




The Beating Heart of Detroit’s Downtown Revival
Woodward Avenue is the bloodline running through Detroit’s downtown, a pulse of life where retail, culinary options and culture pump a beat and create one of the city’s most attractive urban experiences. Known as one of Detroit’s most important high s
Annual foot traffic
500,000 people/year
Daily vehicle traffic
15,000 vehicles/day
Population
25,000 people within
Day time population
35,000 people within
Household income (median)
$75,000.00 annually
Age (average)
> 35 years old within
1000 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
1500 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
2000 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
Timberland is the latest brand to join the vibrant retail scene in Downtown Detroit! Opening its first standalone store in metro Detroit, Timberland will welcome customers at 1217 Woodward Avenue inside the historic Traver Building. Timberland's grand opening begins Friday, November 14, with activities continuing throughout the weekend.
https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate-insider/timberland-open-downtown-detroit-store
Mario Camaj is set to unveil Ora Detroit, his luxury dining and nightlife destination in the heart of downtown Detroit’s Financial District. Located at 205 W. Congress Street—on the corner of Congress and Shelby—this multi-level, 10,000-square-foot concept will occupy the historic Bankers Trust Building. Ora Detroit will offer a striking blend of upscale design, a vibrant lounge atmosphere, live entertainment, elevated hospitality, and culinary experiences catering to both daytime diners and the late-night crowd. The grand opening is Friday, October 10th.
https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/mario-camaj-opens-ora-luxury-dining-and-nightclub-detroit
Detroit’s iconic Riverwalk is getting a major upgrade. Set to open in October 2025, the new Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park will transform 22 acres of the riverfront into a vibrant, community-focused green space. Highlights include a year-round Sport House for active recreation, a massive 5-acre play area, and a 2.5-acre nature garden curated by Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
The Riverwalk currently stretches 3.5 miles, connecting downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza to Belle Isle, the Dequindre Cut, and the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. While it topped USA Today’s list of best riverwalks in the nation for three consecutive years (2021–2023), it hasn’t placed recently — but this exciting new addition is poised to put Detroit’s riverfront back at the top.
https://www.mlive.com/life/2025/09/detroits-award-winning-riverwalk-is-about-to-get-even-better.html
Pequeño Cantina is bringing bold flavors to downtown Detroit with a brand-new location at 1521 Broadway Street. Here, guests can enjoy delicious street tacos, a vibrant tequila bar, Mexican-style pizza, waffle fry nachos and other popular menu items. This new spot marks Pequeño's second location in Detroit, with aspirations for further expansion in the future.
https://whatnow.com/detroit/restaurants/pequeno-cantina-to-open-second-detroit-location-on-broadway/
This fall, a brand-new café is making its debut in downtown Detroit! Toastique, the gourmet toast and juice bar, is opening its second location at 89 Monroe Street. Renowned for its deliciously quick and healthy options, the new café will feature Toastique's signature selection of nutrient-packed toasts, smoothies, juices, and coffee drinks.
https://www.wxyz.com/news/toastique-set-to-open-cafe-in-downtown-detroit-this-fall
Downtown Detroit is thrilled to announce the arrival of Tecovas, as the Austin-based western wear company opens its first Michigan location. Renowned for their handcrafted boots and contemporary western apparel, Tecovas will become part of the vibrant lineup at Bedrock's Hudson's Detroit development, located at 1252 Woodward Avenue. The Detroit store is set to open its doors in late 2025.
https://prod.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/tecovas-plans-downtown-store-hudsons-detroit



Retail Leasing and Market Dynamics
Leasing on Woodward Avenue is in high demand, with rental rates ranging from $50 to $75 per square foot. Still, vacancy rates currently sit at 15-20%, the strong momentum in leasing activity indicates that these openings will likely be filled as new brands and developments come online. The area’s vacancy mirrors both post-pandemic retail dynamics and the opportunities created by a steady flow of new mixed-use projects. Woodward Avenue’s prime location near Detroit’s commercial and entertainment hotspots makes it a desirable location for brands and ambitious newcomers eager to tap into the city’s revitalized downtown electricity.
Customer Demographics and
Woodward Avenue is poised for transformative growth, with several high-profile projects set to redefine the district’s skyline and expand its commercial and residential appeal. At the forefront of these developments is the massive Hudson’s Site project, expected to bring 20,000 square feet of retail, 400,000 square feet of office space, and 90,000 square feet of event space. This ambitious project is set to become a cornerstone of Woodward Avenue, enhancing foot traffic and creating new opportunities for retailers and office tenants alike. Other projects include residential towers and the highly anticipated Edition Hotel, which will add luxury accommodations and further diversify the area’s offerings.