Detroit Tops Downtown Stickiness Score, Lessons for Urban Renewal

Detroit’s Downtown: The “Stickiest” City Core? Insights from Gensler’s Latest Research

This blog post explores a new report by the Gensler Research Institute, which has named Detroit’s downtown the “stickiest” among over 30 major U.S. cities. This measure combines how often people visit with how long they stay, revealing what keeps people anchored to an urban core.

We’ll look at the factors behind Detroit’s rise and the broader implications for urban planning. The report also highlights some ongoing challenges for city centers.

Detroit Takes the Crown: A “Sticky” Downtown Emerges

The Gensler Research Institute’s latest findings put Detroit at the top for urban vitality, naming its downtown the most “sticky” in the nation. This metric shows not just how often people come downtown, but also how long they stay and engage.

It’s a sign of successful urban development and shows Detroit is recapturing its city center.

The Pillars of Detroit’s Success

Detroit’s rise in urban engagement comes from deliberate revitalization efforts. The city has seen a mix of changes that are attracting people back to its core.

* Revitalized Entertainment and Hospitality: New arenas and event venues, such as *Cosm Detroit*, have become major attractions. A surge in new hotels also gives both residents and visitors more reasons to stay downtown.
* Enhanced Public Realm Improvements: Efforts to improve public spaces have made a real difference. Upgraded lighting and better safety features help people feel secure and comfortable.
* Enriching Urban Experience: Antoine Bryant, managing director of Gensler’s Detroit office, points to the value of a core with professional sports, cultural activities, and more food and drink options. This mix makes downtown lively and appealing.
* Comfort and Accessibility: The report also notes the impact of smaller infrastructure upgrades. Better sidewalks, more greenery, and improved lighting have made it easier and more pleasant to spend time downtown.

Detroit was also recognized as the most enjoyable U.S. city to explore on foot, according to Sofia Song, Gensler’s global leader of cities research. Walkability encourages exploration and adds to the positive downtown experience.

Broader Urban Trends and Persistent Challenges

While Detroit stands out, Gensler’s report shows that many U.S. city centers still face challenges. Even cities with strong downtowns have barriers to reaching their full potential.

The Gap Between Perception and Reality

Despite positive attributes like those found in Detroit, the broader Gensler research paints a picture where a substantial portion of residents aren’t consistently engaging with their central business districts.

* Underutilization of Downtowns: Fewer than half of residents surveyed visit their central business districts weekly. Less than a third dedicate recreational time to these areas.
* Structural Barriers to Engagement: The report identifies several systemic issues that can deter people from spending more time downtown. These include a lack of adequate seating and shade, insufficient public restrooms, ongoing safety concerns, and issues with overall mobility and accessibility.

These “comfort and safety deficits” are critical areas that cities must address to foster greater downtown appeal.

The data comes from an online survey of 35,000 residents across 75 cities worldwide between July 8 and November 4, 2025. It emphasizes the strong impact of public and private sector investments.

Foundational elements like comfort, accessibility, and perceived safety are essential for unlocking the potential of any urban core. Cities like Phoenix, which ranked last among the included U.S. cities, likely reflect such challenges.

Poor walkability and extreme heat are significant deterrents.

The Gensler report provides insights for urban planners, city leaders, and developers. It highlights the need for infrastructural and amenity-based improvements that can transform a downtown into a place people truly want to be.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Detroit leads downtown “Stickiness Score” rankings