Summer in Detroit
A dynamic seasonal activation transforming three downtown Detroit public spaces into vibrant, engaging summer destinations.
Michelle Gerard
Overview
Since 2016, Groundswell Design Group has collaborated with the Quicken Loans Community Investment Fund and Bedrock Detroit to transform downtown Detroit’s public spaces into vibrant summer destinations.
Activating key sites such as Spirit Plaza, The Esplanade, Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, Woodward Avenue, and Capitol Park, these seasonal interventions have reimagined underutilized spaces, fostering community engagement and celebrating Detroit’s creative energy.
Each summer, the city comes alive with pop-up retail markets featuring Detroit-based artisans and entrepreneurs, alongside restaurants and beer gardens showcasing local craft beer and spirits. Custom glass greenhouses create an intimate, one-of-a-kind shopping experience, while temporary container restaurants like Clementina offer lush, immersive escapes within the urban core. Groundswell’s thoughtful designs—blending greenery, interactive installations, and inviting social spaces—infuse the city with a sense of whimsy, connection, and delight, transforming downtown into a dynamic hub of activity and culture.
Accolades
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Groundswell Design Group is a placemaking and interior design firm specializing in creating innovative spaces that deliver memorable experiences, elevated aesthetics, and unique activations that surpass expectations.