More than 400 Detroit residents filled the auditorium at the Coleman A. Young International Center on Wednesday night to weigh in on a controversial proposal that would rezone nearly 45 acres of riverfront property in Rivertown, potentially opening the door to mixed-use development that could transform one of the city’s most historically significant neighborhoods.
The Detroit Planning Commission hosted the public hearing to gather input on the zoning amendment request submitted by Riverwalk Capital Partners, a development firm that has been quietly acquiring properties along the Detroit River since 2023. The proposal would change the current industrial and warehouse zoning to mixed-use development zoning, allowing for residential units, retail space, restaurants, and office space alongside preserved historic structures.
Resident concerns dominated the hearing, with speakers raising questions about gentrification, displacement, parking, traffic, and the preservation of the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. Many attendees expressed frustration that they were only learning about the proposal through social media and word-of-mouth rather than through official city notifications.
“This is our neighborhood, and we deserve to know what’s happening before the decisions are made,” said Maria Santos, who has lived in a converted warehouse loft on Adair Street for 12 years. “I’m not against development, but I need to know if I can afford to stay here.”
The Proposal and Its Scope
Riverwalk Capital Partners is seeking to rezone the area bounded by Atwater Street to the north, the Detroit River to the south, Brush Street to the east, and St. Aubin Street to the west. The company has not yet submitted detailed site plans, but a preliminary development proposal suggests a phased approach involving up to 800 residential units across multiple buildings, ranging from four to 22 stories in height.
Company representative James Chen told the commission that the development would create approximately 1,200 permanent jobs and generate substantial tax revenue for the city. He emphasized the firm’s commitment to preserving historic structures, including the iconic Mariner’s Church and several early 20th-century industrial buildings.
“We see incredible potential in Rivertown. This neighborhood has character that money cannot buy,” Chen said during a presentation that lasted 12 minutes before the hearing was opened to public comment.
The proposal also includes 2,000 parking spaces, either underground or in dedicated structures, to address traffic concerns. Chen noted that the development would include public plazas and river walk improvements that would be open to residents and visitors.
Resident Pushback and Concerns
Despite the developer’s promises, dozens of residents and community advocates raised alarms about potential displacement and the loss of affordable housing. Rivertown currently has approximately 2,100 residents, many of whom moved there in the past decade attracted by affordable rents in repurposed industrial spaces.
David Hornback, executive director of the Rivertown Community Development Corporation, said his organization supports thoughtful development but wants strong protections built into any zoning changes.
“We need a community benefits agreement before any approvals are granted,” Hornback said. “That means genuinely affordable housing units, job training programs for residents, and a real seat at the table for our organization in ongoing decisions.”
Several speakers worried that a major development project would trigger property tax increases that would force out longtime residents and small businesses that currently rent space in Rivertown’s aging warehouse buildings. Marcus Williams, who operates a screen-printing studio in a 1920s factory building, said he would not be able to survive a significant rent increase.
“I’ve invested 15 years in building my business here. If the rents go up, I’m gone,” Williams said. “And once businesses like mine are gone, this neighborhood loses its soul.”
City Officials Respond
Detroit City Councilwoman Latoya Johnson, who represents the district encompassing Rivertown, acknowledged the residents’ concerns while noting that the city needs new development and tax base expansion.
“Development does not have to mean displacement,” Johnson said during public comment. “But we need to be intentional about protecting our current residents and businesses. That’s our job.”
Planning Commission chair Robert Finch said the commission would not vote on the rezoning request immediately. He indicated that staff would conduct additional analysis and that further community input would be gathered over the coming weeks.
“This is a significant proposal that deserves serious consideration,” Finch said. “We will take the community’s input into account as we move forward.”
What Comes Next
The Planning Commission is expected to vote on the rezoning recommendation sometime in April. If approved, the proposal would then move to the Detroit City Council, where another hearing would be required before a final vote.
Riverwalk Capital Partners has indicated that they hope to begin construction on the first phase of development in 2027, contingent on zoning approval and project financing. The company is reportedly in discussions with several major institutional investors about funding the estimated 850 million dollar project.
Community groups are organizing to ensure sustained pressure on elected officials. A coalition called Preserve Rivertown has scheduled weekly meetings at the Rivertown Community Development Corporation office to develop proposals for community protections.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for March 26.
