Next Tuesday, the public will have access to Detroit’s new 25,700-square-foot, three-story transit center. The Rosa Parks Transit Center hosted a sneak peak for media on Thursday. What is being noted as the state’s largest transit center will provide 24-hour service for Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), Transit Windsor and SMART buses and Detroit People Mover passengers.

Located on the corner of Michigan and Cass Avenues, the transit center was two years in the making. Conveniences provided are a comfortable waiting room, taxi stand, restrooms, transit police offices, retail space, transit services and an on-site mini-station for the Detroit Police Department.

Atop the transit facility you’ll notice a massive seven-peaked canopy structure. A Costa Mesa, California company was contracted for a mere $5.5 million to create the eye-catching covering. Funding for the $22.5 million transit project came from state and federal grants.

The canopies will be well-lit at night providing safety for passengers and intentional water funnel routes were built into the canopies to drive rain water to specific locations. One benefit is that it provides “soothing sounds to bus passengers.”

The center houses 15 bus bays and will serve 20 DDOT routes, including Woodward, Vernor, Van Dyke, Tireman, Russell, Plymouth, Oakland, Michigan, Mack, Linwood, Joy Road, Jefferson, Grand River, Hayes, Hamilton, Fort, Dexter, Chene and Cadillac-Harper.

What is interesting about city improvements like this is that they often draw real estate developers and attract growth to the city. Real estate activity can actually benefit from major improvements to the city’s facade. Commercial and residential real estate sales have been known to increase after major city improvements.

We at Roost certainly hope that this is the case for Detroit. The city could use a good shot in the arm right now. So take a look at Detroit Homes for Sale if you’re looking for a city with a state-of-the-art transit center.