Detroit, MI
Mark Woods: More to downtown revival than a stadium. Look at Detroit and its riverfront.
A follow-up to my last column, about how it would be a shame if we can find money for renovating a stadium but not for finishing our riverfront parks.
I recently went to Detroit. My sister, an engineer for GM, lives and works north of the city. Her son was graduating from college and she knew how to further entice me to make the trip: The Tigers, the baseball team my childhood revolved around, were in town.
It had been years since I went to a game in Detroit. It was a beautiful April night, with a lot for people there to cheer about. And not just because the Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park.
At one point, the fans began a chant of “Jared Goff, Jared Goff” — the Lions quarterback who plays his home games in nearby Ford Field — that wasn’t as random as it sounded.
It was the weekend of the NFL draft. The league estimated that nearly 800,000 fans filled downtown over the three days, setting the attendance record for the event. The streets were packed with people eating, drinking and checking out shops brimming with Detroit pride. Shinola watches and bikes. “Made in Detroit” T-shirts. Merchandise that said both “Detroit Welcomes Everybody and “313 vs. Everybody.”
The 904 isn’t the only place that can lean into its area code and a sense of being the underdog.
Downtown Detroit on the rise
It reminded me of when we had the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, how during that one week our streets and riverfronts were full of people and activity. I couldn’t help but wonder what downtown Detroit would be like once the big event left.
There’s reason to believe it wasn’t just a one-weekend thing.
Detroit, for all of its problems, has experienced a rebirth.
Downtown is a different place than what I remember, and what many Americans still picture: a hollowed-out, crime-ridden, decaying shell of a once-vibrant city.
That’s not to say Detroit doesn’t still have plenty of issues. But it also has reason for hope — and reasons for people to be living, working and playing downtown.
In the 1990s, when I covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I made a trip to Detroit every fall for a Bucs-Lions game. Well, sort of. I flew into Detroit, got a rental car and drove about an hour north to Pontiac and the Silverdome. At the time, the NBA’s Pistons played even farther from downtown, in the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Now four major pro franchises play downtown: the Tigers at Comerica (opened in 2000), the Lions at Ford Field (2002), and the Pistons and NHL’s Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena (2017). Also, soccer club Detroit City FC is planning to build a new stadium in Corktown, an old neighborhood described in a recent Detroit Free Press story as the “front porch to downtown.”
It’s tempting to point to Detroit as an example of how building sports venues can transform a place. But while those venues certainly have been a part of what is happening in Detroit, it’s worth noting a few things (beyond sports economists saying stadium building has a dubious return on investment for a city), particularly in regards to Jacksonville.
It’s vastly different to have an MLB stadium (with at least 81 home games a year) and an NBA/NHL arena (the two teams combining for at least 82 home games a year) along with an NFL stadium. Between the three venues and four teams, downtown Detroit has games year-round that, even before you add in concerts and other events, draw nearly 4 million people.
And what is happening in Detroit involves much more than sports venues.
One of America’s best riverwalks
Ask people in Detroit what has changed and, beyond the sports venues, they’ll point to the billions of dollars invested downtown by Dan Gilbert (founder of Rocket Mortgage), the Ford family (as in Ford vehicles) and the Illitch family (Little Caesars pizza).
And — particularly relevant to Jacksonville — look at what Detroit has done to stake a claim to having one of America’s best riverfronts.
Yes, Detroit.
“Ignore the Noise: The Transformation of the Detroit Riverfront,” an hourlong documentary released last year, paints a bleak (and familiar) picture of what their riverfront had become. Desolate, blighted, industrial, buildings in disrepair, empty lots. It was, one of the subjects says, not a place that anyone had any reason to visit.
For decades, there had been plans for a linear park with riverwalks, greenways, playgrounds, events. Not much seemed to come to fruition. Until about 20 years ago.
Look at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website today and you’ll find more than renderings of what the riverfront could be someday. You’ll find some remarkable “before” and “after” photos, showing what it actually has become.
In 2021, the Detroit Riverwalk was named the “Best Riverwalk in America” in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It won the top spot again in 2022. And again in 2023, finishing ahead of Tampa, Louisville, Cincinnati, Boston and Indianapolis.
This isn’t something that happens because you build a stadium or two. It happens because you are determined to build a riverfront — in Detroit’s case, take 5.5 miles between two bridges and turn it into “a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible, world-class gathering place for all.”
Since 2003, the Riverfront Conservancy, the nonprofit managing the riverfront revitalization, has invested more than $200 million (a mix of donations, grants and public funding). This has been an economic spark, according to the conservancy generating more than $2 billion in investment.
A familiar setback: corruption
I’ve said repeatedly that it would be a shame if we manage to build a shiny “stadium of the future” but fail to do much more than that. And with a stadium deal on the table in Jacksonville — including the community benefits agreement that would provide money for, among other things, riverfront parks — I was planning to write a column pointing to the Detroit riverfront offering some things to strive for here.
Then a funny thing happened. Well, not so funny to those in Detroit.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s CFO was fired and the CEO resigned after, according to the organization, it discovered the CFO had embezzled more than $40 million.
So we might not want to copy that part. (Not that we really need a reminder of the need for oversight and the potential for scandal where there is money. We’ve recently had both the JEA saga and a Jaguars employee stealing $22 million.)
In a sign of how much has been accomplished on Detroit’s riverfront despite this, two top philanthropic donors responded by reaffirming their support and pledging to give more money to sustain the “transformational projects.” The Detroit Free Press wrote an editorial saying the riverfront and conservancy must survive this — because the riverfront represents “this city’s most dramatic transformation.”
