FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Saturday marks the grand opening of Ferndale's first multi-level, mixed-use parking development.
The structure opened to the public for the first time, with the hope to attract more people through this unique project and create more flexible space for businesses.
Ferndale’s Troy street has gotten a glow-up other downtown streets will be jealous of! It’s called the DOT, a brand new four-story mixed-use parking structure.
"This is the first contactless entry-exit system that I am aware of in the metro area," City Manager Joseph Gacioch.
There are 377 parking spaces. Seven spaces have electric vehicle charging ports with room to expand as demand increases. There’s a parking garage for bikes too and many sustainable elements, such as a built-in storm water catch basin aimed at preventing neighborhood flooding.
"That’s capturing all the rainwater today and controlling how it gets back into the storm water system," said Gacioch.
The ground floor of the structure has retail space waiting to be filled and plans to add residential units are in the works.
"This building is here for multiple purposes: foot traffic, retail, people living here and working here with office space that is planned," said Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana.
"We have gigabit WiFi powering the building, and we also hope to provide public WiFi out on the street," Gacioch said.
Speaking of the new and improved Troy street, built with bricks and without curbs, it’s a single-level space that can easily be closed to traffic and used by businesses.
"Our shared street concept we are hoping to use for future event space," said Mayor Piana.
