Project Name: Nine Mile Corridor for Connectivity, Placemaking & Recreation
ABOUT THE APPLICANT
Are you applying as a:
DDA or CID
What is the entity’s name:
Southfield Downtown Development Authority
Website URL
Twitter Handle
Facebook Handle
Instagram Handle
What is the name of the primary contact for this entity’s application/project?
Al Aceves
What are their preferred pronouns?
He/him/his
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Where will your project take place? (please include city/village too)
Nine Mile Road bewteen Greenfield & Southfield roads, Southfield
Anticipated project launch date
July 15, 2023
Briefly describe your project idea including your role and any project partners.
This is the Southfield portion of a multi jurisdictional (Hazel Park, Ferndale, Oak Park, Farmington & Farmington Hills) initiative to enhance the 9 Mile corridor for health & wellness and for economic revival. The corridor in Southfield has lost its luster. Our partners … continued elsewhere
How do you plan to spend the $5,000 microgrant? Please list and explain the items, services, fees, expertise, etc. that you plan to purchase.
We will use these funds for commissioning a signature piece of art.
Will your project require special permits from the community you are in? For example, anything that requires a street closure or installing a permanent art piece will likely require a special permit from your local governing body or zoning board. If your project is funded, the MML Foundation is happy to help you navigate that process. Please note that all applicants must obtain any necessary permits for their projects, if selected for funding.
No
Rachel’s Notes about the Project
Reviewed 4.12.23. Confirmed member status. Cannot confirm artist website. One of the businesses is national, cannot confirm second business. This is not a downtown project.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Why does your community need this project?
9 Mile has lost its vibrancy in part due to the demolition of three high rise buildings, aging apartment complexes, & closure of Northland Mall, Additionally, Southfield is a post-WWII was city designed around the automobile. We are working to make the city more pedestrian friendly and encourage non-motorized transportation. We are adding pathways to 9 Mile where none exist & adding streetscape elements and art to make the corridor more attractive for redevelopment. Art is an economic driver.
How will you engage your community in this project?
We have already lined up community partners. They include 9 Mile business owners, Lawrence Technological University, Friends of Southfield Public Arts, Southfield Public Arts Commission, City of Southfield Planning Department, Southfield Parks & Recreation, SEMCOG, Oakland County Economic Development, Community Foundation of SE Michigan, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Southfield Chapter) and the Torch of Wisdom Foundation
What do you hope to achieve through this project?
We see it as a link between I-75 and I-275 on the west to connect to north/south trails. We also see this as a tool to spur revitalization and reinvestment in this corridor. With the coming redevelopment of the former Northland Mall (just to the south) we see our efforts as most opportune.
How will the project celebrate the community’s diversity? Diversity can include different ages, races, cultures, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and more.
The six communities involved in this initiative all border the city of Detroit. These inner ring communities are very diverse. Housing in the area reflects a wide socio-economic base. The 9 Mile area is is a mix of races, ethnic groups, religious communities. We are planning to work with minority artists.
What resources do you already have to make this project successful? Resources could include things like time, partners, expertise, donated goods/materials/space, matching funds, and more. Please approximate the in-kind value if possible.
The City of Southfield has agreed to provide the foundations on which public art will be placed. The Friends of Southfield Public Arts will provide additional funding as will some of the 9 Mile business owners, Lawrence Tech is providing at its cost a “Welcome to Southfield” sign.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist First and Last Name:
Sebastian
Artist Website (If Applicable):
https://www.sebastiansculptor.com.mx
Describe the artist’s or artists’ work. This is not about credentials—what do they do as an artist?
Sebastian creates sculptures based in geometrics. His pieces are made of steel and use very bright colors. His works come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
How will the artist be involved in this project?
The artist will meet with the business owner on whose property the sculpture will be installed and will hold a series of community meetings so as to reflect the community. After these conversations, the artist will submit three renderings for consideration.
Are there other artists involved in this project?
Yes
What are their names and what sort of art form do they practice?
Midwest Sculpture initiative.. Jim Gallucci Metal sculpture. This and other artist participation are dependent on of total funding we are working to raise.
How will they be involved in the project?
As funds permit, we plan to add other pieces from other artists
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Business 1: Business Name:
Contour Companies
Business 1: Business Type:
Developer/Landlord
Business 1: Business Owner First and Last Name:
David Dedvukaj
Business 1: Physical Location Address
16200 Nine Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075
How will this partner be involved in the project?
We will have financial support and use of their frontage on Nine Mile
Business 2: Business Name:
Epicenter
Business 2: Business Type:
Office Building owner of Epicenter and Nine Mile Crossing
Business 2: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Tarik Denha
Business 2: Business Physical Location Address:
18000 W. Nine Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075
How will this second partner be involved in the project?
This business owner owns the two high rises on either side of Nine Mile just east of Southfield Road. He has agreed to have the frontage of his properties used for art and streetscape elements. And he has offered to help finance
Do you have additional partners (business, non-profit, etc.)?
Yes
What are their names?
Najor Companies
Providence Hospital
Ciner properties (Oxley Apartments)
What role(s) will they have in the project?
Contributing land for streetscape elements
Are they located within the same downtown or business district as the project?
yes
Will your local municipal government be involved in the project? If so, how?
Yes, planning and engineering assistance, plus installation assistance.
Please upload a letter of support on letterhead for your project from your local governing body (mayor, city/village manager, city/village council member).
https://mmlfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/19/MayorLtr9Milepdf.pdf
IMAGE UPLOADS
Image Caption 1 (if any): The 9 Mile Corridor
Image 1 (if any):
Image Caption 2 (if any): This is the current Welcome to Southfield when crossing over Greenfield … not much
Image 2 (if any):
Image Caption 3 (if any): This is an existing welcome sign sponsored by LTU on Telegraph Rd.. LTU will pay to have this sign fabricated for 9 Mile & Greenfield
Image 3 (if any):
Image Caption 4 (if any): Pathway under construction. Another mile & a half is in planning stages for 9 Mile where no sidewalks exist
Image 4 (if any):
Image Caption 5 (if any): Corner of 9 Mile & Southfield Rd. The signature sculpture is planed for the lawn area in front of the Nine Mile Crossing/KenMar Building
Image 5 (if any):
