Detroit Block by Block

Detroit Block by Block

Detroit Block by Block will foster a sense of community and pride among residents while also honoring spaces that are no longer with us due to blight and often neglect. By sharing personal narratives and experiences about Detroit's commercial buildings, we create connections between people and places, further strengthening the bond within the city. Follow Detroit Block by Block on Instagram for uniquely Detroit stories.

 


The Future of Farwell

 

#ByDetroitersForDetroit: A new $4 million gymnasium will open this spring at Farwell Recreation Center on the city’s east side, ensuring that youth in the area have their recreation needs met...

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Community Conversations: Commercial Demolition Purpose and Process

 

With our Community Conversations series, the Detroit Construction & Demolition Department is meeting face-to-face with residents, community groups, and block clubs to outline the purpose and process for commercial demolitions, and the possibilities that follow.

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The History and Restoration of Detroit's Iconic Dodge Fountain

 

A public meeting space designed with Detroiters in mind. Let's take a look back at Hart Plaza's Dodge Fountain in the early days as the Department works to restore this iconic Detroit staple.

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Hart Plaza prepares for major comeback!

 

The Construction & Demolition Department's Capital & Facilities team toured contractors at our beloved Hart Plaza to evaluate the Dodge Fountain for a major comeback! Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ensured...

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Preserving our stories through Detroit Block X Block

 

Detroit Block by Block will foster a sense of community and pride among residents while also honoring spaces that are no longer with us due to blight and often neglect...

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Block by Block: 19925 Hoover

 

An eyesore on the city's east side will soon be demolished. The two-story structure at 19925 Hoover was once an industrial factory built in the late 1920s. It last housed a cabinet manufacturer until the building was foreclosed on in 2010. 

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Carstens School, 2550 Coplin St.

 

Hattie M. Carstens Elementary School opened in 1915. The three-story building closed in 2011 when the school merged with a nearby middle school. (source: historicdetroit.org)

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'It's an eyesore': 4600 Chalmers

 

“It’s just an eyesore,” said Betty Elders, who has lived across the street from the property at 4600 Chalmers, for nearly 50 years.

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Dexter-Elmhurst Community Gives Final Input On Rec Center & Park

 

Our team attended the final community meeting for the Dexter-Elmhurst Recreation Center & Park...

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Memories from the former YMCA on E. Jefferson

 

Rudolph “Rudy” Anderson and Eddie Childs attended the Hannan Memorial YMCA as children, participating in swimming and...

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Detroit Block by Block, as an archive of memories and experiences told through visuals and in-depth storytelling, provides a rich and vibrant tapestry of the city's commercial buildings. By capturing the essence of both the old and the new, we'll showcase the diverse history and ongoing development within Detroit. 

This archive acts as a preservation tool, documenting the architectural heritage of the city and ensuring that the stories and memories associated with these buildings are not lost over time. It also serves as an educational resource, allowing people to learn about Detroit's commercial history and how it has shaped the city's identity. 

Detroit Block by Block will foster a sense of community and pride among residents. By sharing personal narratives and experiences, we create connections between people and places, further strengthening the bond within the city. It also inspires others to explore and engage with their surroundings, promoting a deeper appreciation for Detroit's unique urban landscape.