19 Oct 2018
MVVA and David Adjaye-designed Detroit Riverfront project gets investment boost
BY Andrew Manns
The Detroit West Riverfront regeneration project has been awarded an additional $50m (€43.6, £38.8m) grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Founded in 2014, the foundation posthumously furthers the philanthropic activities of the erstwhile owner of the National Football League (NFL) Buffalo Bills owner, Ralph C. Wilson Jr.
The project, which is being spearheaded by architectural studio Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), Sir David Adjaye, and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, already received an investment of $375m (€300.7m, £264.7m) from the foundation in 2017.
Set to transform Detroit’s 22-acre riverside park into a world-class gathering space, the development will feature a cove-like bathing inlet on the water’s edge, a manmade, offshore island, and multiple pavilions and playing fields.
Commenting on the riverfront scheme, Matt Cullen, chairman of the Conservancy
said: "The creation of this new park will be one of the most significant public space projects undertaken in our city’s history. It has the potential to become a world-class gathering place and drive economic growth in Southwest Detroit for generations."
"We’re looking forward to making West Riverfront Park an amazing place," said Michael Van Valkenburgh, president & CEO of MVVA.
Construction on the expanded public realm, which–on completion–will be renamed the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, is expected to conclude in 2022.
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