, that this is just a preliminary presentation with no formal decisions being made yet.

A Peek Into the Development Plans

So, what can we expect from this conceptual plan dubbed “The Downs”? The proposal suggests the construction of 174 apartments, which pile up to a whopping total of 210,000 square feet. Additionally, there are plans for 53 condominiums (104,000 square feet), 28 row houses (27,000 square feet), and 56 single-family homes. On top of that, the design includes over 16,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, placing the total density around 11-12 residential units per acre. Keep your eyes peeled as all proposed commercial and retail units would be strategically parked between Beal and Cady streets.

A Green Twist

Not only will this development bring new living spaces, but it could gift Northville with some much-needed green areas. One of the intriguing aspects of the proposal is the plan to daylight the Rouge River, which currently runs beneath the track. This move aims to create some lovely green spaces along the river’s eastern part, potentially turning it into a community hotspot.

What’s Next?

While residents wait with bated breath for the upcoming presentation, it’s essential to note that harness racing isn’t going away anytime soon. The racetrack owners signed a long-term lease in February 2020, allowing harness racing to continue at the site through 2024. This means there will be a unique balancing act between the old and the new as Northville contemplates its future!

As the city gears up for this exciting chapter, one thing is for sure: Everyone is eager for what lies ahead. Stay tuned as Northville’s vision for redevelopment develops!