The University District has always been an illustrious neighborhood. To the east of Livernois, stately homes in the District and Sherwood Forest were once home to notable business owners and artists. Legendary clothier, Stanley Winkelman, of Winkelman’s Department Store, once called the neighborhood home. During the 1960s, as the Jewish population in the area dwindled, prominent African Americans began to settle.
The University District became home to artists like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. And the neighborhood remains home to local educators, theologians, and politicians. Plus, there notable churches and educational institutions like Marygrove College and the University of Detroit. But perhaps most significantly, it is home to Livernois, and the historic Avenue of Fashion.
Detroit had wonderful shopping venues downtown like the legendary Hudson’s building, Henry the Hatter and other boutiques. But the Avenue of Fashion emerged in the 60s as a shopping destination as African Americans with substantial incomes moved into the neighborhood. The Avenue was an anti shopping mall, with stores meant to be walked through down the block, no matter the weather.
Independent, African American-owned boutiques and businesses have been the lifeblood of the neighborhood for over 50 years, and the Avenue remains home to local fashion designers, service providers, retailers and restauranteurs who provide unique options that suit the tastes of a discerning crowd.
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During the 80s and 90s, the Avenue of Fashion (like the rest of Detroit) suffered from population and financial losses that accompanied the recession and reduction of manufacturing jobs. Business owner Larry Swygert describes the scene, “When I moved here in ‘91, you could practically see tumbleweeds blowing down the street.” The lack of popularity and presence in the neighborhood enabled Swygert to invest in real estate. The hairstylist and salon owner now owns six buildings on the block.
During the past decade, as Detroit has been experiencing an economic and cultural resurgence, the Avenue of Fashion has been slowly but surely growing, still anchored by small, African American-owned businesses.
Recently, the Avenue was plagued by road construction that caused some businesses to temporarily close. But now all the work on Livernois is complete and redesigned with wider sidewalks, easy parking and a smooth avenue, sure to attract visitors to the restaurants, boutiques and businesses in the district. The neighborhood features so many amazing businesses, we are excited to celebrate just a few.