Eastern Market Neighborhood Framework & Stormwater Management Network Plan

Utile and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) worked with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Eastern Market Partnership, and The Nature Conservancy to develop a comprehensive framework plan for the historic Eastern Market and its adjacent neighborhoods. Eastern Market remains an active center for wholesale food and flower sales, yet the late-Victorian fabric of the area constrains the upgrading and expansion of food production-related businesses. Large tracts of vacant land surround the market core, and expansion there will facilitate the area’s growth and maintain its status as a modern regional center of food production and distribution and a significant source of local employment. Parallel to the market’s expansion, opportunities will open in the market core for new businesses and neighborhood amenities.

Utile led a large interdisciplinary team to develop a framework plan that will guide the development of the market’s expansion and the redevelopment of the market core to provide opportunities for local businesses to grow in place in the greater market area, improve the quality of life for residents, and preserve the authenticity of Eastern Market.

The greater market area is also designated as a Watershed Improvement District, and will serve as a model for the implementation of innovative stormwater management practices and green infrastructure for the city. Water management strategies will be incorporated into the design of industrial development typologies for the market expansion area.