When you think Downtown Detroit, what comes to mind? I think big city buildings, artistic structures, so many food choices, offices, Tigers, concerts, and a generally good time. Parks would not have topped my list, but this changed after our September Member Meetup / walking tour led by the Downtown Detroit Development Authority. Parks and adaptable spaces now are among the first things I notice when I get downtown. Downtown Detroit is a unique, evolving, environment for working, living, and playing.
The SEMCOG office is in the 1001 Woodward building on the 14th floor, with arguably the best views of Campus Martius, Capitol Park, and the Detroit River. Adaptable spaces have become increasingly familiar to our staff over the last several months. In early 2020, we (like many others) transitioned to remote work with hopes of coming back to the office after two weeks. We ended up doing mostly remote work until May 2022.
When our office opened back up, its footprint had downsized by 50%, which meant a reimagining of the space that remains. Desks are no longer assigned, but they can now be reserved, along with flexible team working spaces. We are hosting meetings at our office again and enjoying opportunities to share new features and improvements.
As we prepared to welcome SEMCOG members back to our office, we had to consider how much has changed in the past two-plus years. Downtown Detroit Partnership staff member Sarah Walsh took us on a wonderful tour of a few parks near our office. Campus Martius is one of the more well-known spaces in this area and the starting point of our tour. This park changes by the season to accommodate events and create a welcoming space. In the winter you will find the Christmas tree, skating rink, and plenty of festive lights and decor. The summer season hosts “the beach”, a sandy area with seating and a nice restaurant spot to grab lunch or dinner. The beach has tropical plants for the summer, which are held in a greenhouse during winter every year on Belle Isle! How cool is that?
Connecting to Campus Martius is the Woodward Esplanade. This is a public space that runs through the boulevard islands of Woodward Ave. from Campus Martius, to Larned St. Not only does this space help people connect from the Downtown area to the river, it also serves as a space for seating and food trucks to meet. Cadillac Square is adjacent to the other two public spaces, and hosts not only food trucks but a Christmas market in the changing of seasons.
When we visited Capitol Park, the first thing that stuck out to me was the gorgeous landscaping. There is plenty of space for sitting to work or people watch; it’s also a great spot to take a rest after shopping or dining at the many close options. This park has a long history (Underground Railroad, State Capitol, and final resting place of Michigan’s first governor) and has really evolved over time to accommodate the downtown population. You can find a wide range of activities here, from fitness classes to dogs visiting an “off-leash” park. In a few years, these spaces will more than likely look different due to changing needs, and I can’t wait to see them. Thank you to Downtown Detroit Partnership for making this tour possible, and for all of the work that goes into making these spaces great!
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