Across Grand River from the beautifully restored Grand Army of the Republic building a park is under construction, paid for by DTE Energy. Today, that park got a name.

According to the Empowering Michigan blog, it’s going to be called “Beacon Park.”

The circular, open lawn is the largest of any downtown Detroit park and gives visitors room to run, play, relax and recharge. With year-round programming, interactive light installations, and a brasserie-style restaurant with a rooftop garden, seating and dining space for panoramic views of the park and city skyline – Beacon Park is beaming with eye-catching, Instagram-worthy moments to share with friends and family.

The park will open this July, with an open celebration running the weekend of July 20-23 with a ton of events. The park will also eventually have a restaurant with a landscaped roof you’ll be able to dine on.

Why the name Beacon Park?

“The name is fitting,” said DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson. “From the beginning, we envisioned this public space would shine light on the western edge of downtown Detroit, becoming a beacon for development, a beacon to bring more visitors and businesses to Detroit, and a beacon of continued progress for a city in the midst of revitalization. We’re looking forward to seeing young and old, Detroiters and visitors alike, enjoy Beacon Park and all of the exciting activities and programming it will offer year-round.”

With the 1.5 acre park opening being just a month away, we hit the streets and took a look at the construction progress.

Patio blocks going in.



A very modern look for the new restaurant – more on the restaurant going in to this space here.

In the distance, the Grand Army Republic Building is such a good looking structure.



Some landscaping is already going in.

The entire space has very clean lines set against older architecture in the background. The Book Tower is undergoing renovation (left, green roof).

Another patio shot.

Thoughts?