MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – The City of Madison Heights is moving forward with an ambitious downtown revitalization project, focusing on transforming the 11 Mile Road corridor into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination.
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The city secured a $313,000 grant from the Main Street Oakland County Placemaking Program to implement significant improvements along 11 Mile Road between John R and Lorenz.
“We need to build new. We need to renovate so many of these buildings,” said Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein, emphasizing the comprehensive approach to downtown development.
The first phase of the 11 Mile Streetscape Project aims to enhance the downtown corridor’s accessibility and safety. Key improvements include:
- Widening existing sidewalks
- Adding 19 new parking spaces to support local businesses
- Converting the current four-lane road to a three-lane corridor
- Installing new streetscape elements
“We’re working on getting more people to not keep driving through, but to stop and see what we have here,” Grafstein explained, highlighting the project’s goal of transforming the area into a destination rather than just a thoroughfare.
The project addresses longstanding safety concerns, particularly near Madison High School.
“Part of the funding for the streetscape is to help make safer streets here. Unfortunately, on 11 Mile, by the school, we have accidents,” Grafstein noted. “Part of what the streetscape will do, is it will make it safer.”
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The improvements are already attracting business interest to the downtown area.
“We are working on having a property over here in the 11 Mile and John R area, that is going to be ready for development later this year,” Grafstein said. “By having that we will have an anchor in our downtown.”
Many residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Carol Lovell, a longtime Madison Heights resident, shared her support saying, “I think it’s great. I think it will solve a lot of traffic problems, first of all. I’ve seen it in other cities, and I just think it’s wonderful. It’s wonderful to look at. It makes your walks more interesting.”
Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2025, before the new school year begins. The improvements are part of a larger initiative to create a more walkable, vibrant downtown district in Madison Heights.
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