DEGC accepting proposals for 6.1-acre development site in Southwest Detroit

• 6.1-acre commercial development opportunity on West Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit 

• City-owned site zoned for both retail and light industrial uses; environmental remediation underway 

• Location offers strategic access to I-75, I-94 and Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal 

• Site situated just two miles from Michigan Central Station and Gordie Howe International Bridge 

April 2, 2025 (DETROIT) — The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) today announced it is seeking proposals for the redevelopment of 6370 West Vernor Highway, a prominent 6.1-acre site in Southwest Detroit’s vibrant commercial district. 

The Request for Proposals (RFP) presents a significant opportunity for commercial or light industrial development in one of the city’s most walkable and densely populated neighborhoods. The site, formerly a Department of Public Works maintenance facility, has been cleared and is currently undergoing environmental assessment and cleanup by the City of Detroit. 

“This site represents a tremendous opportunity to build on Southwest Detroit’s economic momentum,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the DEGC. “We’re looking for visionary developers who can create a project that complements the commercial corridor along Vernor Highway while generating new jobs and investment in this amazing neighborhood.” 

Located at the intersection of West Vernor Highway and Livernois Avenue, the property is strategically positioned with access to major transportation routes including I-75 to the south and I-94 to the north. The site directly abuts the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal and is approximately two miles from both the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Michigan Central Station. 

The City of Detroit is interested in a range of potential uses for the site, including retail developments like a grocery-anchored shopping center or light industrial facilities such as food processing or manufacturing. 

“Southwest Detroit has experienced significant investment, including through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, with over $25 million dedicated to improving parks, expanding housing options and supporting real estate development,” said David Howell, vice president of Development Services at DEGC. “This site offers developers the rare combination of a large, cleared parcel on a thriving commercial corridor with excellent access to transportation infrastructure and a dense residential population.” 

The City’s commitment to the site includes environmental remediation work currently underway. The cleanup process includes removing contaminated soil, demolition of remaining concrete slabs and foundations, and site restoration. 

Proposals will be evaluated based on the developers’ experience, financial capacity, design quality, community benefits and bid price. The DEGC is particularly interested in projects that incorporate sustainable design elements, create quality jobs and engage with the surrounding community. 

Developers interested in the opportunity can view a video tour highlighting the site’s advantages on both the DEGC’s website and YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/VernorSiteTour.  

The submission deadline for proposals is 3:00 p.m. on May 16, 2025. For more information or to receive the complete RFP package, interested developers should visit DEGC.org or https://bit.ly/WestVernorRFP.  

About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.