The Review Magazine Spring 2025

CONNECTING HOUGHTON

2024 RUNNERS-UP

The Brighton Main Street Streetscape Project is a community-driven initiative to enhance Brighton’s historic downtown. Key improvements include widened sidewalks, which allow greater space for outdoor dining and safer crosswalks; eco-friendly LED lighting; replacement of century-old utilities with upgraded underground lines; and enhanced landscaping. The project also introduced a curb less roadway, allowing the downtown to seamlessly transform into a pedestrian festival space. Historical elements include natural stone benches and preserve a sense of place, honoring Brighton’s heritage as a center of mill activity.

BRIGHTON pop. 7,446

Recognizing a need for more public space, as well as greater integration of the Kent District Library (which had been separated from the downtown by a large parking lot), the Grandville Downtown Development Authority created the Commons & Market Pavilion . The project included a 6,600-square-foot expansion to the library, a covered walking path connecting the library to downtown, and a multifunctional pavilion boasting a sound system, circular pergola with porch swings, and seating area. The resulting Grandville Community Commons has become a hub for the community, with farmers markets, a Social District, and community events occurring year-round.

GRANDVILLE pop. 16,083

Through a combination of federal, state, and private grants— as well as a little crowdfunding—the Nine Mile Redesign Project has given new life to an underutilized stretch of Nine Mile Road. Protected bike lanes, traffic calming, and back-in angled parking improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, while green spaces, play structures, and public art have resulted in a beautiful and vibrant community space. The project’s success has inspired Oak Park’s neighbors in the Detroit Metro Area, leading to a regional Nine Mile Task Force.

Congratulations!

OAK PARK pop. 29,560

Emily Landau is a content writer for the League. You may contact Emily at 734-669-6320 or elandau@mml.org.

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| Spring 2025