A graphic with information on Detroiters for Parking Reform's 3rd Annual Park(ing) Day Weekend Walking Tour

Detroiters for Parking Reform invites you to join us for our 3rd Annual Park(ing) Day Weekend Walking Tour. It’s our attempt to raise awareness of how misguided parking policies geared toward providing cheap, abundant parking have created a shortage of affordable housing and urban amenities, contribute to air and water pollution, and foster ever-greater car dependence as destinations become ever further apart.

What

Join Detroiters for Parking Reform on Saturday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Spirit of Detroit Plaza (Woodward between Jefferson and Larned) for our annual Park(ing) Day Weekend Walking Tour. You’ll see how the East Riverfront evolved from an industrial riverfront to its current form. The Detroit Riverfront as well as the Renaissance Center and I-375, have been in the news throughout 2024. It’s ancipated that they’ll continue to make headlines for years to come. This year’s annual Walking Tour of Detroit’s (in)famous examples of urban land misuse will zero in on the East Riverfront.

Color photograph of an empty surface parking lot adjacent to the Detroit Riverwalk and the Detroit River itself.

Like many parts of downtown, the East Riverfront was transformed in the mid-20th century by large-scale urban renewal. Jefferson Avenue was widened. I-375 cut off portions of the riverfront from downtown. Later, the construction of the Renaissance Center in the 1970s brought dramatic change. The construction of the 5 million square-foot RenCen created enormous demand for parking in the surrounding area. Not long after the RenCen opened, Detroit’s last remaining commuter rail line, SEMTA Commuter Rail, connecting Pontiac and the Woodward Corridor with the RenCen and downtown, ceased operating.

A color photograph showing several empty surface parking lots and two large parking structures near the Renaissance Center and adjacent to the Detroit Riverwalk and Detroit River.

We’ll look at more recent developments, like how the Detroit Riverwalk enhances waterfront access and walkability. You’ll also see how the oversupply of parking holds back the riverfront’s potential. Lastly, we’ll wrap up at a local watering hole with some simple collective action to remind policymakers about the need for common-sense parking reform.

No cost to attend, however free will donations to offset costs associated with running our website are gratefully accepted. We hope to see you there!

Where

Spirit Plaza, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

When

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

RSVP

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Download calendar invite (.ics)

2023 Photo Gallery

A photograph of a postcards to be sent to Detroit elected officials asking when Detroit will take up parking reform.
Tess Parr of Detroiters for Parking Reform speaks through a megaphone providing information on surface parking in the District Detroit.
Francis Grunow holds up a historic photo of the Donovan Building, formerly Motown Records headquarters, at the site of a plaza and abandoned construction site in the District Detroit.
Tess Parr points toward the former United Artists Theater during the process of demolition for surface parking.
Francis Grunow of Detroiters for Parking Reform shows a historic photograph of the former Majestic Cafe at the corner of Cass and Henry, demolished around 2016 for a surface parking lot.
Francis Grunow of Detroiters for Parking Reform stands near Cass Avenue and Columbia Streets showing a photograph of the former Chin Tiki, demolished in the 2000s for surface parking.
Walking Tour attendees gather around Francis Grunow of Detroiters for Parking Reform as he shows a photograph of the former Park Plaza Hotel at the corner of Second Avenue and Ledyard Street. Demolished ca. 2017. Now a vacant lot.
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