Paul Schaap and the Urban Renewal Initiative Foundation have contributed $600,000 toward the Storm sewer separation project on Jefferson in Grosse Pointe Park.

The Schaap Center is committed to investment in advanced stormwater management systems like underground detention, bioswales, and sedimentation control, which will not only benefit the art center, but also the local community.

These systems are essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for ensuring the long-term protection of the Schaap Center and more importantly, the surrounding community from flooding.

Infrastructure improvements at the Schaap Center will have wide ranging environmental benefits to the community’s residents and local businesses. The east Jefferson corridor in both Detroit and Grosse Pointe has experienced significant flooding, negatively impacting the residents and businesses in the area. The plan for the Schaap Center involves incorporating infrastructure improvements that help mitigate these environmental disasters and contribute to environmental sustainability in the community.

Based on these stormwater best management practices, URIF has received a stormwater permit from Wayne County to proceed with the planned improvements, including connection to the separated storm water system of Grosse Pointe Park and not into the Detroit sewer system.

This investment is made possible with the incredible generosity of private donors.

*Phase I of the sewer separation project is expected to be substantially completed by Aug. 1 and fully completed by Aug. 15, 2025.