Former Horse Racetrack to Transform Into Revitalized River and Public Park

Former Horse Racetrack to Transform Into Revitalized River and Public Park

In the suburbs of Detroit, MI, a remarkable transformation is taking place. The last horse racetrack in the state, known as the Northville Downs, is getting a new lease of life. The demolition of the former landmark has paved the way for a significant environmental project led by southeast Michigan developers, Hunter Pasteur.

The project, which received a $2 million Brownfield tax incentive from the state, will rejuvenate an area of 7.85 acres. Part of this initiative involves the restoration of a quarter-mile section of the River Rouge, currently entombed in concrete, along with the creation of a new park. But things don’t end there, the broader vision of a $248 million redevelopment program will yield 446 new homes, 18,000 square feet of commercial space, and three more public parklands.

Of particular importance is the daylight restoration plan for the Walled Lake Branch of the River Rouge. The river was redirected and concealed in a concrete culvert back in the 1960s, a situation soon to change. Central to the project is the creation of an almost 11-acre River Park stretching along the eastern edge of the property.

According to the operators, this significant green initiative brings more than just aesthetic value. They list floodplain management, stormwater management, and plant and habitat restoration as some of the significant public benefits the River Park will provide. Additionally, the venue will offer recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

But it’s not just about tax incentives. The Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes had previously awarded the project a $1 million Brownfield grant for the demolition of the racetrack and the culvert and the removal of contaminated soil. What’s more, $2.5 million has come from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding via Wayne County, with the city of Northville contributing a local tax capture valued at nearly $12 million.

Despite the progress, the initiative hasn’t been without its hiccups. An oil spill occurred during the racetrack’s demolition, and a pending lawsuit over environmental concerns has been lodged. Nevertheless, the developers maintain they prioritize the health and safety of residents, and remediation actions have already been taken.

So, when can we expect to see this transformed landscape for ourselves? According to the project’s leaders, groundbreaking for the new park starts this week, and the parkland should be complete by fall 2025. If things keep running smoothly, the entire redevelopment should be finished by 2026.