- $50 million transformation planned along the Detroit River
- Winner chosen from four semi-finalists culled from pool of 80 design firms
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy on Tuesday named New York City-based Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates the winner of an international design competition for the $50 million transformation of the West Riverfront Park.
The landscape architect designed the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York and Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.
“Drawing people closer to the river was the foundation of our scheme,” Michael Van Valkenburgh, who heads the landscape architecture firm, said at the announcement.
MVVA’s ideas included a series of pavilions for lively programs along the edge of the park, a playground, beach inlet, fishing pier and performance space.
“The real fun and learning curve starts now when we get to hear Detroiters’ reactions to the plan to make sure this is one of greatest parks in country,” Van Valkenburgh said at the announcement.
Conservancy board chair Matt Cullen said “the creation of West Riverfront Park would be one of the most significant public space projects undertaken in” Detroit’s history. A revamped park potentially can drive economic growth for the city’s southwest side, he said.
Continue reading full article on Crain’s Detroit Business.
Photo: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
