University Commons-Palmer Park Visiting Guide

Here's Model D's guide to visiting University Commons area. Also check out our guides to moving to and investing in the neighborhoods.


Much of the abundant culture to be found in the University Commons area — comprised, roughly, of the University District, Green Acres, Sherwood Forest, and Palmer Woods neighborhoods — are associated with the two colleges in the community: University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove College. Both campuses enrich the surrounding neighborhoods with abundant offerings of art, literature, athletics, and events.

The UDM Titans draw fans from all over the region to their venerable old home, Calihan Hall. The old-school stadium seats almost 9,000 and is an affordable place to watch Division I college ball. The surrounding fields are home to Titans soccer, baseball and softball.

As for the less-sports inclined, UDM regularly sponsors lecture series on topics ranging from spirituality, architecture, ethics, politics and culture. The university also holds performances ranging from African dance troupes to activist performance artists to comedians.

UDM’s well-regarded theater company — called, well, The Theatre Company — stages its plays down the road at Marygrove’s idyllic campus. Previous seasons have included performances of classics such as The Importance of Being Ernest and Our Town as well as originals like Malice Aforethought by university professor Arthur Beer — which was produced back in 1987 to critical acclaim and will be remounted next year — and world premieres such as Jane Martin’s Talking With….

Marygrove has its own special amenities to draw in folks from all over town. The liberal arts school stages performances by its Institute of Music and Dance, sponsors a “Defining Detroit” lecture series, regular art exhibitions and author readings and discussions and offers many continuing education opportunities.

Wining and dining

Now that your brain is full, let’s work on that stomach. Any time of day or night, Lou’s Deli is ready to serve its guests sandwiches that have been perfected in its over 50 years of operation. Located just across the street from Marygrove, Lou’s pastrami, corned beef, salami, and roast beef sandwiches are the stuff of legends.

A bit classier and no less unique, La Dolce Vita offers a truly singular dining experience. The charming bistro situated across Woodward from Palmer Park delivers a perfect dining experience every time, whether it be a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a rehabilitative brunch. Don’t miss the Pajama Brunch held the second Sunday of every month, where diners get to enjoy their comfort food in their most comfortable clothing.


Just around the corner on John R just north of Seven Mile, you will find another one-of-a-kind: the Dakota Inn Rathskeller. Serving up German food, beer, and song since 1933, the Bavarian-styled Rathskeller conjures up Oktoberfest all year long with their selection of bratwurst, knackwurst, schnitzel, and, of course, lots of beers and steins. Friday and Saturday night sing-alongs come highly recommended.



Then there’s the grand-daddy of Detroit jazz, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Baker’s is the oldest continuously- operating jazz club in the city, and is one of those places that just needs to be experienced first-hand. Knowing that you’re sitting in a club that witnessed performances from Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald is awe-inspiring, and the music you’ll hear these days is pretty darn wonderful, too. Come for the music, but don’t dismiss the soul food—it hits high notes, too.

If dives are your thing, two not to miss are Tom’s Tavern and the Stone House. Tom’s most notable feature is its slanted floor — or perhaps it’s the fact that the shack-like structure is still standing. Either way, it’s a Seven Mile Road institution for a reason. Stone House is nestled on the edge of the neighborhood just south of the State Fair Grounds. Largely a biker hangout, the Stone House is a great place to grab a shot and shoot a game of pool. Since the Stone House is really and truly a stone house, it boasts a great front porch for balmy night beers.

Two of Detroit’s most infamous gay clubs are nestled in the University Commons area. Menjo’s on McNichols and Numbers on Woodward are perfect spots for sweaty late night dancing. They’re relatively straight-friendly, too.


Swinging at Palmer Park

Beautiful Palmer Park, which stretches west of Woodward all the way between McNichols and Seven Mile Road is home to tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, and peaceful wooded areas. But to area golfers, it is more importantly home to the private Detroit Golf Club and the public Palmer Park Golf Course. The mature trees and green grass of the two courses provide lovely settings for a day of eighteen holes.

While in the area, head west a bit on Seven Mile and keep your eyes peeled for the boxy concrete and glass home that is the Dorothy Turkel House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Turn north into the neighborhood to see some of the region’s most spectacular homes, including the Bishop’s Residence and a home designed by World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki.

Country meets city

The biggest draw to University Commons comes each year, right around Labor Day, when the urban intersection of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue becomes home to prize-winning watermelons, newborn lambs, horses, cows and chickens.

The Michigan State Fair is one of the state’s most beloved events, and has become much more of an entertainment draw over the last several years, featuring popular acts like Alice Cooper, Josh Grobin, The Game, and The Isley Brothers. A tradition for over 100 years, the Michigan State Fair is a great way to end the summer.




Directions to University Commons-Palmer Park

From the East:
Take I-94 West toward Detroit and merge onto I-696 West via Exit 229 toward Lansing. Continue to I-75 South via Exit 18 toward Detroit/Toledo. Take the M-102 exit, Exit 59 toward 8 Mile Rd. Stay straight to go onto South Chrysler Dr and turn slight right onto 8 Mile Rd. Turn slight left onto 8 Mile Rd. West/MI-102 W. Make a U-Turn onto 8 Mile Rd. West/MI-102 W. Turn right onto Livernois Ave. and arrive in University Commons-Palmer Park.

From the North:
Take Woodward Ave South and turn right onto W 8 Mile Rd. Stay straight to go onto 8 Mile Rd W/MI-102 W. Make a U-Turn onto 8 Mile Rd. W/MI-102 E. Turn right onto Livernois Ave. and arrive in University Commons-Palmer Park.

From the West:
Take I-96 East and take the Davison Ave exit, Exit 186B. Merge onto Davison W and turn left to stay on Davison W. Turn right onto Livernois Ave. and arrive in University Commons-Palmer Park.

From the South:
Take I-94 East toward Detroit and take Exit 215B for M-10 on the left. Merge onto John C Lodge Fwy/MI-10 N and take the exit toward Livernois Ave. Stay straight to go onto John C Lodge Fwy. Turn right onto Livernois Ave. and arrive in University Commons-Palmer Park.

Take I-75 N toward Detroit and merge onto I-96 West via Exit 48 on the left toward Lansing. Merge onto I-94 E toward Port Huron and take Exit 215B for M-10 N on the left. Merge onto John C Lodge Fwy/MI-10 N and take the exit toward Livernois Ave. Stay straight to go onto John C Lodge Fwy and turn right onto Livernois Ave. Arrive in University Commons-Palmer Park.



Photos:

Palmer Park Pond

University of Detroit

Marygrove College

La Dolce Vita

Dakota Inn

Baker's Keyboard Lounge

The Stone House

Menjo's

Detroit Golf Club



All Photographs Copyright Dave Krieger






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