DEARBORN — The City of Dearborn has extended a public invitation to view preliminary concepts for the potential development of vacant property at Michigan Avenue and Brady near the city’s west side during an open house from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the Dingell Transit Center.

The train station is considered a gateway into downtown west Dearborn, surrounding the Dearborn Historical Museum.

Any future development must preserve the museum’s McFadden-Ross House while also creating an enhanced space for historical exhibits and archives, and generate revenue for the ongoing needs of the museum.

The land is currently not for sale and there is not a specific developer in mind.

Preliminary concepts are meant to guide future development proposals, and have been shaped with input from the Dearborn Historical Museum among other stakeholders. These concepts help envision multiple uses for the vacant land including new housing options.

Residents attending the April 30 open house will be able to view displays outlining three different development concepts, ask questions and offer input. The goal is to finalize a preferred concept by late May.

The City has already hosted meetings with groups associated with the Dearborn Historical Commission, as well as the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce and other business advocacy groups, and the nearby neighborhood association.

The City has been provided predevelopment technical assistance as it explores potential developments for this site because it’s a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Its RRC status meant the City qualified for a special grant, which has funded the creation of the concepts by the Williams & Works team, led by Lynee Wells of Aligned Planning. Also involved is Ryan Schmidt of Indigo Properties. Schmidt is also the development manager at ICCF.

Revenue from the potential use of the vacant land will be directed to the Dearborn Historical Museum.