Restored Detroit Book Depository building opens in Ford’s developing Michigan Central hub
The project aimed at restoring Detroit’s historic train station and developing the area around it into a hub called Michigan Central has reached a milestone with the Tuesday opening of the Book Depository building.
Get your curls poppin’ at this Corktown salon
When you walk into Joyola Mei Hair Salon in Corktown, you won’t see flat irons or curling irons, or smell anything like hair color being applied. “I’m using an ammonia free hair lighter, so it’s super gentle for curlies,” Joy Lewis, Owner of Joyola Mei told “Live in the D’s” April Morton as she applied hair color to a client.
This super chic Corktown restaurant will have you feeling like you’re touring Europe
With an eclectic menu ranging from a Mediterranean-inspired fish dish to some Georgian soup dumplings -- plus a sophisticated cocktail program to match -- Supergeil has all the ingredients for a fun night out. Michelle Oliver takes us there to Dine in the D.
First big event of the season held at Corner Ballpark in Detroit amid noise concerns
The the first big event of the season at Corktown’s Corner Ballpark was held Saturday. It’s been a point of contention with neighbors of the Old Tiger Stadium, who complained about the loud music, late nights and crowds.
Metro Detroit bars optimistic for St. Patrick’s Day sales
Saint Patrick’s Day is a big deal to a lot of Irish bars and restaurants. Irish bars and restaurants missed out on that income in 2020, but even worse, they were fully stocked with extra food and alcohol for Saint Patrick’s Day. “Sunday would have been the parade,” Roberts said. “We had some really good activity, you know people dressed up, people in their green are coming down from the suburbs, just like they used to.”Dunleavy said a normal Saint Patrick’s Day would involved a packed house and more than 20 kegs. Many Irish restaurants are also doing carry out, so if you plan to celebrate at home you can take your corned beef to go.
Detroit bars, restaurants preparing for crowds on St. Patrick’s Day
DETROIT – Sunday will mark the second year in a row which Corktown will not have its St. Patrick’s Day parade and race due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We want everyone to come here but also be safe,” said James Castonguay with McShane’s Irish Pub in Corktown. Related: Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Parade canceled again due to COVID concernsLike other businesses, McShane’s Irish Pub is limited in its capacity, but it’s getting a lot of calls from people thinking about showing up. The restaurant opened in late March 2019, having yet to experience the flood of customers on St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s definitely a hit not having all of those people down here,” Westbrook said.
‘Things need to change’: Nemo’s Bar struggles to stay afloat amid COVID-19 pandemic
DETROIT – Nemo’s Bar has been a staple in Detroit’s Corktown since the 60s. The bar and grill is struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Osman is grilling up burgers himself on a small grill behind the bar, which is working for now because of the low capacity. Whitmer said about that possibility“No one’s making any dough. You know, it’s no one’s making any money.
Detroit police search for man in hit-and-run that killed 3 people on New Year’s Eve
DETROIT – Detroit police are searching for a man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed three people on New Year’s Eve. Related: Violent collision in Detroit rips car in half, kills 3Related: Married couple identified in fatal Corktown collisionAdPolice said Ross drove a Cadillac CT6 and struck a Mercury Sable, killing Rodney and Marlene Rodriguez. Rodney Rodriguez had just picked up his wife Marlene from work at the MGM Grand Casino and was heading home. The couple was about to turn from Michigan Avenue onto 16th Street in Corktown when the Cadillac hit them at high speed. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 800-Speak Up.
Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Parade canceled again due to COVID concerns
DETROIT – For the second year in a row, COVID-19 has forced organizers to cancel Detroit’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Corktown. The United Irish Societies (UIS) announced on Thursday the 63rd annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2021, has been canceled, along with related Corktown Races. “Therefore, with heartfelt disappointment, the UIS and Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade Committee have decided to cancel the 2021 Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade this year,” Kelly said. “We’re looking forward to the biggest and most successful Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade in our history on Sunday, March 13, 2022. The parade route follows along Michigan Avenue through Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood.
