Spirit of Detroit Plaza reopens after $800k renovation

DETROIT – After a $800,000 renovation, Spirit of Detroit Plaza has reopened.

It wasn’t the best day for Detroit to open up an outdoor event space, but the city didn’t let a little cold and rain to dampen its spirit.

“I think every city needs a city plaza to go out and enjoy” said Brad Dick, with the city of Detroit.

Detroit shut down the a section of Woodward Avenue at East Jefferson in 2017. Back then, there were temporary structures, but due to its popularity, the city renovated the area to create something permanent.

A lot of it is infrastructure stuff residents won’t really see, but it’s money well-spent to give people a place to come.

It’s not all invisible -- there’s new planter boxes and landscaping, new tables, chairs and fire pits, a new playground and -- coming soon -- a permanent stage.

Kate Hudson, the co-owner of Detroit Mini Donut, said Spirit of Detroit Plaza is more than fun and games.

“We started here when we had nothing but a doughnut machine and a dream,” Hudson said. “Places like this helped us set up for a small price, sometimes no price to get our name out there and pound the pavement.”

Hudson was at the opening all day with hot cider and doughnuts.

Spirit of Detroit Plaza is completely free to everyone. Organizations and nonprofits can even rent the space.

The permanent stage will is expected to be finished in spring 2020.


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Jamie anchors sports coverage on Local 4 News Saturdays at 6 & 11 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., in addition to hosting Sports Final Edition.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.