Groundbreaking at former Northville Downs celebrates redevelopment plan

NORTHVILLE, Mich. (FOX 2) - The former location for Northville Downs is being redeveloped, and Monday's groundbreaking was the first step.

A program was held this morning lauding a new mixed-use project taking place on the 48 acres of land where Michigan's last horse racing track closed after 80 years.

"This groundbreaking is a result of tremendous private-public partnerships that have come together in support of the development," said US Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan).

Simply called 'The Downs' — the project includes nearly 500 houses, condos and apartments, retail space and 15 acres of public parks and green space.

The project includes nearly 500 houses, condos and apartments, retail space and 15 acres of public parks and green space. The goal is to have the project completed by 2027.

Officials say there is a very important environmental component to the project.

"One of the greatest benefits of this project is the daylighting of the Rouge River that runs under the downs," Dingell said. "Resulting in the detention of millions of gallons of stormwater, reducing flooding in the downstream communities."

The massive project has been years in the works.

"We're looking forward to the day we come back here - to cut this ribbon, to say it’s open and ready," said Asad Turfe, deputy Wayne County executive. "But I know this was a lot of work, a lot of time - eight years, $350 million.

"Overall the investments in street infrastructure, park and green space activities in the project is going to have a tremendous positive impact for not only the residents of Northville but everybody around," Dingell said.