UCCA Woodward Streetscape

The Foundation's Trustees believe that the physical revitalization of the central City is of critical importance to the entire metropolitan community. Therefore, the Foundation strives to encourage greater downtown revitalization strategies and redevelopment projects. The Foundation has a particular interest in helping to stimulate the redevelopment of the Woodward Corridor area. This is an important focal area for the community as well as home to The Detroit Medical Center, the Cultural Center institutions, and Wayne State University. The Foundation also supports projects in other areas of the City, including neighborhood revitalization and development.

With the addition of the 15x15 Strategy to the Foundation’s agenda in 2008, the Foundation’s Physical Revitalization mission has become more focused upon Greater Downtown and upon those efforts that will support the physical needs of a young, talented population. The Foundation is particularly interested in those activities that support housing, retail and "third places" for the next generation of Detroiters.

In 2006 and 2007, the Foundation supported the activities of critical organizations developing and maintaining the Woodward Corridor. The University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) received $400,000 to continue to rejuvenate the environment along Woodward Avenue between downtown Detroit and the New Center area. In addition, the Foundation granted $450,000 to UCCA for a streetscape program that has improved lighting, crosswalks, landscaping and other amenities along the Corridor. Downtown, the Foundation provided $500,000 to the Downtown Detroit Partnership to operate the Clean Downtown initiative which has resulted in a dramatic change in the appearance and perception of downtown Detroit and has employed graduates of another Foundation-funded program, Goodwill Industries’ Reducing Chronic Unemployment Initiative.

Other 2006-2007 Grant Highlights:

$1,000,000 of a $5,000,000 commitment to the Detroit Renaissance Foundation for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Riverwalk Project and the Lower Woodward Development Strategy to produce new investment in Detroit.

$500,000 to Wayne State University for South University Village, a university and private developer housing and retail development that will provide faculty and graduate housing and revitalize a strategic section of the Woodward Corridor.

$800,000 to Local Initiatives Support Corporation to focus on improving the quality of life in neighborhoods, enhancing housing and commercial development.