Violent collision that left 3 dead in Detroit investigated as fatal hit-and-run
DETROIT – Three people were killed in a crash on New Year’s Eve in Detroit’s Corktown area. Detroit police said the crash happened around 10:40 p.m. on Michigan Avenue near 16th Street. READ: Married couple identified in fatal Corktown collisionThe occupants in the Mercury were pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call Detroit Police Department’s Fatal Squad at 313-596-2260 or Crimes Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up. Married couple identified in fatal Corktown collision
Married couple identified in fatal Corktown collision
DETROIT – Family and friends of Rodney and Marlene Rodriguez are remembering the two after they died in a two-car collision on Michigan Avenue. According to a GoFundMe page, Rodney and Marlene were married for 43 years. Rodney just picked up his wife from work at a city casino when the crash happened on New Year’s Eve night. Larry and Tahisha Smith had just left MGM Casino when they saw the crash. Police said Rodney and Marlene were in their Mercury Sable which was split in half in the collision.
Violent collision in Detroit rips car in half, kills 3
DETROIT – Police are investigating a crash that killed three people just blocks from Detroit police headquarters. The violent collision spit one vehicle in half with the front in the middle of Michigan Avenue and the back half wrapped around a light pole on the eastbound side. Larry and Tahisha Smith had just left MGM Casino when they stumbled upon the crash. “He had to be going over 100 miles per hour.”“It was something I don’t ever want to see again,” Tahisha said. Anyone with information pertaining to this accident is ask to please call Detroit Police Department’s Fatal Squad at 313-596-2260 or Crimes Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.
3 killed in New Year’s Eve crash in Detroit’s Corktown
DETROIT – Three people were killed in a crash on New Year’s Eve in Detroit’s Corktown area. Detroit police said the crash happened around 10:40 p.m. on Michigan Avenue near 16th Street. An 87-year-old man was driving a 2017 Cadillac, traveling west on Michigan Avenue when his vehicle collided into a Mercury Sable, occupied by two people, police said. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. Anyone with information pertaining to this accident is ask to please call Detroit Police Department’s Fatal Squad at 313-596-2260 or Crimes Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.
Out shopping and wondering where to eat?
So you’re out shopping, you’re busy, it’s coming up on dinner time... where do you go? With lots of delicious food and a large heated outdoor patio, Bobcat Bonnie’s is a welcoming place, and that is exactly what owner Matt Buskard intended. Buskard has spent years working in restaurants and loves it, but Bobcat Bonnie’s is the first place he’s owned. “I used to run everybody else’s restaurants because at a young age I was obsessed with restaurants. Here are all of their locations:Corktown-Detroit1800 Michigan AveDetroit, Michigan 48216(313) 962-1383Wyandotte118 Sycamore St.Wyandotte, MI 48192(734) 530-1806Ypsilanti200 W Michigan Ave.Ypsilanti, MI 48197(734) 879-0663Ferndale240 W Nine Mile Rd.
Thieves steal Slows Bar BQ trailer in Corktown, owner says
DETROIT – Police are investigating a restaurant’s food trailer that was reported stolen Wednesday. “It’s 26-feet long, it’s 10,000 pounds,” said Michael Metevia, owner of Slows Bar BQ. “There’s no hiding it.”The trailer was taken from a fenced lot on Michigan Avenue at about 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. Wednesday. “We parked it in our secure lot where it normally lives when we’re not using it. So when something like this happens, it is more of an emotional blow than business,” he said.
Detroit restaurant plans for outdoor dining in response to new COVID restrictions
DETROIT – In response to a newly-issued three-week shutdown, many Michigan restaurants are adding outdoor dining options to keep business flowing while meeting new statewide restrictions. Under the new restrictions, restaurants and bars can no longer offer indoor dining services until at least December 8. Carry-out and outdoor dining options are still allowed. Corktown restaurant Cork and Gabel is one of them, working to enclose their patio and ensure it is heated as winter settles in. Matthew McGrail with Cork and Gabel says the food there is one of a kind, and it’s best experienced while dining in.
