Concept art showcasing the vibrant community boulevard that will replace I-375 in Detroit.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is set to transform I-375 into a community boulevard, connecting Jefferson Avenue and I-75. Slated for late 2025, this project aims to revitalize historic neighborhoods Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, ensuring pedestrian safety and honoring the area’s legacy. Community input is being sought on future land use, as many residents push for reparations for past displacement related to the highway’s construction.
Detroit is buzzing with anticipation as plans are set in motion to replace the notorious I-375 with a vibrant street-level boulevard. This ambitious project by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) aims to seamlessly connect Jefferson Avenue and I-75, while breathing new life into the legacies of the historic neighborhoods of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.
Construction is slated to kick off in late 2025, and Detroiters can expect a stunning new boulevard lined with businesses, cozy homes, and open spaces that invite a sense of community. This is not just any ordinary road project; it’s an effort to reconnect the present with the rich tapestry of the past.
Why is this project so significant, you ask? Black Bottom is a cornerstone of Detroit’s history. Many locals share deep connections to this area, which once thrived with diverse cultures and economic activity before its dark days of demolition. A recent panel event held at the renowned Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History shed light on the community’s past, featuring spirited discussions among historians and descendants of Black Bottom business owners.
The contributions of urban planners and community advocates were front and center during the discussions, emphasizing the importance of honoring the memories of those who once called Black Bottom home.
In a heartwarming commitment to education, MDOT is excited to earmark efforts to archive the stories and histories of Black Bottom’s residents, especially since these narratives often miss the school curriculum in Detroit. This is vital work, allowing new generations to learn about the past, which unfortunately was often overlooked.
During the mid-20th century, a heartbreaking wave of displacement swept through these neighborhoods as thousands were uprooted, and many did not receive any compensation for their lost homes. Black Bottom, originally flourishing with farmers and businesses, was transformed into a predominantly Black neighborhood. The area was a cultural melting pot before its demolition, which tragically included the commercial hub of Paradise Valley.
Paradise Valley was a lively and colorful space, home to an array of businesses, theaters, and clubs that attracted diverse audiences. Sadly, the construction of I-375 in 1964 erased much of this vibrancy, resulting in the loss of historic venues that were cherished by locals and visitors alike.
Community members, like Joshua LeMere, are passionately advocating for reparations for those displaced by the highway’s construction. Historical records remind us of an impressive 167 Black-owned businesses along Hastings Street in 1952, highlighting the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Overall, about 2,500 Black businesses existed in Detroit around that time, showcasing a thriving community that was unjustly dismantled.
The new boulevard design is committed to being pedestrian-friendly and safe for cyclists, with opportunities for community input to help shape these spaces. However, residents have raised concerns about the adequacy of community engagement in planning. A coalition, calling themselves the “ReThink I-375 Coalition,” is pushing MDOT to pause the project until there’s a more thorough assessment of its impacts.
The project is backed by approximately $300 million in funding from state and federal sources, and plans for community meetings are underway to gather public feedback on how the land, once I-375 is repurposed, should be utilized in the future.
While city officials assure residents they are listening to concerns, they also point out that some opposition may be coming from a smaller, vocal minority. Nonetheless, MDOT remains steadfast in their commitment to honor Black Bottom’s rich history through historical markers and recognition in the design of the new boulevard.
The new roadway is set to reduce the number of lanes from nine to six, ensuring enhanced safety for non-motorized users while integrating the historical essence of the area in its design.
As Detroit moves forward with these transformative plans, the excitement in the air is palpable, and the hope is that the new boulevard will not only serve as a functional space but as a reminder of the vibrant past that deserves to be celebrated. Yes, it’s an exciting time for Detroit, and everyone is eager to see how this project will shape the community for years to come!
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