A new stage, play features for Spirit Plaza

May 27, 2026

Detroit's Spirit Plaza, located on Woodward Avenue near the Spirit of Detroit statue, is set to reopen on June 6 after completing a $2. 9 million renovation that began in October 2025. The plaza, which first launched controversially in 2017 as a temporary space without proper City Council approval, sparked intense political debate over closing a busy downtown street segment, eventually gaining narrow approval to remain open.

Who is affected

All Detroit residents and visitors
Mayor Mary Sheffield
General Services Director Crystal Perkins
Former Detroit Planning Director Maurice Cox
Past Detroit City Council members
Total Access Events Inc. (Detroit-based company)
Detroit Historic Commission
City Planning Commission
Participants in events like Dancing in the D and Yin Nights
Food truck vendors
People with disabilities and varying mobility levels

What action is being taken

Spirit Plaza is reopening June 6, 2025
The site is hosting a grand reopening event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 6 with DJs, fitness classes, food trucks, resource tables, inflatables, and a gaming truck
During the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (May 29-31), the site will be activated with a pedestrian bridge connecting Hart Plaza to Spirit Plaza
Total Access Events Inc. is facilitating Spirit Plaza programming
The plaza hosts food trucks, live entertainment, and weekend activities

Why it matters

Spirit Plaza represents a significant investment in creating inclusive public space in Detroit's downtown, addressing the city's commitment to providing residents with accessible outdoor gathering areas. The plaza's wheelchair-accessible features, including an adaptive merry-go-round and multi-age climbing equipment, demonstrate Detroit's focus on ensuring community spaces serve people of all abilities. This project exemplifies urban placemaking that transforms underutilized street space into vibrant pedestrian zones that foster community engagement, cultural programming, and civic participation while enhancing the vitality of the historic Financial District.

What's next

Grand reopening scheduled for June 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Activation during Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix May 29-31
Ongoing seasonal activities and programming throughout the year
Continued food truck services, live entertainment, and weekend activities like Dancing in the D and Yin Nights

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com