Livonia, Michigan - 2003 Community Profile

In 1835, the territorial legislature set the boundaries of Livonia Township. A forested wilderness had become an area of prosperous dairy farms and fruit orchards. For the first 100 years, Livonians raised sheep and dairy cattle and grew vegetables and grain. Growth was slow. But gradually, over the years, dirt trails became roads and then hard-surfaced highways.

The 1940s ushered in the first wave of growth for Livonia. In 1941, Clarenceville High School was built, followed in 1947 by Bentley High School. The area took its first dramatic step from agriculture to commerce and industry in 1948, when the General Motors Corporation built an automatic transmission plant, soon to be followed by a Ford Motor Company parts depot.

In 1949, the Michigan Racing Association built a thoroughbred and harness race track at a cost of $5 million. In order for the entire area to benefit from racetrack revenues, it became necessary to incorporate, and in 1950 the 17,000 residents of Livonia Township voted to become a city. The Detroit Race Course provided entertainment until 1999, when the 194-acre site was sold. It is now home to Millenium Park, a commercial and industrial complex.

By 1970, the population of Livonia had grown to 107,000 persons. The completion of Interstates 275 and 96 opened up new pathways of accessibility for businesses and residents, and the growth continued through the 1980s and 1990s.

Today the city is a leading job center with a national reputation for excellence in a number of areas. A can-do community spirit, characterized by willing volunteers ready to take on any task for improving their community, exemplifies the continuous pursuit of excellence in all areas.