News Summary
Construction has officially commenced on the Second Avenue Extension, a $103.9 million project that aims to improve access to Detroit’s riverfront. This new roadway will connect Second Avenue to the riverfront, aiding both motorists and pedestrians. The project is part of a broader revitalization effort in the area that includes a new JW Marriott hotel and enhancements to the Huntington Place convention center, projected for completion by 2026. Community leaders emphasized its significance for walkability and connectivity in downtown Detroit.
Detroit
Construction officially commenced this week on the Second Avenue Extension, a significant project aimed at improving access to Detroit’s riverfront. This new roadway will connect Second Avenue to the Detroit riverfront, spanning from Congress Street to Steve Yzerman Drive and will cross over M-10. Currently, the end of Second Avenue is only a quarter mile away from the riverfront, making this extension a crucial development for both motorists and pedestrians.
The Second Avenue Extension project, with a budget of $103.9 million, is funded and developed by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA). It aims to create a safe and accessible route that accommodates motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Approximately half of the right-of-way will be designated specifically for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, underscoring the project’s commitment to walkability.
Community leaders gathered at the Huntington Place convention center to mark the start of construction, with attendance from representatives of various private companies including Plante Moran Realpoint and Sterling Group. The project, expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, will include essential features such as street lighting and wide pathways for both pedestrian and bike paths, enhancing the connectivity between downtown Detroit and the riverfront.
The extension project is part of a larger revitalization effort taking place in the area. Currently, the construction of a new 25-floor, 600-room JW Marriott hotel is underway, with plans to open in 2027. Additionally, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is anticipated to open this fall, while the newly debuted Residences at Water Square, a luxury high-rise complex, opened in early 2024.
The DRCFA emphasizes the importance of this extension, noting that it is vital for improving accessibility, despite having lower visibility compared to other redevelopment projects. The extension is seen as an essential piece to enhance the overall experience of the downtown area, particularly with the ongoing expansion of Huntington Place, which will feature a skybridge connecting to the JW Marriott hotel. The budget for the Huntington Place expansion is reported at $125 million, with $120 million set aside for the skywalk.
As construction activities advance, the Detroit People Mover will close from April 14 to April 17 as a safety measure linked to the construction work. This closure is part of the broader expansion efforts at Huntington Place in preparation for the new hotel. Meanwhile, the Water Square Station, formerly known as the West Riverfront Station, has been renamed amid these developments.
The DRCFA anticipates investing approximately $500 million into the interconnected projects of the hotel and the convention center expansion. A network of developers and contractors, including L.S. Brinker and Roncelli, have been enlisted to manage the construction operations. This series of improvements aims to create a more seamless experience for visitors and residents alike, connecting the lively downtown area with the beautiful waterfront.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Second Avenue Extension Project in Detroit
Detroit Celebrates 38th Anniversary of the People Mover
Alo to Open First Retail Store in Hudson’s Tower, Detroit
Mayor Duggan’s Final State of the City Address Ahead
Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Construction Begins on Second Avenue Extension
- Detroit Free Press: Detroit People Mover Closure for Construction
- Crain’s Detroit: Huntington Place Expansion Approved
- Metro Times: Dirty Shake Opens in Detroit
- Hour Detroit: Downtown Detroit Development Projects in 2025
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit construction news
- Google Scholar: Detroit development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Google News: Detroit city development
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
