A century ago, Milwaukee Junction, in Detroit’s North End, was the heart of industry in Detroit. The neighborhood was named for its proximity to the Milwaukee and Grand Trunk railroad lines. Some may find a stark difference between today’s artistic, culture filled North End, and the North End of the past. However, when you consider that the Piquette Avenue Plant (Ford Piquette Plant Museum) is the birthplace of the first Model T Ford, and home to early developments of the assembly line, creativity has always been in the roots of the North End neighborhood.
Here’s how you can soak up the culture of art and industry next time you visit Milwaukee Junction.
Design Your Day!
At the crossroads of art and industry, there’s one thing you’re certain to find: HUSTLE! Even if your next function is your escape from the craziness of everyday life, one can’t help but leave a day in the North End inspired and motivated to go after their dreams. That being said, whether you're in the city for work or PTO, you’ve got to take the day in style. You can’t be caught lacking in Milwaukee Junction. Stores like Moor Clothing & Tailoring and Urban Black Royalty have pieces that will take your outfit to the next level.
Stop into Red Jazz Shoe Shine, where they have been in business since 1950; they will have you stepping into the streets like a new you!
Now that you’ve got your look, you’re ready to check out The Ford Piquette Plant Museum. Spend your morning or afternoon strolling the halls of the New England inspired Victorian style building, and admiring relics of past generations of the auto industry that keeps Detroit on the move.
For those of you in the city for business, book your office hours at a co-working space like Cocoon Detroit, Chroma, or Davinci Meeting Rooms, and take advantage of an environment that motivates even the most skilled procrastinators to get the job done!
Dig In!
Soaking in the creative and ambitious energy of Detroit can work up quite the appetite. Luckily, there is no shortage of good food on the North End. On the border of Milwaukee Junction and New Center sit Baobab Fare and Yum Village, where, for lunch, you can taste the flavors of East Africa and Jamaica.
For dessert, head over to Someday Art Gallery & Bakery where you can browse beautiful visual art while you appreciate the culinary art of their baked goods. Cafe Noir also offers an experience that merges the visual and culinary arts, and occasionally hosts live events showcasing local artists. Cafe Noir even sells locally curated products like coffee beans, honey, gluten free treats and more. And for a slightly upscale option to match the fly outfit you put together, you can reserve a table at Oak & Reel where they specialize in seafood and italian cuisine. Byrd’s Cigar Lounge also offers a high end experience, but with comforting bar food and even the recurring Tiny Desk Comedy night.
Walk it Off!
By this point in my day, I’d be full of garlic parmesan fries and rosemary lamb chops from Byrd’s Cigar Lounge; not to mention the sweet potato cheesecake I’d have to have gotten with my chai tea latte at Cafe Noir earlier in the day. Time to walk it all off! As the weather starts to get warmer and the days longer, you have the evening to make your way around Milwaukee Junction on foot. With some daylight left, you can take a proper walk around Black Bottom Park. Up the street from Black Bottom Park on Milwaukee is Echopark Handcrafted Guitars, which is in itself an intersection of industry and art; Gabriel Currie designs each of his guitars with love and care. Around the corner from the guitar shop is the Detroit Design District which is particularly packed with a variety of things to do and see. There is a Vault of Midnight location for all the comic book geeks in the chat! Heads up, on May 3rd, Vault of Midnight is celebrating Free Comic Book Day by giving away 5 free comic books to each guest that comes through. Across the street from the comic book store is Tangent Gallery & Hastings Street Ballroom, a beautiful venue. However you choose to spend your day, let the history of industry and culture of art inspire you to get out there and live your best life!
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