Cambridge’s involvement in the Wagner Block project, in association with Ford Land, laid the foundation for an iconic development in Downtown Dearborn, Michigan, which has now become a quintessence of revitalization and urban transformation. With meticulous efforts and perseverance, Cambridge successfully consolidated multiple properties into a substantial land parcel, setting the stage for a prominent large-scale mixed-use development. Engaging in tactical discussions with Ford Motor Company representatives via Ford Land, Cambridge astutely determined that strategically selling the property to Ford would yield the most advantageous outcome for the Downtown Dearborn area, despite potentially forgoing a larger development endeavor on their part.
This calculated move didn’t just present a lucrative $100,000,000 project; it also injected vitality into the Downtown area by promising the introduction of new jobs and a fresh influx of people. In effect, this initiative not only elevated property values across Downtown but also brought in new clientele for businesses, fundamentally transforming the city’s landscape and fostering a prosperous future.
Wagner Block, also known as Wagner Place, is a representation of a fruitful partnership between Cambridge, Ford Land, and the City of Dearborn, symbolizing a $60 million public/private investment⁶. This development has become a cornerstone for the west downtown, spurring growth within and all around the project⁶. The endeavor took a two-block area of dilapidated and vacant buildings, transforming them into a three-story, 150,000 square-foot LEED certified mixed-use development⁷. The upper floors house over 600 Ford Motor Company employees, while the first floor is occupied by seven retailers, including the likes of The Great Commoner, Modern Greek, and Black Box Coffee⁷.
Notable elements of this development include:
- The restoration of the historic Wagner Hotel, now bustling with restaurant-goers on the main floor and a rooftop deck overlooking the downtown⁷.
- Wagner Park, a new community space for events and activities throughout the year⁷.
- Streetscape improvements leading the way for biking and walkability⁷.
Since its inception, Wagner Place has significantly reduced the vacancy rate in West Downtown Dearborn from 34% in 2015 to 4%, showcasing the profound positive impact it has had on the local economy and community⁷. It was also recognized by the Michigan Downtown Association as one of the Best Economic Projects in 2020⁷.
Cambridge’s visionary approach in facilitating this project has indeed played a pivotal role in reshaping the urban fabric of Downtown Dearborn, setting a precedent for future developments and partnerships.