Spirit Plaza in Detroit’s downtown will officially reopen June 6 following a $2.9 million renovation.
The community space at Woodward Avenue between Larned and E. Jefferson, just west of the Spirit of Detroit statue, now has play equipment, seating and other, more permanent features.
Spirit Plaza first came to life in 2017, as a temporary – and controversial – space.
The plaza, spearheaded by former Detroit Planning Director Maurice Cox, left Detroit’s City Council at odds over the prospect of a long-term closure of the highly traveled part of the city’s core. The then-council also scolded Cox for launching the plaza without first gaining proper approvals from the body for the Woodward closure. Past council members at one point deadlocked in a 4-4 vote over a proposed five-year shutdown of Woodward for the pedestrian-friendly plaza. The vote was later considered, with members reaching a narrow consensus to keep it open.
Among the new amenities for the park are a covered stage, a swing set and a larger and more inclusive play area with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and a climbing tower for a range of ages and abilities. The site also features additional shade, seating, umbrellas and a turf lawn.
The plaza hosts food trucks, live entertainment, weekend activities like Dancing in the D and Yin Nights.
“Spirit Plaza is a place for all Detroiters, whether it’s to sit and enjoy lunch, take part in the diverse programming or join fellow Detroiters to voice support for a cause they support,” Mayor Mary Sheffield said in a statement announcing the project’s completion.
General Services Director Crystal Perkins added that the refresh of Spirit Plaza is in line with the city’s efforts to ensure residents have spaces in their neighborhoods and downtown to enjoy the outdoors.
A grand reopening will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 6, featuring DJs, fitness classes, food trucks, resource tables, inflatables, a gaming truck and other activities.
Other seasonal activities will include:
- Yin Nights with Trap Yoga and Massage Studio every Wednesday at 8:15 p.m.
- Dancing in the D with DJ Roc Wit Moe every Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Weekday food trucks from noon to 3 p.m. Seating and tables will return to the plaza once the programming season begins.
Spirit Plaza programming is facilitated by Detroit-based Total Access Events Inc.
During the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, May 29-May 31, the site will be activated, with a pedestrian bridge connecting Hart Plaza to Spirit Plaza, according to the city.
Construction began in October 2025, after seasonal programming concluded. The renovation project was approved by the Detroit Historic Commission because Spirit Plaza is in the historic Financial District and City Planning Commission because of zoning that requires pedestrian-friendly activity to enhance street-level vibrancy.