Ford to revamp Detroit book warehouse into innovation hub
FILE - In this June 14, 2018, file photo, Bill Ford Jr., Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, poses in the Michigan Central Station in Detroit. Details were released Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, and are part of Ford's $740 million project to create an innovation hub to help shape the way people and goods will move around in the future. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya File)DETROIT – Ford Motor Co. revealed plans Tuesday to transform a long-vacant book warehouse into a hub for automobile innovation in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Through it all, the train station remained standing — too costly to demolish, too large for other uses, and a contradiction to its once-ornate grandeur. About 250 workers in Ford’s autonomous vehicle business unit already work out of The Factory, another building near the train station.
Start shopping for the holidays with local businesses
It’s a good time to start shopping for the holidays and what’s better than finding a unique gift while supporting a small business? In the past, it would attracted more than twelve thousand shoppers, but because of the pandemic she shifted and created an online shopping platform called All Things Marketplace. The Marketplace is a space where you can shop online, or in person, to find the unique gift you’re looking for. There is also going to be an All Things Marketplace Pop-up Shop in Corktown that will include 25 local businesses. The pop-up shop is at The Build Institute at The Corner, 1620 Michigan Ave Suite #120 in Detroit.
PJ’s Lager House in Corktown closed temporarily due to COVID-19 exposure
DETROIT – Popular Corktown bar and music venue PJ’s Lager House -- ranked one of Detroit’s top five music venues -- will be closing temporarily due to an employee who tested positive for COVID-19. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, the employee has been placed under quarantine and the venue will not reopen until all staff members have two consecutive negative tests. Patrons who visited PJ’s Lager House, located on Michigan Avenue, between Oct. 9 and Oct. 12 are recommended to get tested. The restaurant said patrons can support the venue by purchasing merchandise during the closure. Michigan.gov has a list of resources available to those concerned about COVID-19.
Corner Ballpark noise complaints persist despite promises to neighbors
DETROIT – The event schedule at The Corner Ballpark in Corktown has not slowed down and has not quieted down as promised. At one recent event, neighbors endured a low-flying helicopter accompanied by police sirens. Jamerson is trying to walk a fine line -- Create revenue to support the programs that benefit many Detroit kids while being a good neighbor to residents living nearby. PAL has received emails from appreciative neighbors in the last few weeks but there still are complaints. Some people reached out to Local 4 News with their complaints and said they’re afraid to call the police on the police.
Virtual tour offers peek at renovations inside Michigan Central Station
Take a look inside Michigan Central Station in Detroit as Ford continues its renovation of the historic train depot. The Handbuilt City toured the building recently and created a virtual tour showing progress inside. After pausing due to the pandemic, renovation work at Michigan Central resumed in early August. Ford Motor Co. bought the iconic building just outside downtown in 2018 for research and development of self-driving vehicles. Look back: A brief history of Michigan Central Station as historic Detroit train depot prepares for new chapterWork on the 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) building is still expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Michigan restaurants prepare for winter amid COVID-19 pandemic
DETROIT – Autumn is here and that means -- among other things -- winter is coming. The coming colder temperatures could be tough on local restaurants who have relied on outdoor patio seating to survive the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “That was the right at the beginning of the recession,” said owner Greg Mudge. Just down Porter Street, at Batch Brewing Company, they’re also adapting by transforming their parking lot into an outdoor biergarten. We’re going to put a couple of tube heaters underneath it and then we’re going to particularly enclose it,” Roginson said.
Detroit Institute of Bagels closes, but new owners could revive it
The beloved Detroit Institute of Bagels in Corktown has closed after seven years on Michigan Avenue. After shutting down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DIB reopened with limited hours and fulfillment options in May. The bagel shop paused operations again in July after a delivery truck mishap knocked out their power lines and fried their walk-in fridge. Since then, DIB owner Ben Newman decided to step away from the business entirely, listing the building and equipment for sale. So while the current Detroit Institute of Bagels is closed, hope for a reboot is not lost.
