A high-density mixed-use infill project began construction in

A high-density mixed-use infill project began construction in Traverse City, Michigan. The 3.2-acre Rivers Edge development rebuilds a brownfield site by using up to $35 million in private investment and $750,000 in public funds. The city also has promised to spend $4 million for parking and other infrastructure to support a planned, 5-acre phase two. Phase one will take several years to complete. Eight mid-rise buildings, with ground floor commercial and residential upper floors, are planned to occupy the perimeter of a city block. The first building is under construction and expected to open in late summer or early fall, 1998. One side of the block faces the river, where a pedestrian walkway will be built. Another pedestrian walkway will bisect the block, providing mid-block access to the river. Parking will be in the center of the block, in addition to under the buildings. The mid-block parking area is designed like a main street, with first floor shops — although it will not be open to through traffic.