4003 - 4007 W Vernor, Hwy., Detroit, MI, Detroit, MI 48209

Property Overview

In partnership with the Detroit Building Authority (DBA), the city of Detroit's Neighborhood Economic Development (NED) team seeks proposals from qualified entities to design and construct a new commercial or mixed-use development in the heart of southwest Detroit. The development site is located at 4003 and 4007 West Vernor Highway, at the southwest corner of W. Vernor and Hubbard streets. The site is approximately 6,200 square feet, or .1 acres and there is a small, two-story structure at the southern property line of 4003 West Vernor. The city of Detroit seeks well-designed proposals for new development that will build upon the inherent strengths of the site and integrate the site seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.

Neighborhood Context

Located within southwest Detroit, 4003-4007 West Vernor is part of the Hubbard-Farms Historic District, which is bordered by West Vernor Highway (north), West Grand Boulevard (east), West Lafayette (south) and Clark Street (west). The neighborhood is mostly single-family historic residential with low vacancies alongside several multi-family apartment buildings throughout the neighborhood. West Vernor serves as the major commercial corridor and retail artery. Clark Park is one of the City’s premier parks, having received over $4M in upgrades in 2023 through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF). Bordering the park are three public schools from elementary to high school which see an influx of over 3,400 students coming to the neighborhood every day. Along Vernor are many of southwest Detroit’s destination restaurants, such as Armando’s Mexican Food, La Jalisciense and Flowers of Vietnam. La Candela and El Club offer evening and late-night entertainment options, making this area a 24/7 hub of activity.

La Joya Gardens is a ~$24M new construction mixed-use development just across the street from 4003-4007 West Vernor and brings an additional 53 residential units and over 6,000 SF of commercial. The site is served by the Detroit Department of Transportation’s Route 1 Vernor bus, which goes from the Michigan/Schaefer intersection all the way to the Rosa Parks Transit Center in downtown Detroit with buses every 30 minutes. It boasts a Walk Score of 81 and a Bike Score of 86 making the area one of the more walkable/bikeable neighborhoods in the city. The site is exactly one mile from Michigan Central, the 30-acre tech and cultural hub being led by Ford who invested $940M in the rehabilitation of one of Detroit’s most notable structures. It is also only approximately one mile from the I-75/I-96 interchanges and less than two miles from the Ambassador Bridge, making it highly accessible by car.

Finally, this property is within the Southwest-Vernor strategic neighborhood footprint where, to-date, the City and its philanthropic and corporate partners have invested over $25M in the to increase residential and commercial offerings, as well as quality of life. Interested developers should reference the 2018 West Vernor Corridor Framework Plan for more information about planning and implementation efforts in the vicinity of the site.

Desired Development Program

The City seeks a commercial or mixed-use development for the site at 4003-4007 West Vernor. Proposals including a residential component may include units for rent or for sale. Commercial space should prioritize retail over office space to contribute to and increase foot traffic along the corridor.

The site is currently zoned B4, which allows for a wide variety of uses by-right. These include restaurants, coffee shops, small-format grocery, pharmacy, dry cleaning, and other retail business types. Note that structures can be built as high as 35’ on this site.

The site is also within a Traditional Main Street Overlay (TMSO) which provides design guidelines and requirements to which the developer must adhere. Guidelines require that the building be built to the front property line and to the corner at Hubbard Street, creating an inviting pedestrian experience. Please reference the TMSO Guidelines to gain a thorough understanding of materiality and design requirements, as well.

The site should accommodate all parking on site. The TMSO and location of the site on a High Frequency Transit Corridor will allow for parking reductions, contingent on proposed use(s). Finally, as previously mentioned, the development site is located within the boundaries of the Hubbard Farms Historic District. The existing structure on 4003 West Vernor is, in the opinion of Historic District Commission (HDC) staff, non-contributing to the historic district and therefore, demolition is an option, however the developer will need to apply for and receive approval through the HDC via public hearing. Development plans, too, will require approval from the HDC to achieve a Certificate of Acceptance (CoA). Respondents will be responsible for conducting their own due diligence on what additional zoning and permitting approvals, if any, may be required.

The City of Detroit will work with the selected development team to identify eligible abatements, incentives and other financial support, as needed.

Key Dates

Offers Due – June 9, 2025

Response Packets

Please include the following in your bid request:

1. Letter of Intent: Narrative of Respondent’s approach to the development of the site, including proposed programming, unit mix and affordability, and any notable design features.

2. Site Design: Conceptual site plan and precedent images and/or renderings.

3. Financials: Include bid price, sources and uses, and a 10-year pro forma. List specific public sources and incentives and identify any anticipated funding partners.

4. Timeline: Project completion schedule, including public approvals, land sale and financing closings, and construction start and completion.

5. Team and Experience: History and overview of the Respondent and team members, including descriptions of other residential or mixed-use developments completed.

Contact Broker at: Smith@summitcommercialllc.com with any questions