Greater Corktown

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?

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.

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