AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – An Oakland County community is receiving recognition for its downtown public square, which opened over the summer.
The Michigan Downtown Association, a nonprofit that promotes improvement of downtowns across the state, issued the city of Auburn Hills the 2025 Best Public Space Project award.
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The award honors “exceptional placemaking and design excellence” in creating public spaces for Michigan communities, according to a news release from the city.
The city turned an underused municipal parking lot into the Auburn Hills Downtown Public Square, which is a gathering space for residents, visitors and local businesses. The square opened over the summer and will host year-round community programming.
“The Downtown Public Square represents our community’s vision for a lively, inclusive, and sustainable downtown,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Brian Marzolf. “We are honored to receive this award from the Michigan Downtown Association, which recognizes the teamwork, creativity, and civic pride that made this project possible.”
The city noted that the historical significance of the square’s location adds meaning to the project.
“Before Auburn Hills was officially incorporated in 1983, when it was still Pontiac Township, the site was designated as the township’s Public Square,” the release said. “This project honors our past while looking to the future. The Public Square was designed to promote connection and improve the pedestrian experience.”
The Best Public Space category recognizes downtowns that create outdoor environments that spark community engagement.
“With its artificial turf, pergolas, planter boxes, seating and stage, there is no doubt our new public square will create lasting memories for residents and visitors alike,” said Auburn Hills City Manager Tom Tanghe. “We look forward to programming many events that will bring the community together.”
The Michigan Downtown Association presented this award and others during its 2025 conference, which was held on Nov. 6 in Rochester.