Change, Growth & Progress

What do you see when you see Detroit? Most would comment that it’s a dilapidated wasteland not worth saving, which is heartbreaking to hear. I hope, through this blog, that your eyes are quickly opening to the beauty and resurgence of this great American city. Detroit is growing and constantly changing. I like to think of the city being on the verge of an evolution because just in the short time I’ve lived here, I’ve witnessed nothing but change, growth and progress.

Spirit Of Detroit

When you think of change it’s normally centered on something being different right? This is my perspective when looking at the city, it’s constantly changing. When you come from a small town change is something that tends to make you a little apprehensive mainly from the limited change opportunity in rural locations. This is something I’ve overwhelmingly embraced during my time living in Detroit because it’s happening each time I step outside. Change is becoming a normality in Detroit from new businesses to uplifting attitudes to energy, it’s simply invigorating and nothing short of remarkable. A city that was once thriving went into remission for a short stint is reemerging to flourish once again thanks to change from open minds.

Detroit is expanding and continues to develop in a way unique and unheard of in most large cities. I believe this growth stems from the people, those that believe enough to watch and contribute to Detroit reigniting into the powerhouse it once was known to be. Do we fear growth? To a point, yes, growth brings uncertainty and this is something the city has been faced with a number of times. But to play it safe only opens us up to disappointment knowing we could have grown that much more if we were to push the envelope just a bit further.

Spreading the Positive Energy at the Heidelberg Project

As a result of change and growth comes Detroit’s progress. We’ve come a long way in just a short period of time, against the odds. One stride at a time, the hole the media has put Detroit in is getting smaller and smaller, because we’re climbing out. In my opinion Detroit has taken great strides in moving forward which is, for the most part, the definition of progress. Businesses and city dwellers are moving TO the city and, to support progress, they are staying. In fact, the largest hurdle people have been faced with is the inevitable wait list which is not exactly a bad problem to have. 

Major steps have been taken to improve the life of the city however it is difficult to see from the outside looking in. The news and media tend to focus mainly on the negative aspects of events taking place and only momentarily focus on the positive. I challenge you to disregard everything you hear, good or bad, and pay Detroit a visit to experience the city for yourself… make your own headline in the story of your life based on factual, real time experiences from the inside looking out. Love Always, Detroit.  

Out and About; Part 1

What to do, what to do… How many times do you ask yourself this question when you feel like you’ve mastered all the possible entertainment options? When you’ve reached your wits end and the only thing left is to try something new, how likely are you to jump off the couch and do it? Detroit is a city that is never on the brink of boredom. This post only scratches the surface on the answer to the age old question “what do to.” So this will be another multi-part series. 

With Detroit being a humble community, what better way to share the love than hosting a variety of festivals. This is a city that values celebrations of all kinds especially since Detroit is worth celebrating in itself. Throughout the year you’ll come to find gatherings of all shapes and sizes with the main purpose being to celebrate the city. One of my favorite events is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 22, 2013) where the city pays tribute to the beginning of the holiday season. The giant Christmas Tree is lit in Campus Martis and the ice skating rink is officially opened. All of the news stations are present sharing the experience with those that can’t make it down and vendors open pop-up shops in the park. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony 2012

Aside from the Tree Lighting Ceremony, there are a number of other festivals and events in Downtown Detroit which include: The Jazz Festival, Winter Blast, North American International Auto Show, America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Ford Fireworks and many more. 

 

In addition, one of the more popular “things to do” when out and about in Detroit, is to cheer on our famous athletes at one of the three sporting venues. Downtown Detroit is home to three nationally known teams: Redwings, Lions and Tigers. Now coming from someone who wouldn’t be caught watching a game of any kind on TV, seeing these talented players in person is definitely a worthwhile experience. Not only is the actual game exciting, the energy exerted by a “Detroit Fan” is nothing short of hypnotic. Even those who consider themselves a casual supporter, leave these games with extreme adrenaline and wide-eyed thrill.

Of the many games I’ve been to over the years, something I’ve thought about is the “Detroit Fan.” As you may know our teams have not always been stellar, yet a majority of the games sell out in moments. It’s always made me wonder, is it a love for the team? Or is it a love for what the fight in the game stands for? Just like our star athletes refuse to go down without a fight, neither will the City of Detroit. A “Detroit Fan” is a unique individual with a fire like none other… I bet you never thought of it that way.

Go Tigers!

Dining in Detroit… where to start? With the vast number of options for Detroit eateries, I thought it would be easiest to share my personal favorites.

Morning Pick-Me-Up: Roasting Plant Coffee is one of my favorite places to get a morning cup of fabulousness. With only three locations in the world, Roasting Plant features a unique coffee bean roasting process that lets the customer choose their own beans to have them literally roasted just before being ground for your personal cup of coffee.

Breakfast: Cadillac Square Diner is an excellent breakfast location because the staff is extremely friendly, which is key especially for those non-morning people, it’s very clean and the food is always hot and fresh.

