This week in Detroit has been nothing short of monumental. The Lions are in first place, and the Tigers are in the playoffs for the first time in a decade—a perfect time for my return visit to the Motor City. For me it was a return to my roots, having spent the first 21 years of my life there. With my guest host Michael Cole, who recently retired from the Bank of Ann Arbor and is now a proud part-time resident of Detroit, I embarked on a journey through both the new and the old; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are a few of the most memorable spots:
Palmer Park
Our first stop was Palmer Park, an area rich with memories. At the iconic Detroit Golf Club, we attended the launch of my friend, David Tarver’s Urban Entrepreneurial Enterprise. As we drove past familiar landmarks, the flash of past events flooded back—skating on the pond at Palmer Park, sledding and tobogganing, and golfing at one of Detroit’s easiest courses. I once played there with Bob Merchel and Tom Farquar and shot par!
Third Avenue & Wayne State University
Next, Mike and I drove down Second Avenue, passing the iconic Fisher Building. Which holds a special place and memory for me. I recall being interviewed by the legendary Detroit radio host JP McCarthy. I vividly remember sitting in his studio on the top floor while JP’s dermatologist gave him a skin check during the show!
Further down Cass Avenue, we passed Wayne State University. I recall going with my girlfriend in high school to the Hilberry Theatre to see Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, my date was not the romantic type.
At Wayne, we were fortunate to attend many concerts, featuring legends such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. One night at the spooky Masonic Temple, I saw Bob Dylan on tour. The first part of his set was folk music and he was cheered for several minutes. Then, in the second set, he came out with an electric band. He was booed loudly for “selling out.“ The band was one of the most famous of all time, The Band. To think before they became famous, I was stupid enough to boo them.
Downtown Detroit
Heading downtown, I was overwhelmed by the city’s changing landscape. The new Rocket Mortgage building stands where JL Hudson’s, Detroit’s famous department store, once thrived. Hudson’s wasn’t just a store; it was the heart of the city. It was a treat when my mother and grandmother took me there for an afternoon of toy shopping before Christmas and for lunch, we enjoyed the famous Maurice Salad.
Passing Michigan Avenue, I reminisced about Tiger Stadium. I spent many afternoons there with my father and grandfather, watching the Tigers play. While the stadium has been torn down, the memories of those thrilling games remain vivid. My hero was Al Kaline, their Hall-of-Fame right fielder, I was there the night the Tigers won the World Series and Kirk Gibson romped across home plate A generation later my dad took my sons to games at Tiger Stadium.
Michigan Central & The East Side
Driving past the recently renovated Michigan Central Train Station, brought back memories of my Uncle Abe, a dapper traveling salesman from New York City. The train station was also the departure spot for my trips to Ann Arbor when I attended the University of Michigan. I vividly remember one freezing Sunday night, waiting for a packed train at that very station, now the site of the Gandy Dancer.
After a nostalgic lunch at Mudgie’s in Corktown, we ventured into the unfamiliar territory of Detroit’s East Side. Growing up, the divide between East and West was stark, but it was wonderful to see how Belle Isle has been restored to its former glory.
Rosa Parks Boulevard & the Summer of ’67
Our journey took us down Rosa Parks Boulevard, formerly 12th Street, the site where the 1967 Detroit riots began. It was a devastating time for the city and my family. My father and grandfather lost their jobs when Milton’s Pawn Shop, where they worked, was burned down. The aftermath of the riots marked a turning point for Detroit, a chapter in history that’s hard to forget.
A Bright Future for Detroit
We ended the day at Wayne State for the Tech Town anniversary celebration. My spirits were lifted by the energy of Detroit’s young entrepreneurs. Over half of the attendees were African American business owners and a high percentage were women, a refreshing and inspiring sight in a city that has been through so much. This new leadership gives me hope for the future of Detroit—a city that, despite its hardships, continues to evolve and thrive.
Detroit may have changed, but the memories, both joyful and painful, remain a testament to the city’s resilience. Here’s to the Motor City—past, present, and future.