FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: marie@lowertowna2.org May 13, 2025
Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy Awarded $1,000,000 Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to Support Broadway Park West
Ann Arbor, MI — The Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy announced today that it has been awarded a grant of $1,000,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking program (RAP) to support Broadway Park West, the inaugural project of the Conservancy and the largest brownfield redevelopment in Washtenaw County’s history.
The RAP grant will specifically support the construction of The Pavilion at Broadway Park West, an 8,800-square-foot LEED-certified event space serving as the cornerstone of the revitalized 7-acre park situated along the Huron River in the heart of Ann Arbor.
“RAP’s generous support of this transformative project will help foster a connection between the river’s natural beauty and the richness of our arts and culture community,” said Marie Klopf, President of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy. “We are truly honored to be selected alongside other awardees committed to the vibrancy and enhancement of diverse communities across Michigan.”
Broadway Park West is one of 64 revitalization projects in 48 communities throughout the state that received grant funding from the RAP program, which supports community revitalization needs in Michigan communities by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth.
Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer stated, “The Broadway Park West Pavilion project is set to become a signature gathering place for the Ann Arbor community. This four-season structure will be programmed throughout the year and will bring people down to the riverfront, establishing Broadway Park West as an active and vibrant public space. We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Revitalization and Placemaking Program.”
For more information about the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy or to get involved, visit lowertowna2.org.
About the Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP)
Administered by MEDC, the RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements. Eligible applicants are individuals or entities working to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted and historic structures and the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, outdoor dining and placed based public spaces.
About the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy (LTRC) and Broadway Park West The Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy (LTRC), a 501(c)3 organization, was established in 2020 to strengthen the relationship between people, neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor’s natural beauty. Our mission is to connect public and private partners with local communities, residents, and institutions to preserve the city’s natural habitat, integrate new landscapes, and manage urban amenities to cultivate a thriving four-season destination. BROADWAY PARK WEST represents the inaugural project of the LTRC and is developed, owned, and managed by the Conservancy.