Welcome to Broadway Park West in Lower Town Ann Arbor, where the fusion of nature and city elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary along the Huron River. Immerse yourself in a lifestyle seamlessly integrating work, play, and living. It’s more than just a location; it’s an opportunity to embrace life and be inspired.
About
Project
The project comprises 7 acres of land formerly owned by Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and operated as a coal gasification facility in the early 20th Century.
It originated in 2014 with Gerry Anderson, former CEO of DTE, whose vision included a mixed-use development with accessible space for public use and enjoyment.
In partnership with the Detroit-based Roxbury Group, the effort began with a community engagement initiative that included over 40 public meetings with over 600 residents and business owners. From this process, a vision for the development emerged that included four primary goals:
• Building on natural assets
• Creating a community gathering place
• Connecting neighborhoods
• Ensuring an economically sustainable conservancy-led park model
History
1900 – 1950s: Operated as a coal gasification facility by Manufactured Gas Company and MichCon
2001: DTE inherited the site through their acquisition of MichCon and invested a total of $8MM in environmental clean-up along the shoreline to eliminate off-site migration and complete industrial clean-up
2017: DTE entered into a Purchase Agreement with the Lower Town Riverfront Partners to acquire and develop the site
2019: Lower Town Riverfront Partners received approval for a Brownfield TIF that will complete environmental clean-up
2022: The Lowertown Riverfront Conservancy, a 501(C)3, was formed to own, develop and manage 7 of the 14 acres for public benefit as Broadway Park West
Amenities and Timelines
Broadway Park West will be constructed in three phases.
Phase I – Fall 2024
Trails, Pathways, Footbridge
Through all four seasons, walkers, hikers and bikers can take to the trails and explore this beautiful natural setting. In total, 2,400 feet of trails connect via a bridge over the Huron River as a new part of the B2B regional trail system.
River Access
The park design will provide three (one major and two minor) points of access to the Huron River, where the public can sit and enjoy the beauty of one of Ann Arbor’s most cherished natural assets.
The Commons
A large manicured oval where art installations, yoga classes, seasonal markets, and festivals take place on the immaculate lawn. Here, the community can gather on the green or wander along the surrounding green spaces to the river’s edge.
Phase II – Fall 2025
The Pavilion
Designed for special events, the Pavilion overlooks the river with a multi-purpose outdoor stage capable of hosting up to 1,000 people outdoors during warm months and year-round, 300 - 500 people for indoor, sit-down dinners, lectures, and celebration events.
Phase III – Future
The Ribbon
A signature feature, the ribbon winds through the beauty of Broadway Park West, providing a summer water fun splash pad, a winter wonderland of ice skating, and a spectacular focal point for community gatherings year-round.
Sustainability and Resilience
• 100% electrical energy generated with renewable sources (wind and solar)
• One electric vehicle charging station per 50 parking spaces
• Full compliance with the City’s outdoor lighting ordinance
• Impervious surfaces 57% (60% allowable)
• New habitat (trees, shrubs, and native grasses) planted across the site
• Land remediation to EGLE recreational standards
View our Progress
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