
From Parts to Paths: KIRKS and the Joe Louis Greenway
The city of Detroit’s story is written in its grit and comeback spirit. For over 75 years, KIRKS has been a part of that story. From our headquarters in Detroit, our roots are as deep as remanufacturing carburetors in the 1940s, to being the reliable source for transit, fleet, and equipment parts nationwide.
Today, a new chapter is being written, literally, right outside our door.
We’re thrilled to be a historic company with a legacy in Detroit, now perfectly aligned with the city’s forward momentum.
That momentum includes the Joe Louis Greenway Project. It’s a massive urban trail that will connect Detroit neighborhoods, parks, and communities.


Joe Louis Greenway Progress Map – Image Credit: Detroitmi.gov
The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile biking and walking trail, connecting the Riverfront to surrounding areas including Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck. Initiated in 2007, the project aims to provide safe and accessible routes for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other key sites.
The trail will incorporate existing pathways like the Dequindre Cut and portions of the Detroit RiverWalk, including 7.5 miles of converted railroad property. The project is funded by grants and a $2 million award from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
This ambitious revitalization project runs right through the backyard of our Detroit headquarters at 9330 Roselawn Street.
The transformation doesn’t end in our backyard. We’re revitalizing our own building, starting with new signage and a mural. We collaborated with the team at Identity Creative and mural artist Austin Fabinski to create a theme that celebrates our city and the transit professionals we serve.

As Detroit invests in a greener environment with projects like the Joe Louis Greenway, KIRKS continues our longstanding commitment to remanufacturing and sustainability. In Detroit’s evolving landscape, we’re proving that what’s good for business can also be good for the environment.
The Joe Louis Greenway is creating a connected path for Detroiters for a new way to move through the city. In a similar way, KIRKS has established a dependable path for fleet and transit professionals to navigate the parts landscape. We’re your partner for parts, and we’re thrilled to be on the path of a revitalized Detroit.
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KIRKS is keeping people moving by helping maintenance teams escape the parts trap of overpriced parts and unreliable repairs. We’re supplying the Approved Equal™ parts that keep fleet and transit systems running smoothly.
We source from premier OEM manufacturers, ensuring you get the robust, reliable performance your transit vehicles demand. Whether you need brand new or remanufactured options, KIRKS is your single source for quality parts that let you breathe easier.
Connect with a KIRKS parts specialist today. We’re Your Partner for Parts.
