The Detroit Collaborative Design Center at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, in collaboration with the Downtown Development Authority, the Planning and Development Department, the City Planning Commission, and area stakeholders, developed an urban design plan for the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District in downtown Detroit.

Design Center illustrates the proposed design for Paradise Valley and Harmonie Park walks. 

This area, bounded by Randolph, Centre, and East Grand River, and centered around Harmonie Park, is slated to become a small-scaled culture, music, and entertainment district, mirroring Detroit's larger entertainment district.

The Design Center staff that worked on the project includes Executive Director Dan Pitera, Associate Director Christina Heximer, Project Manager Virginia Stanard and Design Fellow Karolina Chaney.

Last summer, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center conducted workshops to seek stakeholder ideas and recommendations and then integrated the recommendations into its final plan.

The advisory committee, comprised of members of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the Detroit Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the City Planning Commission, and the Detroit Planning and Development Department, are using the plan to develop the Paradise Valley District.

Additionally, the Paradise Valley Working Group, comprised of members of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the City Planning Commission, the Detroit Planning and Development Department, and the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, developed a number of criteria for the new district.

Primarily, the district should promote economic development and synergy among the businesses, and be a year-round entertainment destination.

The team presented the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District plan on Nov. 20, 2007 at the Harmonie Club Building. This included recommendations for land use, open space design, and redevelopment strategies, as well as cultural and artistic elements. Further, the plan will be a catalyst for a series of events being planned for the new district.

While landscaping has begun, building has not. Stanard says, "As it stands now, the design work has been completed, and the DDA is seeking additional funding for the project." $10 million has been committed to the project, but the DDA is still seeking nearly $7 million more for renovations and upgrades. Electrical repairs in the district will begin this summer. The timeline for the rest of the project and beginning of construction is contingent on funding.