Detroit has long espoused the idea that its urban core could be designed in such a way as to allow the integration of affluent, working class, and low income people within a few blocks of each other. Immediately east of Lafayette Park reside people whose household incomes are lower than Lafayette Park, but the 1960s modern feel of the area offers a seamless flow to the historic Villages.
Here, Martin Luther King, Jr., Elmwood, and other residential communities offer quality urban living with the same proximity to Eastern Market, downtown, and the riverfront as those in Lafayette Park. Mini-street malls support the needs of residents, from video rentals and fast food outlets to Walgreen's and CVS drug stores. Close to East Jefferson's retail strip, yet a few streets removed from the hustle bustle.
Looking beyond this corner of the Near Eastside, north to 1-94 and east to McClellan, you have an area that is being redefined and redeveloped by grassroots organization trying to preserve what hasn't been lost and build a new community in its place. To understand the Near Eastside, however, one needs to examine its local assets: schools, churches, neighborhoods, and parks.
For more information about the Near East Side visit the Model D:
- Investing Guide
- Visiting Guide
- Living Guide
Marvin Shaouni
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The creative team behind the curtain of the Parade Company makes America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit one of the best holiday street parties in the world, bar none. Marvin Shaouni created this essay in 2010, but it's timeless. Encore, please.
Desiree Cooper
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
From his youth in a violent Detroit neighborhood, to his isolation as a black college student in a white environment, Ryan Oliver has struggled to define himself and his masculinity. It's a challenge that's been even more daunting because Oliver is biologically female.
Tom Hendrickson
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Using passion ignited by his college sociology professor to advocate on behalf of the invisible transgendered community, Ryan Oliver's transformation into an LGBT leader has been hard fought -- and impressively won.
Vince Keenan
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
The two-year charter revision process has been one of the most open and transparent efforts Detroit has ever seen, writes Vince Keenan. Now it's time to cast your vote on Proposal C.
Jon Zemke
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Jerry Paffendorf is an idea man. Not the typical idea man with grand ambitions and little execution who thinks his ideas would be great for other people. Paffendorf actually turns his dreams into reality. Jon Zemke asks all the right questions.
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