Troy Big Beaver Corridor Study

Giffels Webster was selected to provide the City of Troy with a corridor study for Big Beaver. The Big Beaver Corridor Study began with a vision provided by City leaders: Big Beaver Road – A World Class Boulevard. The Study proposed to transform Big Beaver Road from an automobile-dominant suburban corridor into a pedestrian-friendly urban destination.

Key concepts of the studied included:

• Organize the six-mile corridor into distinct districts. The plan divides the boulevard into districts, each with a unique character.
• Develop gateways at key entry points. Signature architecture, landscaping, and streetscape treatments will create a sense of arrival.
• Enhance corridor landscaping. Street trees will serve as a visual axis along the corridor and will buffer sidewalks from travel lanes.
• Promote foot traffic and walkability. Increased residential uses, mixed-use development, and density will boost pedestrian activity.
• Provide a variety of transportation choices and reduce the dominance of the automobile.
• Transform the corridor into an outdoor museum. Civic art will be installed at gateways and in public squares. Iconic footbridges and sleek, elegant street furniture will also function as public art.

The Study included a detailed implementation program that identifies action items and responsible parties. Since completion of this work, the City has revised its zoning code to require the elements envisioned in the plan, and new development activity is now lining the Big Beaver Corridor, filling areas where empty, underutilized parking lots once stood.

This study received the American Planning Association, Michigan Chapter 2007 Outstanding Planning Project Award and the American Society of Landscape Architects, Michigan Chapter 2008 Merit Award.