Corktown neighbors meet with Detroit Police Athletic League over loud concerts
DETROIT Several neighbors in Corktown met with the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) to talk about housekeeping issues. Erin Gavle lives next door to the PAL stadium, off of Michigan Avenue in Corktown. She said for the most part, theyre good neighbors, but the loud music, trash on the ground and crazy parking jobs, overlook the good. Local 4 News obtained video of cars lined up on Michigan Avenue in Corktown, causing traffic backup. CEO Robert Jamerson with PAL said he understands their neighbors concerns and its important to work together.
Residents voice complaints about late night concerts at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit
DETROIT The corner of Michigan Avenue and Trumbull is sacred ground to Detroit residents. Concerts hosted at the Corner Ballpark are drawing complaints. According to the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL), they have operated within the agreement it has with the city. PAL said the ballpark is used to host diverse events that provide much-needed funding for its sports programs. There were some residents who didnt want to go on camera but did say they had no complaints about the concerts.
Take in the beauty of the city on one of these Detroit restaurant patios
We are in the dog days of summer, and what better way to enjoy the nice weather than to enjoy a meal or drinks on a patio? Kila Peeples went to three restaurant patios in Detroit that not only offer amazing food, but also a great ambiance. Cork and Gabel in Corktown is known for its tasty cuisine, and features an eclectic patio that has a direct view of the historic Michigan Central Train Depot. The restaurant has expanded its eye-catching patio into The Garden, where you can people-watch and listen to music from the adjacent beach area. Watch the video above to see these cool patios.
Detroit PAL kicks off new season at The Corner Ballpark
DETROIT It was a welcome sight in Corktown throughout the day with the Police Athletic League kicking off a new season at the Corner Ballpark. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced a lot of changes to keep the players and staff safe. It was a tight game between the Southwest Tigers and Southwest Astecs on Monday night. The number one thing for Detroit PAL is to do it safely, director of athletics David Greenwood said. You cant see it right now but Im actually smiling its great to see kids playing in an athletic way.
ClickOnDetroit Morning Briefing -- June 2, 2020
It was another powerful night of protests against police brutality in the name of George Floyd in Detroit. On Monday, the group of 300-400 marched through Corktown, Mexicantown and then returned to Downtown Detroit. The event ended peacefully by the time Detroits 8 p.m. curfew went into effect. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 57,532 as of Monday, including 5,516 deaths, state officials report. Sundays total was 57,397 confirmed cases and 5,491 deaths.
Detroit police open investigation after body found in Corktown building
DETROIT – Police have opened an investigation Thursday morning after a man’s body was found in Corktown. Detroit Police officers shut down the street as crime scene investigators and homicide investigators try to determine how the man died. Sources told Local 4 that police believe the man could have been breaking into the building, cut an artery and quickly bled to death. People who know the victim told Local 4 they believe he was seeking shelter from the cold. Police said the man did not freeze to death, but that he may have been seeking shelter from the cold.
Local 4 News at 11 -- Nov. 7, 2019
Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 11:Paid leave controversyThere have been few developments in the case against two off-duty Detroit police officers who were working security at a Corktown bar when one of them allegedly threw a drunk patron to the ground, putting that person in a coma. Both officers were suspended and are facing charges, but 20 months after, theyre still getting paid and havent gone to trial. The incident happened during St. Patricks Day Parade festivities on March 11, 2018.
Detroit police lieutenant, officer charged in 2018 Corktown bar assault still on paid leave
Timothy Larrance Leach, 48, and Officer Frederick Eugene Person, 53, are accused of assaulting Michael Ryan Karpovich, 42, of Washington Township. In May 2018 Leach was charged with assault to do great bodily harm, aggravated assault, neglect of duty, no license security guard and tampering with evidence. In May 2018 Person was charged with obstruction of justice, neglect of duty and tampering with evidence. Some appeals by Leachs attorney have stalled the case, but nearly two years after the incident the officers are still getting paid. Leach was charged with a felony, but he was overruled by a majority on the Board of Police Commissioners, which included Willie Bell.
