Upper Eastside

 

Chandler Park is named after former Detroit Mayor Zachariah Chandler. Chandler, a vocal anti-slavery activist, also served in the U.S. Senate from 1857-1875. In the 1800’s, Chandler Park belonged to Grosse Pointe. It was later annexed to the city of Detroit in 1917. During World War II, portions of the park were used as housing for veterans. Chandler Park hosted bike races and parades from the early 1940’s - mid 1960’s. The size of the park was originally 229.6 acres but is now about 201 acres. (Part of the park was taken away due to freeway construction in the 1950’s). Formed in 2014 by the Chandler Park Promise Coalition, a project of the Eastside Community Network, The Chandler Park Conservancy was established. The mission of the Conservancy was to develop exceptional educational, recreational and conservation opportunities at Chandler Park for youth, and people of all ages. The vision of the Conservancy was a revitalized Chandler Park, which is one of only four 200-plus acre “regional parks” in the City of Detroit. The Conservancy has and is working to develop a multi-facility “urban conservation campus,” the only one of its kind in the state of Michigan. The facilities will complement the existing Chandler Park Golf Course and Wayne County Family Aquatic Center. The campus includes spectacular outdoor sports venues for all ages and genders, community outing venues, community gardens & wetlands, skatepark, self-contained stormwater management system, walking path, and special installations to convert Chandler Park as a “living lab” for environmental and ecology-related education for school age children, and the entire community.

 

In Detroit’s early days, the land that would become Cornerstone Village was occupied by French ribbon farms. The boundaries of these farms can still be seen to this day, for their borders formed the basis for many of the major roads on the Eastside. With the rapid urbanization of Detroit, this neighborhood would see on-and-off home development until the 1960s and the neighborhood association was made shortly thereafter. Originally established as Organized Neighbors East in 1977, this neighborhood association was formed to help combat the urban decline that was striking the rest of the city. Some of its successes include protecting areas from undesirable development, petitioning the city to demolish dangerous homes and to help create a community feel. The neighborhood changed its name to Cornerstone Village to reflect its location as the easternmost corner of Detroit’s east side.

 

Residents of Cornerstone Village can enjoy their community garden, the close proximity to schools and the many precious jewels that are hidden throughout the community: Balduck Park, Messner Park, Cadieux Cafe and more. Chains such as Chipotle, LA Fitness, and Starbucks have opened along Mack on the Detroit side and the village has become a targeted location by the city for redevelopment and renewal. With a huge community presence, residents of Cornerstone Village focus on safety, harmony and beautification.

 

First developed in 1913, this neighborhood is known as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Detroit. From blue collar workers to civil servants, professionals from different ethnic groups, religions and sexual orientations have found a home in East English Village. On the east side of Detroit, bounded by Harper Avenue and Mack Avenue, these homes were built in the early 1930s through the 1950s. With unique architecture crafted by skilled craftsmen from all around the world, the housing styles include Cape Cod-style houses, colonial and Tudor style houses.

 

With quick access to downtown Detroit, expansive shopping choices and easy access to neighboring cities there are many amenities for neighbors to enjoy. East English Village also has an active, engaged community. The East English Village neighborhood association hosts activities including home tours, a garden club, holiday parties, contests, and more for their residents. Residents meet monthly to discuss neighborhood information, successes, to discuss problems and to build the neighborhood’s token feeling of community.

 

Originally a deeply wooded area near Hamtramck Township, this neighborhood has a proud community presence and a unique connection to Motown. Singing groups, such as The Dramatics and The Floaters, were from the Sojourner Truth Homes located in Krainz Woods. The Krainz Woods Neighborhood Organization works to make a positive impact on the community. The group has made a series of capital improvements to Krainz Park, successfully fought a lead poisoning case, and crowdfunds to assist citizens with legal defense expenses.

 

Also known as Krainz and Krainz Park, residents of Krainz Woods can enjoy their close proximity to coffee shops, restaurants and schools. With a sprawling park in the center of the neighborhood, residents can walk easily around this community of cooperation.

 

Originally a producer of wooden horse carriages, Milwaukee Junction soon became a hub of auto body manufacturing. This neighborhood provided steel frames for auto manufacturers and became the hub to two major railroad lines. With Cadillac building the Poletown Plant adjacent to the junction in the 1980s, the Milwaukee Junction is considered the “cradle of the Detroit auto industry”.

 

Completed in May 2021, there is a new affordable housing project in the neighborhood. This four-story development is a 22,845 square-foot development with 25 units, 22 of which being affordable housing as a part of Detroit’s housing initiative. Old, beautiful industrial buildings that used to be supply houses for the auto industry line the streets. Adjacent to three highways, it connects the northern suburbs to the city. Entirely walkable, residents can be a part of history as they watch the suburb evolve and grow.

 

Bounded by Harper Avenue, Interstate 94, Mack Avenue and Alter Road, the Morningside Neighborhood neighborhood got its start as a settlement of ribbon farms in the 18th century. Ribbon farms were long, narrow strips of land that stretched for miles, providing access to Lake Saint Clair and the Detroit River for drinking water, fishing and transportation as well as to the land for timber, farming and game. With the boom of the middle class, the ribbon farms were soon traded for subdivisions and housing. With this new boom came the John E. Clark Preparatory Academy, the neighborhood's elementary school for nearly 100 years.

 

The local MorningSide association is a joint effort of the neighborhood’s residents working together to take care of their home. Established in 1977, this organization promotes community involvement with clean-up efforts, block clubs, and monthly meetings to keep neighbors connected.

 

Living in Von Steuben offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Von Steuben there are a lot of parks. Von Steuben School was built in stages from 1930 to 1945 in the Art Deco architectural style. Named after Frederick William Von Steuban, known as the father of the American Military.