Immerse yourself in the dynamic culture of Detroit's neighborhoods along the stretch between 7 and 8 Mile.
Interested in visiting the street with one of the highest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the United States? Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion is a walkable, historic shopping district known for its thriving Black-owned business scene. It runs along Livernois Avenue, from Seven to Eight Mile Roads.
Come here to shop for luxury suits, glamorous dresses, original art by celebrated African American artists, delightful baked goods, and more.
Beyond Avenue of Fashion, it’s also worth exploring the University District, to the east of Livernois. This residential neighborhood is filled with impressive, historic homes with brick, marble, and Tudor exteriors.
The University District was founded in 1929, and named for its location just north of the University of Detroit Mercy. The neighborhood is bordered by Livernois on its west side, Seven Mile to the north, Parkside (and Detroit Golf Club) to the east, and West McNichols to the south.
After World War II and into the 1950 and 60s, during the period of white flight, African American families began moving into the University District. Many of these families opened fashion and textile businesses along Livernois, and it soon gained a reputation as a go-to spot in Detroit for clothes, jewelry, furs, and more. Detroiters called this stretch of businesses the “Avenue of Fashion.”
In the late 60s, the Avenue of Fashion’s popularity began to wane, due to the arrival of shopping malls. Many businesses were forced to close their doors.
Since the early 2000s, though, the Avenue of Fashion has been undergoing a revitalization. A new wave of Black-owned restaurants and shops have opened, bringing renewed interest to the historic shopping district. In 2019, a major streetscape project made the area more pedestrian friendly, including wider sidewalks and protected bike lanes, contributing further to its resurgence.
Most tourists come to this part of Detroit for the Avenue of Fashion, and there are a lot of activities you can find along this stretch of road. Some of the best ones include:
You can get to the University District and Avenue of Fashion by driving, rideshare, or DDOT and SMART buses.
It’s useful to have a car to get to and from the University District, but once you’re on the Avenue of Fashion you’ll want to walk, so that you can drop into the various shops and restaurants.
There is street parking throughout the University District. Along Livernois Avenue, parking is mostly metered. The Park Detroit app can help you find available parking spots.
The Avenue of Fashion is about a 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
Immerse yourself in the dynamic culture of Detroit's neighborhoods along the stretch between 7 and 8 Mile.
Did you know Detroit is home to jazz legends whose stories remain hidden in plain…
While you’re in Detroit, be sure to check out these black-owned businesses for everything from…
Detroit Auto Culture
The whole world knows it – Detroit is THE Motor City. From Henry Ford to…
Live Music
Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown…
Cruises & Tours
Whether you're exploring historic neighborhoods or the scenic waterfront, Detroit has something for everyone. From…
Family Fun
Looking for a family-friendly destination that's both fun and educational? Look no further than Detroit…