Coyote Logistics unveils plan to create new tech hub in Corktown
The global third-party logistics provider fulfilled the promise this month, officially opening the doors to their new 58,000 square foot space in Corktown's The Assembly building. DETROIT - Earlier this year, Chicago-based Coyote Logistics, a UPS company, announced plans to create a new tech hub in Detroit's evolving Corktown neighborhood. The global third-party logistics provider fulfilled the promise this month, officially opening the doors to their new 58,000 square foot space in Corktown's The Assembly building. Owned and operated by Bedrock Detroit, Coyote now occupies the multi-use development's second and third floors as one of the building's largest tenants. Coyote is in the process of transitioning current Michigan-based employees from the former hub, located in Ann Arbor.
This Corktown restaurant will feed your belly and your Instagram!
Located in Corktown, just south of Michigan Avenue on Trumbull, is a quaint little restaurant with some big accolades. So what makes this restaurant really stand out? "We both noticed that there were a lot of farmers doing really amazing things. Much like the restaurant itself, the food is highly Instagrammable, with beautiful plating that frequently involves a sprinkle of edible flowers. Their menu changes with the seasons so it is always best to check it out to see what is new.
New mixed-use development opens in Detroit's Corktown
A $150 million mixed-use development officially has opened just west of downtown in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. Mayor Mark Duggan's office says Elton Park's first phase was completed in just over two years and includes 151 residential units and more than 11,000 square feet (1,021 square meters) of retail space. Duggan says "what had been for years a sea of parking lots and a large vacant building is now a beautiful new residential anchor and public space in Detroit's oldest neighborhood." Soave Real Estate has committed to allocating 20% of the residential units as affordable housing. Duggan's office says future phases of Elton Park have the potential to bring an additional 275 to 350 additional residential units and retail to the neighborhood.
Meet the first new tenants of Michigan Central Station: Red-tailed hawks
DETROIT - Michigan Central Station is undergoing a massive rebirth in Detroit's Corktown. A family of red-tailed hawks have made the old train station their home while Ford prepares the building for its eventual Detroit office space. Filmmaker Stephen McGee took it upon himself to begin documenting the hawks as they prepared for flight. The hawks were nesting far up the building -- making the leap risky for baby hawks. Watch Alex Atwell's Uniquely Detroit feature story in the video player above.
Woodward Dream Cruise today | Most-read stories of the week
-- @3andathird/InstagramStarting to feel more like August summer this weekend and next week, with temps back into the upper 80s and even into the 90s. The first part of the Woodward Dream Cruise should be dry. Big 7 Travel released their list of the 50 best beaches in America this week. Thrillist released their list of the best party lakes in America this week and one Michigan lake made the list - it probably won't surprise you. This week, Sports Illustrated recognized another Michigan tradition, naming "The Victors" the best fight song in college football history.
Restaurant of the Year: Experience Ima
If you need directions on how to find Ima Detroit, they go something like this: Head to Michigan Avenue in the citys Corktown area. Yes, the one near the Michigan Central Station in the distance and narrow Victorian houses all about. Read all about it here. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Homegrown Tequila in the heart of the D
Toma Detroit is bringing the taste of tequila from the fields of Mexico to your glass in Corktown thanks to the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. Host Tati Amare spoke to the owners of Toma Detroit, Eddie Vargas and Tony Lopez, who are part of a group that competed in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest and won $50,000 to invest in their business. Toma Detroit is owned and ran by a group of five friends who came together to bring the real taste of tequila to Detroit and highlight their Latin heritage. Toma Detroit specializes in tequila, mezcal, and Latin food. Toma Detroit Tequila plans to open a tasting room in 2020 with a large selection of tequila and mezcal.
Detroit deli named among best sandwich shops in America
DETROIT - A popular Detroit deli is getting some national love. Thrillist published their list of the 33 best sandwich shops in America this week and only one Michigan spot made the list. Mudgie's Deli - Detroit (Corktown)"Corktown is Michigan's best neighborhood for boozers, and Detroit's best sandwich shop adds to that designation with its built-in wine shop and 100+ beers. But even if all the place offered to drink was tap water, it'd still be a must-eat on any sandwich pilgrimage. Mudgie's is also known for their amazing "Lobster Week," which is July 22 - 27 this year.