connectivity between rail, trails, roads,” explains Drew Benson, Assistant City Manager. “That’s really how Wixom came to be here and really has been our defining feature as we’ve grown and evolved over the years.” Its story began with railroads, flourished with Ford’s arrival in the 1950s, and today showcases a remarkable bounce-back after the automaker’s departure. Now in a second wave of growth, the town balances light industrial expansion, a revitalized downtown, and thoughtful housing solutions, all while maintaining the connectivity that defines it. A COMMUNITY DEFINED BY CONNECTIVITY AND HISTORY Wixom’s strategic advantages begin with infrastructure. The Airline Trail, a repurposed railroad, serves as a vital corridor.“You can go from one side of the state to the other on this trail,” says Mayor Pat Beagle, emphasizing its regional significance. The city’s proximity to lakes, expressways, and the automotive sector further enhances its appeal for businesses and residents alike. Historically, Wixom was shaped by railroads and agriculture before Ford’s 1956 announcement transformed its trajectory. “Wixom really came to existence when a Ford factory was announced here, that was the catalyst for our growth,” says Benson. “The city was incorporated as a village, then a city in 1957, but It had existed as a community for 100 years prior to that,” he adds. The Ford Wixom Assembly Plant became an economic anchor, producing Lincoln and Thunderbird models. However, its closure in 2009 posed challenges. “Frankly, I think Wixom’s done a great job in responding to that challenge and taking advantage of opportunities associated with that challenge pretty quickly,” says City Manager Steve Brown. The city’s resilience is evident in its redevelopment of the 325-acre Ford site.Approximately 250 acres have been repurposed for light industrial and logistics use, with tenants like Amazon and Wayfair. “All of that is leased out already, it’s fully occupied,” notes Benson. The remaining 70 acres present additional opportunities, reinforcing Wixom’s position as a hub for strategic growth. DOWNTOWN REVIVAL: A HUB OF ACTIVITY AND INVESTMENT Wixom’s downtown is undergoing strategic transformation through mixed-use development and infrastructure improvements.The city has assembled four acres with aims for a pedestrian-oriented project combining 15,000 square feet of commercial space with 60 workforce-housing units. “We anticipate it will be both commercial space and three or fourstory apartments,” explains Benson. The West End Commons pocket park, set for completion in 2026, will feature seating plazas, a stage, and year-round 109 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 WIXOM, MI
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