Print ArticleAfter being closed to the public since 2012 for structural problems, a portion of Liberty Street finally fell into the river. As we ponder why, how much it will cost to repair, and where the money to repair will come from, perhaps it's time to consider another alternative. Partially or completely removing the aging and decaying blighted bridge to better utilize the portion of the river under it.
What Other Cities Have Done
What good is a river running through downtown if you can't get in or interact with it? Let's assume complete or partial demolition of the former county courthouse parking deck, Liberty Street and Coastline Drive bridges. What could we possibly do with a reconfigured riverfront space? Here are a few examples of popular interactive waterfront uses in other cities.
Paddle Boats
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Floating Outdoor Bars & Cafes
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Pedestrian Bridges
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Wetland Restoration
Milliken State Park - Former cargo terminal converted into wetlands demonstration area which shows how wetlands act as nature's water filtration system on downtown Detroit riverfront
Fishing Charters and River Tours
Bayside Marketplace - Downtown Miami
Public Fishing
Jacksonville's Stockton Park
Interactive Waterfront Plaza 
Detroit International Waterfront
Waterfront Park
Charleston, SC
Marina
Toronto Waterfront
Local Seafood Market
San Francisco
Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
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