FHS, the development partnership of The Forbes Co. in Southfield, Hunter Pasteur in Farmington Hills, and Soave Enterprises in Detroit, has announced the first completed model homes at The Downs just east of downtown Northville are now available for private appointments.
FHS is releasing the first 14 for-sale homes, and is now taking reservations for an additional 44 units across a variety of residential typologies designed to complement Northville’s historic character and meet the needs of modern homebuyers.
When complete, The Downs will feature a mix of residential, retail, and public spaces across a 48-acre site that was home to a horse racetrack.
The development will include 443 homes — ranging from apartments and condos to brownstones, carriage homes, single family homes, and townhomes — alongside new retail space that expands the walkable downtown environment.
More than 15 acres of parks and green space, including the new River Park with meandering pathways and bridges above the daylighted river and the new Central Park, a tiered city park, will consist of an interconnected network of natural areas, pedestrian paths, and community gathering places.
“We’re excited to see this next milestone at The Downs come to life,” says Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull. “The introduction of new for-sale homes reflects years of collaboration and thoughtful planning about how this historic property should evolve. These homes were designed with the character of Northville in mind — walkable, connected, architecturally rooted in our traditions, and built to serve residents at every stage of life.”
A fully furnished four-bedroom Griswold Townhome model is open now for private tours at the corner of Cady and Griswold streets. The model showcases the craftsmanship, finishes, and design character that define the residential experience at The Downs.
The first homes now available for purchase include seven Cady Brownstones ranging from 2,675 to 2,823 square feet and starting at $1,769,000; four Griswold Townhomes ranging from 2,445 to 3,207 square feet and starting at $1,089,000; and three Carriage Homes starting at $989,000 and offering 2,427 square feet of designed living space.
Buyers may also reserve one of the 44 additional residences coming to market, including future offerings in The Stinson Building (single-level condo living), Beal Street Townhomes looking toward the River Park, and Central Park Townhomes fronting Central Park.
Each available home type offers a distinct residential experience. The Cady Street Brownstones feature four stories of modern, urban-inspired living with private elevators, rooftop terraces, and flexible street-level studios that can used for businesses or as guest suites.
The Griswold Townhomes blend traditional Northville architecture with spacious, light-filled interiors and options for first- or second-floor primary suites. The Carriage Homes introduce classic neighborhood charm with welcoming front porches, flexible two- to four-bedroom layouts, and select homes overlooking a landscaped pocket park.
Collectively, the home styles provide buyers with an array of choices tailored to different lifestyles, preferences, and stages of life.
“Having our first models open and welcoming buyers is a major moment for this project,” says Randy Wertheimer, CEO of Hunter Pasteur. “From day one, our goal has been to create homes that feel authentically Northville — homes that honor the community’s architectural heritage while embracing the needs of today’s residents. The mix of brownstones, townhomes, and carriage homes offers something truly unique for buyers who want to live steps from downtown and the new River Park.”
In addition to the residential launch, work continues on the River Park, one of the largest green-infrastructure projects in Michigan. Nearly 10 acres in size, the park features the daylighting of 1,100 linear feet of the Rouge River, restoring a natural waterway long covered underground.
Two new 70-foot pedestrian bridges have recently been installed, and landscaping is advancing quickly. When complete, the entire River Park will be deeded to the City of Northville, ensuring permanent public access to the restored natural amenity. The River Park is expected to reach substantial completion by the end of the month, with a public dedication planned for Spring 2026.
“Watching The Downs transition from vision to reality has been incredibly rewarding,” says Nate Forbes of The Forbes Co. “These homes were designed not only to deliver exceptional quality, but to enhance the surrounding neighborhood and reinforce the walkable, park-connected lifestyle that makes Northville so special. We believe this phase of the project will set a new standard for residential living in the region.”
Construction is also progressing at 200 East Cady St., a 178-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail that will further expand downtown housing options while introducing new neighborhood-serving businesses. The building is scheduled for delivery in late spring 2027.
“We approached every detail — from the architecture to the park design to the street network — with long-term community benefit in mind,” says Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises. “This isn’t just the sale of homes; it’s an investment in Northville’s future, and we are proud to help bring that vision to life.”
For appointments, reservations, and additional updates, visit LiveNorthvilleDowns.com or contact FHS directly at 248-305-7100 or at TheDowns@hunterpasteurhomes.com
