Initiative seeks to raise matching funds for Eight Mile Greenfield lighting project

The Eight Mile Boulevard Association, in partnership with the cities of Southfield, Oak Park, and Detroit launched the “Let There Be Light Gateway” crowdfunding campaign to transform the Eight Mile Greenfield Gateway. The campaign aims to raise $50,000 through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for a total of $100,000.

The crowdfunding campaign will run until May 23, 2025 with all funds earmarked to create a new interactive art installation along Greenfield Road and Eight Mile Road. The project aims to install artistic and colorful lighting underneath the Eight Mile bridge at Greenfield and the Lodge Freeway. Currently, no lighting exists under the Eight Mile bridge. This is vital intersection is traveled by over 100,000 people daily and this project will add a critical enhancement for safety, aesthetics, and identity.

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are invited to contribute to the campaign and help bring this vision to life. Donations can be made at the Projects Let There Be Light Gateway Patronicity. Every dollar counts toward making the gateway a brighter, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.

The surrounding area is undergoing a significant transformation with new businesses, including the Costco Business Center, the Northland project, Forgotten Harvest's facilities, new housing developments, and newly renovated stores and restaurants. The lighting will enhance this progress, creating a vibrant and welcoming gateway to the region that will help to spur further economic development. 

“Our plan is to make this intersection unique, to make it look like no other,” commented Southfield Mayor Dr. Ken Siver. "As we turn drab to bright, let there be light.”

"This initiative is about more than just infrastructure. Our mission is to lift the appearance of Eight Mile," said Kimberly Marrone, Chairperson of the Eight Mile Boulevard Association.

“Greenfield and the Lodge Freeway is one of the key gateways to Detroit,” stated Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

"This amazing project will further economic development in the area," added Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan.

About Public Spaces Community Places Program

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, MSHDA, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where 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, non-profits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

About MEDC

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit michiganbusiness.org.