From the early 20th century, Dixie Highway served as the primary route from the southern states to the north  and is today one of the two major commercial corridors in Independence Township. 

Current vacancies along the corridor combined with stalled development activity have led Township officials to consider reviewing the current development pattern of Dixie Highway and formulate a strategy for future development when market conditions become favorable. 

Carlisle/Wortman Associates, in collaboration with J. Eppink Partners, analyzed the study area and reviewed the policy documents the Township has formulated to identify the opportunities and challenges the corridor offers.  Goals were formulated for the future development of the corridor addressing sense of place, pedestrian system, land use, building form and placement.

Three sites were selected for further consideration and illustrate potential concepts for a medical office / assisted living development, a commercial mixed-use development and a mixed single and multiple family development.  The study also provides strategies to implement the recommendations such as flexible zoning regulations, access management standards and other incentives