DETROIT – One of Detroit's busiest roads is set to undergo a significant transformation as a multi-million-dollar project aims to reimagine the streetscape of Michigan Avenue.
Planners must consider the future of the historic red bricks that line the road, prompting a campaign called “Save the Bricks” to preserve those iconic elements of Corktown's heritage.
Community input has been central to the discussions surrounding the project.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has already made several alterations to its original plans based on feedback from residents and local business owners.
Taurean Thomas, a Corktown resident and business owner, said, “It’s time to get a more modern look to it, but also, I want to keep the original heritage of Corktown.”
Thomas expressed excitement about the city’s partnership with MDOT in renovating Michigan Avenue from I-96 to Campus Martius.
The multi-million dollar project is expected to start in the spring of 2026. However, Thomas is concerned about the potential impact of construction on local businesses.
“With the businesses on Michigan Avenue, just the construction alone affects the business along Michigan Avenue,” Thomas said.
The project is estimated to cost around $70 million and will include improvements to lighting, sidewalks, utility work, and traffic infrastructure.
“I think the Corktown community wants Michigan Avenue to be a main street, not a thoroughfare,” said MDOT spokesperson Rob Morosi. “So that’s why we’re shortening the crossing distance for pedestrians and putting in wider sidewalks.”
Plans also include the creation of a revamped brick road.
“We are replacing the bricks that are out there in some of the historically significant sections,” Morosi said.
About 25% of the existing bricks are estimated to be salvageable, and the project’s developers are seeking public input on how best to utilize them.
“There will be some new bricks on Michigan Avenue, and then we’ll be taking all of the old bricks and repurposing them along the corridor into a streetscape and a facade so that we keep that essential character in the neighborhood as part of the project,” said DPW Deputy Director Sam Krassenstein.
However, some community members are wary of changes to Corktown’s legacy.
“I’d love to save the bricks. But I’ve heard nothing about any material that will benefit the community. Don’t break up our history. Don’t pave over our future,” said one resident.
In the end, many hope the entire community will receive revitalization.
“Everyone in Corktown deserves something much nicer than what’s out there today, so hopefully, we’re going to be able to do that,” Krassenstein said.
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