From atop Fairlane Green you can almost touch the Detroit skyline. This isn’t just any shopping center. Fairlane Green also known as “The Hill” has a fascinating past.
Believe it or not this sprawling retail complex sits atop a former landfill. Imagine the transformation. A former clay mine and the site of the Allen Park Veterans Administration Medical Center were repurposed. This impressive feat of engineering began in 2002. Ford Land Development the real-estate arm of Ford Motor Company spearheaded the project.
The grand opening wasn’t a single event. It unfolded in stages beginning in the mid-2000s. Target was the first store to open its doors in October 2005. Many businesses relocated from the nearby Lincoln Park Shopping Center. They included familiar names like Barnes & Noble and Old Navy. A second phase followed in 2007 introducing big names such as Meijer Best Buy and LA Fitness. Some of these stores have since closed and been replaced adding to the ever-evolving character of Fairlane Green.
The original plan included recreational facilities. These were unfortunately never built. But the view from Fairlane Green remains a highlight. On a clear day you can see a significant portion of the Detroit skyline. This makes Fairlane Green more than just a shopping destination. It’s a vantage point a testament to urban renewal and a unique piece of Allen Park’s history. It’s a symbol of transformation and resilience.
So next time you’re in Allen Park remember Fairlane Green. It’s not just about shopping. It’s about the story beneath your feet the story of a repurposed landscape and a remarkable vision.