WYANDOTTE, Mich. – Center Wyandotte undergoing a $12 million transformation.

“The storefronts in the center look beautiful. Going behind the buildings, that’s what we’re trying to address,” said Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana. “The alleys and parking lots in the center of this city are 70 to 90 years old. There is a great need for a facelift.”

Construction crews are rebuilding public parking lots and alleys and moving wires underground.

“Aesthetically, it will look fantastic. When you remove all the spaghetti strings above, it really opens up the area, said Joseph Gruber, director of the Downtown Development Authority.

The Downtown Infrastructure Project also includes the addition of stormwater control systems, new landscaping, bike racks and benches.

The project started in July last year.

The city is financing the project with the help of grants from Wayne County and the state of Michigan.

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 center of the downriver area,” Cade said. “There’s really nothing you can’t do here.”

He believes upgrading the downtown infrastructure will drive more development.

– Without a doubt, the investment is huge. I know no one likes such big projects downtown. It gets a little scary. The payoff will be phenomenal, Cade said.

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