Lunch: Firebird Tavern, recently opened in Greektown, is an amazing mix of ethnic cuisine with a hint of American boldness. The menu is simple so it’s a perfect lunchtime stop for the indecisive.

Happy Hour: Bathtub Pub, don’t jump to conclusions when you hear the name. Located next to the famous Lafayette Coney Island on Michigan Ave, the Bathtub pub offers great happy hour specials with their unique ambiance… this includes outdoor garden seating in the summer months. A perfect spot for a much needed cocktail after a long day.

Dinner: Angelina’s Italian Bistro… because pasta is its own food group in my mind. Handmade pasta, excellent wine selection and a knowledgeable wait staff, need I say more?

For those that appreciate local goods and love to shop, Eastern Market is place you can spend an entire day to fill your fridge and pantry for weeks. Every Saturday from 6am – 4pm the sheds of Eastern Market are opened and house a number of local businesses that sell locally grown, fresh produce and various other products. Aside from getting your fruits and veggies in the shed’s, there are several local businesses surrounding the shed’s that sell meats, dairy products, household items and antiques. You never know what you’ll find here.

Fresh Produce at Eastern Market

Boredom?Not likely… Love Always, Detroit.  

Don't Believe Everything You Hear, Part 1

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” or “Don’t believe everything you hear”… aren’t these ideas introduced in grade school? Yea people are more drawn to the books with shiny covers and intriguing titles, that’s human nature. However, to look beyond the glitz and sparkle is a remarkable ability that allows people to overcome doubt and fear. So in an effort to carry this same notion established early on, I’ve challenged several misconceptions I’ve heard during my time in Detroit. Based on personal experience, I’m attempting to shed some light on these misunderstandings one reader at a time because this is a city that’s worth the effort.

Detroit Skyline

As you read on you’ll see three common misconceptions that I’ve heard on more than one occasion. Don’t worry there are lot’s more… I couldn’t fit all the great quotes I’ve heard in one post. So keep an eye out for “Part 2”. 

“Detroit is SO dangerous, you're so going to get robbed or kidnapped!”

For starters…I’m not a big person, 5’2” (on a good day) weighing in at a whopping 119lb’s! Those that think of a typical Detroiter would say this description of a person walking around after dusk is a recipe for disaster. Again…Wrong! I like to consider myself a free spirit so if the mood strikes and I feel like stepping out of my apartment after 5pm, I’m going to do it. And after living downtown for over two years trust me I’ve taken many strolls by myself and as you can see I’ve lived to tell about it.

This is a very common misconception and usually the first question people ask when they inquire about my decision to live in Downtown Detroit. Again, after two years living in this bustling metropolis I’ve never been in a position where I’ve felt unsafe. Since my feet are my main source of social transportation, I’ve ventured outside the safety of my apartment more times than I can count…. always returning home in one piece and I still proudly own all of my purses.

On a daily basis it’s unusual to not run into law enforcement of some kind. Each day I take the Detroit People Mover to work where I’ve met more Police officers than any normal person should. I’m a friendly person so striking a conversation is something I would naturally do. These various conversations have reassured the validity of my 5pm decisions to take a stroll. However, law enforcement does continue to encourage Detroiters to use common sense when out and about because just like any other big city it is possible to be faced with an unsafe situation. Think of it this way, if you were in Chicago or New York you wouldn’t wander into a dark alley… same holds true for Detroit.  

"Detroit is so dirty, I mean there is graffiti and trash everywhere!"

First of all the proper name is “Street Art” and it’s not everywhere. As a matter of fact on a recent historical tour of the city I learned that there are a number of regulations in place that allow for citizens to propose locations where they can create street art. There is a mutual understanding that if the art is offensive in any way the city will remove it or ask the artist to adjust their vision to be more socially acceptable. This is a growing trend that pays tribute to the new life growing in my beloved city. It’s full of culture and expressive ideas with nothing being held back. 

Pure Detroit is a local retailer who created a Pintrest page dedicated to the recent “Street Art” boom in Detroit… click here to check it out and help to abolish this common Detroit misconception.

A Street Artist painting a masterpiece in Downtown Detroit

 

As for trash… Various organizations in Detroit have developed an initiative called “Clean Downtown” in which there is a daily workforce dedicated to removing litter in the streets. Many large cities have issues with street clean up; it’s all in how you efficiently manage the cleanup that makes the difference. In Detroit, you’ll notice a number of trashcans lining the streets and the Clean Downtown crew emptying them on a daily basis. This group also helps to beautify the city by powerwashing, painting and pulling weeds in the downtown area. 

“Tumbleweeds outnumber people”

First, what’s a tumbleweed? And secondly I feel the only thing that outnumbers the people are the misconceptions attached to the city. Granted Detroit is no New York, but it’s not a desolate Gilligan’s Island either. In the historical tour I recently participated in, hosted by Detroit’s DHive, it was noted that there are only about 4,000 living spaces available in the downtown Detroit area and as of November 9, 2013 the availability of these living spaces is at 98-99% capacity! And there is a waitlist for a number of apartment and condo complexes! So everyone that can live in Detroit... IS living in Detroit! Again, what’s a tumbleweed?

