ReFashion Livernois

Abstract

Urban revitalization has traditionally taken the shape of outside developers dictating the form and usage of spaces. In contrast, our client Chad Dickinson of I’m Here Detroit looks to create a mixed use development (including retail, restaurant and residential spaces) which is not only profitable but fulfills the needs of the surrounding community. The site occupies a historic stretch of Livernois Avenue in Detroit, known as the Avenue of Fashion. Like much of Detroit, the retail district has suffered from hard times, but has recently seen greater economic investments due to the strength of the nearby residential communities. The neighborhoods surrounding this area have retained their architectural integrity and identity, and are a highly desirable place to live. Longtime homeowners maintain a strong sense of community, but lack for a place to gather and relax outdoors within walkable distance. On the face of things we were tasked with designing the outdoor courtyard of this development. However, the design process was founded on community engagement and respect for sense of place. To address this we a) gathered information on preferences for how the space might be used from community members during a public festival held along the Avenue; b) applied community feedback to design a courtyard space that serves commercial goals while offering an inviting and accessible gathering space for the neighborhood; c) created a design with built in spatial flexibility that accommodates a diverse programming schedule; and d) developed a design that showcased the use of local materials and sustainability best management practices into this design to serve as a precedent for other urban redevelopment projects. As a community hub, the resulting design has the potential to serve as a catalyst for further revitalization of the Avenue of Fashion.