Green Alley Dinner Party. Photo by Lisa Meshew.
A few months back, my friend Claire Nowak-Boyd posted a comment about how Detroit was "Detroiting" really hard that day. I loved her use of Detroit as a verb.
I can't speak for Claire, but I've experienced my own version of this a handful of times. It's like the city is on-stage, showing off for the audience, playing comedy and tragedy all at once. The best of times and the worst of times in one big, soul-stirring performance.
That's how I felt this week. Detroit was Detroiting hard.
First, there were lots of big announcements -- the Live Downtown incentive program, the Mayor's selection of neighborhoods for the Detroit Works Project, and the official word that Whole Foods is coming to Detroit (which might not seem like such a big deal in another city, but was a VERY big deal here).
Add to that a handful of new retail openings -- Astro Coffee in Corktown, 71 POP in Midtown Detroit, even Somerset Collection's first downtown retail experiment on lower Woodward -- and Detroit was buzzing with the thrill of the new.
There was the 313 Party at the Detroit Historical Museum, which brought together lots of friends old and new, followed by a gathering of more friends for the debut of "Motor City Pride," a lovely new video about gay life produced by Team Detroit.
A few days later, we hosted our little Canfield Street Market at City Bird and Bureau of Urban Living, with dozens of local vendors and a surprise visit from the Detroit Party Marching Band. The night ended with an outdoor movie screening in the Green Alley to celebrate its first birthday.
Detroit Marching Band, Canfield Street Market. Photo by Vanessa Miller.
All of this was put in perspective by the sad and untimely passing of Detroit poet D. Blair, which brought forth countless videos of his words and music. Blair was much loved around here, and the tributes flowed all week. Hundreds gathered for a community march and service to celebrate his life.
All of these events and milestones together heightened my awareness of a city in transition. While some folks bristled at the news of new corporate interest (Somerset, Whole Foods), others rejoiced in new urban investment. While most celebrated the opening of new indie businesses, a few rolled their eyes at the rise of "hipster" culture and warned against gentrification.
Oh, and while all of this was going on, the beautiful old historical Cass Tech high school building not far from here was in its last days of demolition. A total waste of great architecture and a real loss for the community, if you ask me. Watching it fall (by our very own hands, no less) was a sobering reminder that even with all of our good "progress" around here to build stronger neighborhoods and public spaces, Detroit is still far behind in the sustainability department.
Historic Cass Technical High School. Photo by Dan Austin.
On a brighter note, the highlight of the week for me was a neighborhood dinner we hosted in the Green Alley -- a summer al fresco potluck with fifty friends and neighbors.
Salvaged wood table settings and fresh flower arrangements were created by the lovely & talented Melinda Anderson, with all biodegradable dishware & utensils from Matt Naimi's Michigan Green Safe Products. I picked up an assortment of Michigan wines from our local Harbortown Market, and Motor City Brewing Works rolled over a keg of beer. We all enjoyed delicious food from the kitchens of our guests -- most of whom live within just a few blocks from the alley.
It was a magical evening. A dream come true, really. I walk this alley every day, and I've been imagining a dinner party here for a year now. When I pitched the idea to Tom at the Green Garage and John & Dan at MCBW, they gave me the green light and asked how they could help. This is why I love my neighbors.
Once again -- for the millionth time -- I was reminded how much I love my Detroit family, and how lucky I am to be a Detroiter at this moment in its history.
It's exciting, it's heartbreaking. It's hopeful, it's uncomfortable. It's Detroit in the Summer of 2011.
