Detroitisit

25/06/2025

Did you know the first traffic light, the first urban freeway, and techno music all started in Detroit?

From Motown to Motor City milestones, Detroit’s legacy runs deep:

• First paved road in the U.S. – Woodward Ave (1909)
• World’s first below-grade freeway – Davison Freeway (1942)
• Birthplace of techno – Belleville Three, 1980s
• Motown magic – Studio A still stands on W. Grand Blvd
• Detroit is the only major U.S. city where you can drive south to get to Canada

💬 Which fact surprised you most?

24/06/2025

Think Detroit’s all cars and concrete? Think again.

With new mobility options and expanding greenways, a car-free day in the city is not only possible — it’s the ultimate way to explore.

Start your journey along the award-winning Detroit Riverfront, grab a MoGo Detroit bike, and ride east to The Dequindre Cut. From there, immerse yourself in the flavors and energy of Eastern Market Partnership, cruise the QLINE Detroit through Midtown, and hop on the Detroit People Mover for panoramic views of the city skyline. Take breaks at Campus Martius or Capitol Park, grab a bite at iconic local spots, and discover how Detroit is redefining urban movement.

In a city that once built the future of cars, the next chapter might just be about slowing down.
https://bit.ly/3TrLBOt

24/06/2025

Michigan Central has partnered with the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) to expand high-speed, low-cost Wi-Fi access across Southwest Detroit.

The project will use rooftop infrastructure at Michigan Central to distribute broadband service to over 4,500 households, aiming to reach 200 additional homes per year.

Along with expanding internet access, the initiative includes training for “Digital Stewards” – neighborhood-based tech workers who help install and maintain local networks, while supporting residents with digital literacy and troubleshooting.

This model has been implemented in other Detroit neighborhoods since 2016, but the Michigan Central partnership marks one of the largest expansions to date.

PC: Michigan Central

23/06/2025

Coming this fall: the Gordie Howe International Bridge will feature a toll-free pedestrian and bike path spanning 1.5 miles between Detroit and Windsor, making history as the first international bike route on the Trans Canada Trail.

What this means:
• Cyclists will soon enjoy border-free rides from downtown Detroit to Canada’s trails
• Infrastructure includes lighting, emergency phones, and a 12-foot safety fence
• A new travel guide is underway to help riders navigate the route and explore cross-border destinations 

Would you bike across into Canada? Where would you go first?

PC: Gordie Howe

20/06/2025

🎆 The Ford Motor Company Fireworks return Monday, June 23, 2025, lighting up the Detroit skyline and riverfront in a dazzling display of over 10,000 choreographed pyrotechnics.

One of the city’s longest-running summer traditions, the show begins at 10 PM, but the celebration starts much earlier.

Thousands are expected to gather downtown at Hart Plaza and along the riverwalk – arrive by 5:30 PM to claim your spot, or elevate the night with rooftop views or a Detroit River cruise. Produced by The Parade Company , the event is free and open to the public.

📸: Visit Detroit

19/06/2025

Help contribute to the positive impact of pet rescue in cities. Detroit Alley Cat, Michigan Humane, Detroit Dog Rescue, and the Detroit Animal Care and Control and FODACC are a few must-know local animal shelters and adoption resources that made . Save a life, gain a fur friend, and contribute what you can for all pets! 🐱

Save a Life, Gain a Fur Friend, and Contribute What You Can For All Pets

19/06/2025

🚧 What are we building our cities with?

From reclaimed brick to carbon-negative concrete, the materials shaping Detroit’s future blend legacy with innovation.

At the 2025 Sustainable Urban Design Summit ( ), we’ll explore how both time-tested and emerging building materials are driving more sustainable, resilient, and equitable design.

Join architects, developers, and changemakers as they reimagine what lies beneath the surface of urban development.

Come take part in the conversation on November 6, 2025 at Newlab Detroit.

🔗 Pre-register now: https://bit.ly/3PiNDOp

18/06/2025

Detroit just got a bold new bagel stop. Bev's Bagels, created by chef and cookbook author Max Sussman, has opened at 4884 Grand River Ave, taking over the former Detroit Institute of Bagels space.

They’re serving both classic (sesame, plain, poppy) and daring flavors like spicy furikake, za’atar, and pumpernickel‑everything, plus standout sandwiches like a smoked whitefish and a zesty tuna melt.

The modern diner‑style counter lets patrons watch their bagels being made—giving it that fresh, crafted vibe.

Tag a friend who’d dive into the spicy furikake bagel or the tuna melt!

PC: Booth One Creative / Bevs Bagels

17/06/2025

Detroit’s full of unexpected gems that turn workdays into summer escapes. From Zoom calls at Campus Martius to emails over iced lattes at The Red Hook Detroit or Spkrbox, we love spots that mix productivity with sunshine. Try El Moore Gardens + Seasons Market, Bodega in Brush Park Detroit, Valade Park, Cannelle, Belle Isle Park - Michigan, Kresge Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Riverfront, and Gabriel Richard Park.

Read more: https://detroitisit.com/summer-time-workspaces/

17/06/2025

🥊 Kronk Gym, one of boxing’s most iconic training grounds, is making its return to Detroit this summer, this time inside the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, where Joe Louis once trained.

The original Kronk Gym, established in 1971 by legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, produced champions like Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko. It closed in 2006 and was later demolished after a fire destroyed the building in 2017.

Pictured above is the original Kronk Gym, a symbol of Detroit’s boxing legacy and community spirit. The new location will carry that legacy forward, transforming a once-condemned site into a space for the next generation of athletes.

📸 AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

16/06/2025

Pophouse Design recently shared updated renderings for the Hudsons Detroit office building, in partnership with SHoP Architects, 2x4 Design, Bedrock and Kendall/Heaton Associates.

Hudson’s is a global destination, a landmark development that embraces the history and spirit of Detroit while providing a venue for the people, companies and ideas that define our future.

The office and event spaces are scheduled to open by the end of 2025, with select retail opening sooner. The full development, including the hotel and residences, is expected to be completed by 2027.

13/06/2025

We rounded up of programs & resources for in Detroit, including events happening in the city this month throughout June. Stay educated!

https://bit.ly/43QdWCw

BasBlue, Detroit Means Business, Global Detroit, Detroit Immigration TaskForce, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center