Midtown Detroit, Inc. Secures $12 Million State Appropriation to Begin Implementing First Phase of Detroit’s Cultural Center Infrastructure and Stormwater Management Improvements
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Detroit, MI – June 29, 2023 — Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is thrilled to announce that it will receive a generous $12 million appropriation from the State of Michigan. This substantial funding will be pivotal in supporting infrastructure and landscaping improvements, the first phase of stormwater management, and bolster the overall parking strategy within Detroit’s esteemed Cultural Center as part of the visionary Cultural Center Planning Initiative (CCPI).
The Cultural Center Planning Initiative aims to create a vibrant and connected space, uniting an iconic hub of artistic, educational, and cultural institutions that attracted 2.1M visitors from near and far over the last 12 months. This strategic initiative is a collaborative effort between Midtown Detroit, Inc., and 12 legacy arts, cultural and educational institutions, including The Carr Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public Library, Hellenic Museum of Michigan, International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan Science Center, The Scarab Club, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. These organizations are dedicated to creating a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable district to benefit the community, visitors, and future generations.
Susan Mosey, Executive Director of Midtown Detroit, Inc., expressed her gratitude for the State of Michigan’s generous support. She stated, “This $12 million appropriation will empower us to further invest in the vital infrastructure and stormwater management systems necessary to preserve and enhance the Cultural Center. We are deeply grateful to the State of Michigan and our legislative leaders for recognizing the importance of this initiative and for their unwavering commitment to the cultural vibrancy of Detroit.”
The broader vision of the CCPI will invest in street enhancements and green stormwater infrastructure solutions for this 83-acre site while providing new parking with EV charging stations and safer pedestrian experiences. This plan will also create unique and enhanced public spaces with beautiful, lush landscaping, increase the tree canopy, develop a pedestrian pathway that connects all the institutions, introduce new lighting, diverse public art, and inviting amenities to support outdoor programming experiences.
The impact of this funding extends beyond the physical improvements to the Cultural Center, as Salvador Salort-Pons, CEO/President of the Detroit Institute of Arts, highlights: “The Cultural Center Planning Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration. This substantial appropriation will enable us to strengthen our infrastructure and enhance our visitors’ experience. We are excited to be part of this transformative project and extend our heartfelt thanks to the State of Michigan.”
Christian Greer, CEO/President of the Michigan Science Center, emphasized the broader significance of the funding, stating, “Investing in infrastructure and stormwater management is an investment in the future of our community. This appropriation will support our efforts to create a more resilient and sustainable environment where science, education, and innovation can thrive. We sincerely thank the State of Michigan for their vision and support.”
Kathryn Dimond, Executive Director of The Scarab Club, added, “Preserving and enhancing our cultural assets is essential for fostering creativity and enriching the lives of our community members. This appropriation will help safeguard the Cultural Center’s infrastructure and implement the first phase of stormwater management, ensuring that the Cultural Center remains a vibrant hub for the arts for years to come. We immensely thank the State of Michigan for their commitment to our cultural heritage.”
The $12 million appropriation represents a significant milestone in the realization of the Cultural Center Planning Initiative. The CCPI master plan improvements will be implemented in phases over 10-20 years as funding opportunities are identified and secured. $8.6 million has been raised thus far to create the overall masterplan; support outdoor collaborative programming; install a free, outdoor public Wi-Fi system; develop a new brand identity and website for the district; generate safe re-opening protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and provide small grants to a handful of institutions to help them develop targeted digital strategies to support their work. The William Davidson Foundation, Knight Foundation, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, Gilbert Family Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Walters Family Foundation, Wayne State University and Boston Consulting Group have supported the CCPI.
For more information about Midtown Detroit, Inc. and the Cultural Center Planning Initiative, please visit https://www.midtownculturalconnections.com.
Media Contact:
Annmarie Borucki
Midtown Detroit, Inc.
(313) 420-6000
aborucki@midtowndetroitinc.org
Download a PDF of the press release.
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About Midtown Detroit, Inc.:
Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit planning and development organization that supports the physical maintenance and revitalization of the Midtown Detroit and New Center neighborhoods. MDI supports the district through arts programming, infrastructure, public maintenance, community programs, small business support, real estate development, and master planning efforts. Its well-established public art programs and significant arts festivals like DLECTRICITY and Noel Night have added vibrancy to the overall district.