Planners reveal downtown design proposal

The concept plan for the Northville downtown pedestrian area received a positive response from audience members during a meeting Nov. 29 at city hall.

The plan presented by representatives from Grissim, Metz and Andriese (GMA) was welcomed as a positive step forward in transforming the closed sections of Main and Center streets into a promenade with interactive zones that would attract people to shops, restaurants and new seating areas. 

The plan includes linear bands of activity. The center of the street at 24-feet wide would be the promenade for pedestrians to use, with plenty of room for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. Sixteen feet within that 24-foot space can be used for emergency access for police, fire and EMT and would  not have any tables, chairs, structures or displays. Within the promenade, there will be zones of 8-foot-wide sections for varied seating arrangements. 

Eight-foot wide sections from the merchants' doors to the curb would provide another walkway. Beyond that, varying sections of 13 to 18 feet would be considered merchant space, where restaurants could set up outdoor dining, and retailers could display merchandise. Merchant space would include the 8-foot-wide parallel parking spaces. GMA proposed decking be placed over the parking spaces and match up with the sidewalk to provide a platform for outdoor dining structures. This also eliminates the need to remove curbs, representatives explained.

The seating areas would be varied to encourage different uses and activities. High-top tables and chairs would face the promenade, a convenience for a “to-go” meal, a drink, work on a laptop or watch people. Larger outdoor couches and chairs would invite groups to linger and share stories. Bistro-style tables and chairs could be moved to wherever they are needed, according to the proposed design.

Lighting plans include projecting light patterns on the street (similar to holiday light projections on a house), stringing lights from horizontal beams mounted on buildings, and spotlighting the historic buildings with street-based lights that glow upward. Another plan is to remove the traffic light at Main and Center and replace it with a stop sign, using the light pole for decorative lighting or hanging banners for events and as an advertising venue for area businesses. The intersection may also have a curved portion of road - achieved through brickscape - to indicate the main entrance.  

The streets would be activated by both programmed activities and organic entertainment, such as playing corn hole, doing group yoga, or playing chess at a bistro table. Musicians and street performers would have a zone for performances in addition to the stage at Town Square. Food trucks would be part of the streetscape for special events. In the winter, there could be an ice rink at Town Square. 

Structures are proposed to have plexiglass roofs so the building names can still be viewed. They would be more uniform with removable side walls for cold weather and a distinctive, decorative siding approximately 4 feet tall that screens chair legs from the street. Structures would be decorated for the seasons.

Downtown District Authority Director Lori Ward said, “This next phase for downtown Northville is a unique opportunity to provide an experience and setting that doesn't exist in our neighboring communities. It will be an even better place to bring the kids, go out for a drink with friends, or just hang out. 

“There's so much versality with the space. We aim to make it a destination, a place where there's something happening every day of the week, every month of the year. Some of that will be programmed but residents and visitors will find ways to make it their own 'go-to' place,” she added.