Greater Corktown

As Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, the history of Corktown speaks for itself

The Framework 

The City of Detroit launched the Greater Corktown Planning Framework Study in spring 2019. The Planning Framework study is an initiative that engages residents in creating a plan that promotes inclusive growth of Detroit’s oldest established neighborhood while preserving the community’s unique character, cultural heritage and integrity.

What is Greater Corktown?

Corktown Aerial Map

Greater Corktown, or “The Study Area,” is the name of the planning study area, primarily comprised of North Corktown and Historic Corktown neighborhoods with a portion of Core City and Hubbard Richard neighborhoods as well. For the past year, the planning team has been engaging with residents, identifying challenges and opportunities, and developing practical strategies around:

• Urban design and landscape;

• Development and zoning; 

• Streetscapes and connectivity; 

• Improved pedestrian experience;

• Historic preservation; and 

• Housing development and rehabilitation.

Guiding Principles 

Key Takeaways

This plan casts a wide net of strategies to help guide the Study Area forward. As you read the plan, you will notice several key takeaways framing the recommendations:

Ensure zero residential displacement occurs.  

There is an ample amount of vacant land (both publicly and privately owned) that presents an opportunity for both development and preservation

Maintaining and advancing housing affordability is a key driver of the development objectives

Streets offer improved connectivity—for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclist—by improving roadway design, extending sidewalks

Building off of catalysts and existing investments including the Ford Land investments in Michigan Central Station and adjacent real estate, the Police Athletic League Ballpark, the May Creek Greenway project (part of the Joe Louis Greenway), and (even though it is not in the Study Area) the nearby planned Wilson Centennial Park.

Addressing the funding realities through partnership and collaboration amongst public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic entities utilizing this plan as a shared vision for the future.

Neighborhood Framework Documents

 

Project Manager:

Public Engagement Archive

Below is an index of public meeting summaries, documents, and engagement materials

Draft Recommendations:

Virtual Meetings

*There were other “informal” meetings held throughout the Greater Corktown study area either by zoom or phone with along with canvassing efforts

Workshops

 

 

Open House

 

Public Meetings

 

Pop Up Meetings

 

Bi-Weekly Newsletter

 

Greater Corktown Mixed-Income Housing Initiative

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Land Bank Authority are moving forward in partnership on a Greater Corktown housing strategy, which could result in the creation of more affordable housing units located across the Historic and North Corktown neighborhoods. After significant dialogue with the community over the past year through the Greater Corktown planning framework process and MI Central Station Community Benefits process, concerns around preservation of existing and construction of new affordable housing units within Corktown have constantly risen to the forefront.

The Greater Corktown Framework CNI Area

 

These conversations as well as a series of very successful community meetings in early 2020, have resulted in the City’s Planning & Development and Housing & Revitalization Departments to work towards applying for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant by this coming summer 2020.