1801 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209

In partnership with the Detroit Building Authority, the city Neighborhood Economic Development team seeks proposals from qualified entities to rehabilitate a mixed-use development, located in the heart of the Springwells Neighborhood.

The development site is located at 1801 Springwells, at the corner of Cahalan and Springwells St. The building is two stories and is approximately 3,557 square feet.

The city of Detroit seeks well-designed proposals for that will build upon the inherent strengths of the site, create an active destination which integrates seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.

This site is also situated within a block of the Joe Louis Greenway (JLG). The JLG is a 29-mile recreational path that intersects 23 different neighborhoods and connects to the Dequindre Cut, and the Riverfront. In February 2025, the Planning & Development Department completed & published the Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study which explored strategies for leveraging the investment of the JLG to benefit the communities within a ½ mile of the greenway route. This planning study detailed near-term implementation strategies, as well as long-term policy recommendations on how to advance equitable development in the surrounding area.

In addition to the Executive Summary, the Planning Department developed Neighborhood Playbooks for each of the 5 focus areas around the greenway. The JLG Southwest Playbook details the specific recommendations for the area of the greenway that intersects W Vernor and Woodmere. Some of these strategies include stabilizing existing multi-family and commercial structures near Vernor and Springwells, aligning zoning to support new housing investment, improving streets at key intersections to add amenities and improve safety and mobility, and exploring ways to expand greenspace and fill park gaps.

Interested developers should reference the JLG Southwest Playbook as well as the West Vernor Corridor Neighborhood Framework Plan for more information about planning and implementation efforts in the vicinity of the site.

Lastly, the W Vernor corridor is home to the Southwest Detroit Business Association, whose mission is to develop programs, initiatives, and strategies that increase economic opportunity and promote an enhanced quality of life in Southwest Detroit. They are a trusted community organization, who partner with businesses and developers to support investment on the corridor.

Desired Development Program

The City seeks a mixed-use redevelopment for the site at 1801 Springwells. The first floor commercial space should prioritize retail as opposed to office space to contribute to and increase foot traffic along the corridor. The second story provides an opportunity for additional rental income through residential units. Residential units can be redeveloped either at or below market rate.

The site is currently zoned B4, which allows for a wide variety of uses by-right. The property was previously used as a bar, but the City seeks uses that serve the surrounding community, including restaurants, coffee shops, small-format grocery, pharmacy, dry cleaning, and other retail business types.

Respondents will be responsible for conducting their own due diligence on what additional zoning and permitting approvals, if any, may be required.