In February, the final races were held at Northville Downs.

The Carlo Family, who have owned the facility for over 80 years, have done so much for this community. As I attended those last two nights, it brought back memories of when I parked cars there in the ‘70s. On those nights, the population of the city would double as spectators came to see the races.

I feel fortunate in my time not only to have seen the horsemen at the Downs maneuvering their chariots, but I have witnessed athletes performing at other arenas such as Olympia (Red Wings), Cobo (Pistons), and Briggs Stadium (Lions and Tigers).


Speaking of Northville Downs…

Back before 1900, the location of what is today Northville Downs was merely wetlands. Early on, the Rouge River that runs through it was routed underneath to dry out the land. Stories of the Downs date back to the late 1800s, when it was a gentleman’s club with a golf course and a racetrack that backed up to town.

Around 1900, a local group bought the location and spent a great deal of time and effort filling in the swampy ground and hauling away boulders via horse and wagon. They brought in dirt by the ton to form the base of what became the modern-day track.

Before this time, according to The Northville Record, the locals held horse races on a five-block straightaway stretch of Dunlap Street, from Center to Rogers, right in between the historic Victorian homes that still line that roadway. In those early racing days, a group of enthusiasts would gather with the horse owners and jockeys at the Ambler Hotel on Center and Main Street (where Great White Buffalo Brewing is today).

In 1907, the track was finally finished to the group’s expectations at Seven Mile and Sheldon. In 1916 (108 years ago) the site also hosted the Northville Wayne County Fair. This fair ran for 27 years at Northville Downs and rivaled the Michigan State Fair. Believe it or not, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Northville was number two in economics in the state, second only in production to Detroit.

It wasn’t until 1944 that the Carlo Family modernized and invested in this location. They pioneered harness “night racing” in Northville. Racing under the lights became a reality, and I’m told my grandfather (the electrician in town) played a role in helping to make this happen.

Over the years, various other types of racing were featured at the Downs, including not only harness racing but thoroughbreds, motorcycles, bikes, NASCAR-type stock cars, snowmobiles and even go-carts.

Turning to today, looking at life after the “Racing at the Downs” that the Carlo Family gave us, plans for thoughtful new development are coming together. The river will once again be daylighted and 34 percent of the total 49 acres will be greenspace for public parks. We tip our derby to the Carlo Family for all they have done for this community in making the Downs a landmark destination for close to 100 years.

The Romans had the Colosseum. Northville had the Downs.

Keep that Northville Racing Faith!