Mexicantown can be gateway to Detroit, developer says

Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News

Detroit — Dan Loacano hopes a budding development plan can turn the neighborhood near the Ambassador Bridge into a destination.

The program manager for Southwest Housing Solutions has a vision that includes upgrading Mexicantown and tying the area into a redeveloped Corktown neighborhood along Michigan Avenue, including the vacant Michigan Central Depot.

"There is a lot of potential for development in this 20-block area," he said. "One of our major goals is that when people get off of the Ambassador Bridge, they don't jump on the freeway. They take West Vernor to Michigan (Avenue) to get to downtown."

Southwest Housing Solutions is working on the project with the University of Detroit Collaborative Design Center. They plan a meeting from 4-7 p.m. today at the Mexicantown Mercado, 2826 Bagley, to discuss possible upgrades and gauge interest from residents, business owners and elected officials.

Mary Beth Carolan, 33, a Corktown resident, has been working to get better lighting near the train station.

"This is a dream project," she said. "I'm excited. Connecting Corktown and Mexicantown makes sense."

Corktown establishments include Slows Bar BQ restaurant, a recording studio and Roosevelt Park, which project organizers hope to revitalize.

Southwest Housing Solutions has built or is in the process of building more than $100 million worth of projects in the city.

Planners have met with more than 100 residents, representatives from nonprofits and elected officials to get their input, Loacano said.

City officials say the project complements Mayor Dave Bing's drive to develop a comprehensive land use plan for Detroit.

"The city can't do it alone," said Karla Henderson, the city's group executive of planning. "We as an administration realize we aren't going to have a giant corporation come in and create thousands of jobs and save the city. It's going to take a diversity of various actions, like what they are doing."