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.
'We Need a New Start': Detroit Activist Reflects on Fond Memories of Demolished Elementary School
In this extended Detroit Block by Block feature, Detroit resident and community activist RuShann Long reflects on her experiences attending Sherrill Elementary School in the 1960s.
Chandler Park Athletic Dome
We’re laying the foundation for residents in Detroit’s Chandler Park community to experience a state-of-the-art sports fieldhouse that will serve as a hub for athletic and recreational activities...
Commercial Demo: Lynch Elementary School
"If you are not going to sell it to anybody that can afford to buy it, and you're not going to fix it up for children to be able to come back, then tear it on down," said Miss Betts, community member and former educator at Lynch Elementary School....
A Special Connection To The Brand New Detroit Animal Care & Control
Our Capital Planning Manager, Rhea Bautista, has a special connection to one of our most anticipated construction projects -- the brand new Detroit Animal Care and Control facility....
Designed by a Detroiter: Brennan Rec Center
Pierre Roberson, design principal and co-founder of FRAMEWORK E, LLC, was awarded this construction project to bring new life to Brennan Recreational Facility. Roberson remembers riding his bike past the rec, and summers at the pool as a child. Years later, he’s a major part of the building’s redesign....
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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)
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...
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.
'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.
Dexter-Elmhurst Community Gives Final Input On Rec Center & Park
Our team attended the final community meeting for the Dexter-Elmhurst Recreation Center & Park...
