Visual art gateway plan would enhance unlit underpass at 8 Mile/Greenfield
The unlit underpass that connects the 8 Mile and Greenfield Road intersection would be enhanced with changing-colored lights.
The unlit underpass that connects the 8 Mile and Greenfield Road intersection will soon be transformed into a visual art gateway connecting the cities of Detroit, Southfield and Oak Park.
This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA) announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by May 23, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.
For project details and to donate, click here.
‘Create connectivity and public safety’
“This gateway activated through public art will create connectivity and public safety at this unifying juncture,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
This project is being led by the 8MBA, a 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 1993 with a goal to revitalize and promote 8 Mile by helping to strengthen and improve the neighborhoods and businesses along the boulevard.
The Greenfield Road/Lodge Freeway underpass has long served as an unlit and unwelcoming physical divide between the neighboring communities.
This vibrant lighting effort and new municipal signage will change that perception. The idea to add visual art to this underpass has been under consideration for years and through the vision of the communities and their leaders, a creative lighting installation is planned.
Color-changing lights
The project will specifically support the installation of color-changing hanging luminaires (lights) that will illuminate the sidewalk and light the roadway and provide increased safety for non-motorist and motorist travelers through the underpass.
This artistic initiative bridging three communities at the culturally significant 8 Mile border is a symbol of the cohesive community building occurring across the region.
“The Eight Mile Boulevard Association is excited to be participating in the Public Spaces Community Places program,” said Stephen Lindley, Executive Director of the 8MBA. “We’re confident our community will help us reach our goal, enabling us to receive a matching grant from the MEDC.
“The benefits of these matching grant funds are crucial for accomplishing the artistic and transformational ‘Let There Be Light’ Gateway project at the significant intersection of 8 Mile and Greenfield, marking the border of Detroit, Southfield and Oak Park.”
All about Public Spaces Community Places
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC.
Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply here.
“This is a great example of transforming a purely functional space into a piece of public art,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.
“The Let There Be Light project will enhance accessibility, foster local pride and create a beacon for residents and visitors alike. Lighting isn’t just illumination. It’s an invitation to enter, explore and thrive.”
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan.
As of March 19, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $13.6 million in matching grants.
Since the launch of the program, 404 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15.6 million raised from 74,171 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.
