The Villages

Following Jefferson eastbound, on either side, are several enclaves of fine urban living options, from historic homes to high rise apartments and condos – riverside, or inland, all with a view of downtown and minutes away from the vitality of downtown living and Belle Isle. Known as “The Villages,” these old and new neighborhoods will be connected with the RiverWalk at Gabriel Richard Park, offering a pedestrian linkage to downtown. The area is comprised of English Village, Islandview Village, West Village, East Village, and the East Riverfront, which runs from General Motors Renaissance Center to the Roostertail. Housing prices range from around $100,000 to $1 million. In addition to Belle Isle, Gabriel Richard, Owen, and Irma Henderson parks offer riverside public green space. Henderson Park includes a marina, playground, basketball court, fishing, and a running/walking path. West Village and Indian Village are probably the most well-known of these villages. Indian Village is the most affluent address, featuring mansions more than 100 years old on quiet, tree-lined streets. It sponsors the area’s most respected home and garden tour in June. During the growing season, the Indian Village Community Garden is open to the public. There area includes rental options like the historic Parkstone and Parkhurst apartments. Neighboring West Village offers less expensive, smaller homes of the same vintage, with a creative edge.

Practice Space works to develop two new businesses

Detroit small business hub Practice Space has accepted two new projects into its Incubator program. One, a retro arcade bar, is searching for the perfect location while the second, a […]

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The productive green space is part of the Detroit School Garden Collaborative, a partnership between the Detroit Public Schools and the Greening of Detroit. Amy Kuras eagerly looks forward to planting season in this report. 

January development news round-up
Eater: Craft Work opens in West Village
Detroit by District: Gold Coast and the Villages

In his final full report on Detroit's new council by districts, Matthew Lewis heads to the near lower East Side to explore the Villages, made up of historic, leafy neighborhoods with new retail buzz.

Biergartens pop up this week downtown and in Villages
UIX: Detroit Vegan Soul

The city's only 100 percent plant-based foods restaurant, Detroit Vegan Soul in the Villages aims to promote healthful eating in the community. Amy Kuras takes the dairy-free taste test for the Urban Innovation Exchange. 

Opinion: An Opportunity for Belle Isle to see a brighter day

Leasing the park to the state would provide $4 million or more in annual cost savings to the city, free up money for other Detroit parks and allow reinvestment in public safety for city neighborhoods. Evette Hollins lays out the advantages in this opinion piece.

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