Detroit is a city that’s on the mend and while there may be a number of misconceptions, it only takes opening the eyes of one person at a time to turn those fallacies into funny stories. Love Always, Detroit.  

Just a Reminder...

Anything but Simple

The post for this week was intended to share an overview of Detroit’s history. But, as I was researching and writing I thought who wants to read yet another rendition of a history book… so delete delete delete. Instead, I decided to indulge in a few of my favorite historical landmarks in the city. Granted I’ve only highlighted a few things, Detroit’s history book is anything but simple.

Woodward Avenue- Otherwise known as Detroit’s “Main Street,” Woodward is one of the most popular points of directional recognition. When asking for, or giving directions everyone knows a good starting point is to say “Woodward and blank.”  

Named after the Judge, Augustus Brevoot Woodward the famous roadway was developed in 1805 after devastating fires engulfed Detroit. Woodward Avenue, along with the rest of the city’s re-planning, was modeled with a main central location that branched out in a circular fashion like spokes on a wheel...Woodward being the main spoke. This association was quite appropriate for Detroit because not long after Woodward Avenue was established, the “Big Three” automakers were founded in which Woodward was home to many first drives.
 

Today, Woodward Avenue is an epicenter for almost all things happening in Detroit. From shopping to dining to events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, strolls down Woodward have become one of my favorite things to do in the city. There’s so much life and buzz on this street which typically results in an exuberant smile.

Woodward Avenue

Campus Martis Park- If you can’t find me… look for me at Campus Martis! Of the many places I love in Detroit, it’s not hard to say Campus Martis is the one I absolutely adore! Typically known as “Detroit’s Gathering Place” this park serves a number of purposes all year round. In the summer, Campus Martis home to a number of festivals, events and personal relaxing getaways on the lush lawns and botanical gardens. In the winter the park is transformed into a public ice skating rink where additional winter themed festivals take place. Of the many things I love about this city, basking in the ambiance of the Woodward Fountain in Campus Martis is at the top of my list. Its calming, gentle sounds and spectacular water show are enough to put even the most tense minds at ease.
 

Before the devastating 1805 fire, Campus Martis served as a location for various militia training initiatives. Post fire, as part of Judge Woodward's Detroit development plan, he began his planning where the park is currently located by using celestial objects to determine the true North coordinates which later became known as the “point of origin.” This coordinate system served as the starting point for planning the cities layout as we know it today. The “point of origin” is still visible just outside the Fountain Bistro restaurant in the center of the park.

Woodward Fountain at Campus Martis Park

Book Tower- This is a building that has had me intrigued since I began calling Detroit my home. The Book Tower is a stunning result of ego’s and poor planning but something about this building has always kept me mystified. In 1926, the doors opened to the Book Tower when prior to this date the Book brothers wanted a building that was taller than any in Detroit. With this being the main motivation behind the construction, a well known architect at the time was appointed the position who let his creativity get the best of him. A number of European style ornamental objects were affixed on all angles of the building and a fire escape was added to the outside due to forgetful planning. In addition, another impact of the poor planning is continuing to become more and more noticeable because the building looks to be aging rapidly. Due to a porous material used to construct the outer layer, over the years the building has become a dark, dirty color that’s difficult to clean.
 

While the building has sat abandoned since 2009, a number of people see it as an eyesore along the once famous Washington Boulevard, I like to think otherwise. This building is absolutely captivating and grabs my attention each time I walk by. Something about it is majestic and serene that makes me want for nothing more than to live at the very top. Over 30 stories above the city with fabulous views at all angles, can you imagine?! Not only residential but this is an excellent location for retail and office space as well given its close proximity to Woodward Avenue and the public transit stations.

Book Tower

Fall colors surrounding the Book Tower

Book Tower located on Washington and Grand River

Fox Theater- Becoming a National Historic Landmark in 1989, the Fox Theater continues to mesmerize its audiences and passerby’s… including me. For anyone that has stepped foot into this theater knows exactly what I mean when I use mesmerizing to describe it. With decorative influences from Persia, India and China, it certainly takes more than one visit to the Fox to take in all the intricate details and beauty.

The Fox Theater was built in 1928 which was a well known venue for viewing movies. At the time, the state of the art sound system allowed for an unforgettable moviegoer experience. Through the 1970’s and 80’s the surrounding theaters began to close in which the Fox was on the verge, as it was feeling the pain of poor maintenance. However in 1988 Mike Ilitch of Olympia Entertainment purchased the venue and after a 12 Million dollar renovation, he restored the theater to its original beauty. Today, the Fox Theater still stands proudly on Woodward Avenue just blocks away from several major restaurants, entertainment districts and sporting venues and continues to be a favorite amongst the live entertainment audience.

The Fox Theater on Woodward Avenue

Detroit has such a rich, longstanding history that it really would be impossible to condense into one blog post. Simplicity is never an option when referring to the history of Detroit. I encourage you to not only explore these historical landmarks, but also see for yourself the opportunities the forefathers of the city have left. Love Always, Detroit.