RUNDELL ERNSTBERGER ASSOCIATES, LLCINDIANAPOLIS, IN | MUNCIE, IN | LOUISVILLE, KY | www.reasite.com

WOODWARD AVENUE STREETSCAPEDetroit, Michigan

Transforming a blighted 1970s mall into an open, vital, inviting streetscape while balancing pedestrian and vehicular needs on Detroit's "Main Street".

Rundell Ernstberger Associates was commissioned by the City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority to implement a $5 million renovation to Woodward Avenue, Detroit's primary commercial street. This four block project includes new sidewalks, planters, street pavements, traffi c signalization, lighting, and amenities including custom planter rails and wayfi nding and interpretive signage.

REA's design sought to separate the wide sidewalks into zones and open views to the historic buildings. The planter rails feature abstract motifs from local architecture. Twelve interpretive sign panels tell the story of Woodward Avenue, from pioneer trail to the Motor City's main drag. Wherever possible, existing materials were re-used. Existing red granite curbs were salvaged and reset. Eighty-year-old streetlights were dismantled, restored, and outfi tted with new energy effi cient lamps. Tree grates were salvaged for use on a nearby streetscape project.

The improvements were part of a larger urban renewal program which included utility replacement, infrastructure upgrades, facade enhancements, and redevelopment of premier loft and commercial real estate.

REA was responsible for all design, facilitating stakeholder meetings, coordination with numerous city entities and private developments, preparing construction documents, construction administration, and preparation of wayfi nding and interpretive materials.