dowageremp

This just shows the present nature of Detroit-how a safety and aestheticism can go from good to dangerous in a matter of blocks. East Warren Avenue is one of those roads that perpetuate the stereotype of "thug-life" Detroit--it is awful. While driving down East Warren, one can see abandoned buildings, buildings in disrepair, more abandoned buildings, tenements, yet more abandoned buildings, abandoned parking lots, more abandoned buildings, dilapidated stores, and guess what--more abandoned buildings! It's an eyesore of a road, and it's simply distressing. There are so many old houses that could be absolutely beautiful, but are beyond hope owing to neglect.

I heard that the City of Detroit is providing tax incentives to fix the houses on Warren. I hope this is true.

Gratiot Ave stretches from Detroit to a few of its suburbs, and it is possibly the worst over-all stretch of road to grace Detroit. Pot-hole-laden, ugly, full of industrial decay, and generally unsafe--Gratiot is the road that no one sensible travels on after dark.

Assumption Grotto Church is one of the oldest churches in Detroit and it is surrounded by security due to its presence on Gratiot. Let that be a testament to this road--if a CHURCH needs heavy-security to be safe on this road; what do you think the neighborhood is like?

Woodward Ave is truly the heart of Detroit-physically and metaphorically. It offers some cool attractions such as the DIA, the Detroit History Museum, Comerica Park, CCS, Ford Field, parts of Wayne, The Fox Theatre, and several fantastic restaurants. It is also home to the "Woodward Dream Cruise," which is a blast for car-enthusiasts and non-car-enthusiasts alike.

However, when Woodward Ave (and I refer to the areas that don't have as many attractions, such as around 6 or 7 Mile) is not full of tourists, it is a very, very sketchy area that I wouldn't call desirable for pedestrians. I would definitely not take children on a stroll down it, as there are many things on the street that they should not see, to put it politely. Which is sad, really.

My grandparents have lived on this street since my mother was very young, and they've watched this street plummet since the riots in the 70s. It's not too far from Greektown, there's a nice little mall on Lafayette, but it's really not the safest place. My grandparents have lost several cars in this area, some to theft, others to reckless drivers--their house has been broken into on a few occasions, so they installed an alarm system. This neighborhood is literally feet away from the tracks of the old commuter train (not to be confused with the People Mover), and has really fallen into disrepair since it was closed.

They are trying to improve the area, though. There was talk of building another highway in the place of the commuter train, but now the City has decided to use the tracks as an extended bike-path to the river. But who knows if that will go through.

The Fisher Theatre is probably one of the coolest things in Detroit--the historic building not only houses a theatre, but plenty of boutiques and stores. The building itself is also amazing, and its golden tower is somewhat of a Detroit-landmark. The building is readily-accessible, and offers special events during Tastefest.

Also on W Grand is Henry Ford Hospital, which is one of the better hospitals in the Detroit area. The road itself is okay--I'm not sure if I'd go so far as to recommend living on it, but I'd say it's fine for a night on the town.

I have always loved Greektown-it's a decently-happenin' place full of things to do for the entire family. The part of E Lafayette that intersects Greektown (It's not so great outside of Greektown, but it gets better once it reaches Grosse Point, though doesn't everything?) has wall-to-wall international restaurants, pastry shops, little stores, and historic churches. And who could forget the casino? Close to Greektown is the RenCen and Chrysler Freeway for easy access. I've gone there since I was little, and I've never once felt unsafe there.

It's also lots of fun during the art fair, and I strongly advise taking the time to check it out should the opportunity arise!

West Lafayette goes directly into down-town Detroit (Not Greektown, which is totally different), and it seemed to be picking up for a while during the late 90s-00s upon the installment of the MGM Grand Casino. The Casino brought lots of customers to the surrounding businesses, convinced the zoning board to knock down a few eye-sore abandoned buildings, and brought its security to the street. The general feeling of the area has tanked since it moved, and has left an ugly old Casino building that our present economy can do nothing to reuse.

On the plus side, W Lafayette is right by Cobo Hall, so several businesses sell parking spots for Red Wings games and other Cobo events. There are a couple great little stores (John King's Used Books is AMAZING!), and it's also close to the Lodge.

Anytime I travel abroad, foreigners always ask if I've met Eminem because I used to live on 8 Mile. I go on to inform them that I haven't met Eminem and that 8 Mile is a very long road and that most of it is pretty tame. The part of 8 Mile that graces Detroit is slummy and depressing, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it the epithet of racial division in Detroit (Like our good friend Marshall Mathers). It's not that it's terribly dangerous--I'm sure some crime activity occurs, but I can guarantee you that Cass Ave is far worse--it's just depressing. 8 Mile evidences the crumbling economy of Michigan; there are lots of run-down 80s-era strip malls, a few trashy strip-clubs, decrepit housing, and clear evidence of a vicious depression. Not at all a positive environment.

The area surrounding Wayne State has really improved in the last ten years! It has a very fun collegiate/educational vibe to it--one of the few areas in Detroit that's well-monitored and safe for students to be in. There are lots of little shops, great restaurant, and cafes near the University--also plenty of respectable, appropriate, and safe student-housing. There's also always something going on around the University, so there's never a dull weekend! One of my favourite places in Detroit!

In trite honesty, Cass Avenue is probably one of the worst stretches in Detroit. It's replete with abandoned buildings, slum-tenements, and crime-activity. I used to drive down it all the time with my mother as a child, and she'd always make me lock the car doors! Also, one of my good friends was robbed at gunpoint while trying to cash a check at a liquor store in The Corridor. Sadly, Cass is one of the places that truly demonstrates the dire straights Detroit has made for itself.