WYANDOTTE, Mich. – City center Wyandotte undergoes a $12 million transformation.

“The downtown storefronts are beautiful. Getting behind buildings, that’s what we’re trying to solve,” said Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana. “The alleys and parking lots of this downtown city are 70 to 90 years old. There is an urgent need for a facelift. »

Construction crews are rebuilding public parking lots and driveways and moving power lines underground.

“Aesthetically, it’s going to be fantastic. When you remove all the spaghetti strings overhead, it really opens up the area,” said Joseph Gruber, director of the Downtown Development Authority.

The downtown infrastructure project also includes adding stormwater control systems, new landscaping, bike racks and benches.

The project began last July.

The city is financing the project through grants from Wayne County and Michigan State.

Wyandotte Native Joshua Cade owns three restaurants and a music venue downtown.

He said downtown Wyandotte has a lot to offer.

“It’s one of a kind. It’s really the downtown area of ​​the downstream area,” Cade said. “There’s really nothing you can’t do here.”

He believes that upgrading downtown infrastructure will lead to more development.

“Without a doubt, the investment is huge. I know no one likes big budget projects like this downtown. It’s getting a little scary. The gains are going to be phenomenal,” Cade said.

The project’s completion date is July, ahead of the annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair, one of Michigan’s largest art fairs.