Five & Main, a new “lifestyle” community in the affluent Commerce Township in Detroit, is reviving the concept of traditional village living with a main street surrounded by residential housing. Developed by R.B. Aikens & Associates, the project aims to bring together mall stores and restaurants in a walkable and drivable setting.
Bruce Aikens, the developer, explained that the idea for such developments stemmed from the decline of enclosed shopping malls in the 1990s, leading retailers to seek alternative ways to attract shoppers. Five & Main is set to be a “main street development” on the Michigan 5 highway, with a focus on retail, residential, and commercial spaces in a natural environment.
The first phase of the project will include 300 residential units, with plans for additional retail and residential spaces in the future. Aikens envisions a mix of retailers and restaurants, with a focus on creating a vibrant community where residents can walk to services while also accommodating motor vehicles.
The development aims to attract younger families with rental housing options and a “Springs” concept by Continental Properties, which mimics single-family homes with private entrances. Retail buildings will feature various architectural styles and natural materials to blend in with the surrounding environment.
Five & Main is positioned in a region with easy access to tech and auto research corridors, Ann Arbor, and Detroit, making it an ideal location for a mixed-use development like this. With a focus on creating a central hub for the community, Five & Main is set to redefine the concept of a modern lifestyle community in the Detroit area.
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