Detroit Michigan

Challenges and Opportunities
The panel saw several key challenges and opportunities
for the potential of Livernois Avenue,
based on its tours and meetings with stakeholders.
The panel specifically addresses those posed
by parking, the condition of the building stock, the corridor’s
current state of urban design, and its economic
condition. These conditions and needs deserve careful
attention and consideration by the city and its partners.
Built Environment
Many good buildings still exist, but their facades
need improvement; outdated signs and security
measures such as gates and bars are uninviting. In
places that have two-story buildings, these create
opportunities for residential occupancy on the
upper levels along the avenue.
Detroit, Michigan, January 18–21, 2011
Several buildings are of questionable design value
from their scale, color, and signage, creating a
sense of visual discord. Some recently developed
retail along the corridor, such as the University
Shops shopping center, has brought new activity.
But the format of the newer development, with
parking in front of the stores, has weakened the
pedestrian environment.
Urban Design
The street trees, while protecting pedestrians from
cars, also hide the business signs. Although the
avenue seems not to have enough trees, those trees
that exist seem spaced too close together. The many
automobile-oriented uses and curb cuts provide
pedestrians with little sense of safety or comfort.
Buildings like the
one on this corner
could be renovated
as commercial space
on the ground floor
with other uses on
the second floor.
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