By James Fidler
Urban Evolution Strategist and Founder of City Form Detroit
My favorite way to experience Downtown is on foot. Detroit has one of the most walkable downtowns in the country, and I love to spend my lunch hour taking a long walk through our beautiful downtown. This is my favorite route.
I start walking south through Campus Martius Park, taking in the people relaxing, enjoying the sun, or eating a meal at Parc in America’s #1 Public Square.
I continue south through the beautifully landscaped medians of the Woodward Esplanade, a unique perspective on Downtown from the center of Woodward Avenue that terminates at the truly Detroit, Spirit Plaza, named after the Spirit of Detroit statue at the foot of city hall. Linger for its food trucks or some amazing noontime karaoke.
I then turn west down Congress which takes you through the massive canyon of historic buildings in the Financial District, past the incomparable art deco Guardian Building, Buhl Building, and Penobscot Building.
From there, I turn north on Shelby and stroll through Lafayette Greens, an amazing community garden, maintained by the volunteers of the Greening of Detroit. Feel free to stop by Lafayette or American Coney Island for a coney depending on your preference. 😉
Continue north on Shelby behind the Book Cadillac and find yourself in Capitol Park. Currently under renovation, the park when reopened later in June will be a green oasis at the heart of my favorite residential, restaurant, and shopping district in Downtown Detroit. Visit Xhibition to shop urban fashion, Cannelle for an impeccable French pastry, or the new Three Kings Sports Cards for all your Detroit sports collectible desires.
After Capitol Park, I head west to Washington Boulevard, a classic and stately street, home to the Hotel David Whitney and the newly renovated Book Tower. Take in Washington Boulevard from the landscaped walking path recently added to the center of the boulevard medians, a great place to run into neighborhood residents and downtown visitors alike.
Washington Boulevard terminates at Grand Circus Park, another of Detroit’s premier downtown parks, with its lush landscaping, historic fountains, stunning street wall of early-twentieth century architecture, and Downtown’s largest dog park. If you happen to be there on a summer Thursday evening, check out the bourbon garden at the Edison Fountain on the west side, a great place to relax with friends and neighbors over a drink.
I then walk east along the southern end of the park across Woodward Avenue before turning south on Broadway. There you will find the incredible Detroit Opera House and across the street fun local spots like Buddy’s Pizza, the Detroit Beer Company, Paramita Sound, and the Candy Bar in the stylish Siren Hotel.
At John R, just in front of the Boll Family YMCA where I have fond memories of watching my kids grow up playing in the dance studio and swimming in the pool, I take a short jog back west to take in the shops at Parker’s Alley. Pick up a very reasonably priced soft serve cone at the walk-up window of Huddle and check out the many cool and eclectic shops and restaurants along the pedestrianized cobblestone alley.
Finally, before returning to Campus Martius Park, continue south down Library Street to check out the incredible Library Street Collective art gallery or grab a tasty salad from 7 Greens. (And by the way, word on the street is that the Detroit Public Library will soon be reopening the Downtown Skillman Branch Library, an air-conditioned reprieve on a hot summer day and great place to sit down with a book.)
The best way to experience the incredible people and places of Downtown Detroit is on foot. Hope to run into you along the way!
James
