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