In the documentary, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says: “Nothing compares to the beauty that’s being created along the riverfront. … It’s creating a totally different impression to the world about what the city of Detroit is.”
So the point still holds for Jacksonville. It will be a shame if we just build a stadium, expecting that alone to change our city.
If we truly want to create the kind of spark that comes from riverfront parks, we should do the obvious: Invest in riverfront parks.
mwoods@jacksonville.com
(904) 359-4212
As part of our 30th anniversary celebration last month, we asked Hour Detroit readers to vote for their favorite covers from the magazine’s history. With all votes tabulated, here are the top 10 Hour Detroit covers, as voted by our loyal readers.
10. May 2022
Our May 2022 cover story by Nolan Bianhi highlighted the rise of Detroit City Football Club. The cover itself, photographed by Sal Rodriguez and featuring DCFC’s rabid Northern Guard Supporters, also birthed the very funny #EdDuckerForever social media trend.
As explained by Editor-In-Chief Kate Walsh in her Editor’s Letter in the June 2022 issue, “When the DCFC fans noticed a fan holding a scarf that said “Ed Ducker Forever,” some were left scratching their heads…Most people figured out that Ed Ducker was born to cover a profanity front and center on our cover, but they didn’t leave it at that. #EdDuckerForever became a thing on Twitter, with DCFC fans and others creating a backstory for this fictional character, including tales of his prowess on the pitch and in the sheets, saving (or dropping) babies, his love of beer, etc.”
Truthfully, the whole incident is symbolic of the overall vibe at any DCFC match. If you’ve never attended one yet, what are you waiting for?
Another piece of trivia: former Hour Detroit digital editor Christina Clark is among the group of fans — she’s the one with pink hair. Coincidentally, the photo was taken before she joined the magazine.
9. July 2023
Featuring a stunning aerial photograph by William Cunningham, the cover for the July 2023 issue of Hour Detroit just draws you in with its beauty. The cover story by Kate Townley chronicled the many reasons (65, to be exact) why the Great Lakes are so great. Frankly, there are plenty more reasons to add to this already extensive list.
8. April 2024
Like the DCFC cover, the cover for the April 2024 issue, created by Ryan Olbrysh, has an incredible kinetic energy. Based around Detroit hosting the NFL Draft, the “City Guide” cover story explored all of the details any visitor to metro Detroit should know and featured contributions from Bill Dow, Dana White, Juliana Lumaj, Mickey Lyons, and Jack Thomas.
7. May 2020
For the May 2020 issue, Hour Detroit chronicled the impact of COVID-19 on metro Detroit in a nine-page special report by Steve Friess, Amy Haimerl, Joanne C. Gerstner, and Ashley Winn. The cover depicts the Spirit of Detroit monument wearing a mask and hospital scrubs. The poignant image is an original oil painting by Luke Mack for Hour Detroit.
6. January 2018
Abdul El-Sayed graced the January 2018 cover of Hour Detroit, was profiled by Lou Blouin, and photographed by Matthew LaVere. At that time, he was a 33-year-old Michigan gubernatorial candidate gaining lots of attention for his rising grassroots campaign.
The former director of the Detroit Health Department lost the Democratic nomination to Gretchen Whitmer. However, the man some thought could be the first Muslim governor in the United States now has a chance at becoming the first Muslim person elected to the United States Senate. El-Sayed, now 41, is in a very competitive 2026 Democratic primary race against Rep. Haley Stevens and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Primary elections for the open Michigan Senate seat vacated by a retiring Sen. Gary Peters will take place on Aug. 4, with the Democratic and Republican primary winners facing off in the midterm elections on Nov. 3.
5. February 2021
On this cover photographed by Julia Pickett, contributor Steve Friess summed up Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020 rather perfectly: “A pandemic. An ‘SNL’ parody. A kidnapping plot. And mean tweets from the president. Did anyone have a more bizarre and intense 2020 than ’the woman in Michigan’?” Friess’ cover story on Whitmer explored her 2020 experiences and describing them as “surreal” could be the most apt use of that word ever.
4. January 2024
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell headlined our annual “Detroiters” list in 2024, which highlights the people making unique impacts on metro Detroit. His striking portrait, courtesy of the Detroit Lions, appeared on the cover, with contributor Jim McFarlin detailing the rise of Campbell becoming one of the most beloved Detroit sports figures in recent history.
3. June 2005
Detroit has been very fortunate to have some incredible local news anchors over the years. WDIV-TV’s Carmen Harlan is certainly among the most iconic. A Detroit native, Harlan joined WDIV-TV in 1978 as a general assignment reporter. Three years later, she became an anchor. Paired with Mort Crim, another legendary Detroit news anchor, Harlan continued to serve as anchor until her retirement in 2016. Photographed by Roy Ritchie, Harlan appeared on the cover of Hour Detroit in June 2005 for our “Best of Detroit” issue. In the 2005 edition of our readers’ poll, Harlan won three honors: Best local TV anchor, best TV hairdo (female), and best-looking TV personality.
2. April 2026
Our latest “City Guide” feature took on the theme of “Hidden Detroit.” In it, we examined lesser-known aspects and treasures in metro Detroit. The cover was of Tintoretto’s “The Dreams of Men,” which is featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts, but it’s in a surprising location. If you’re looking to find out where to spot this gorgeous painting, Jack Thomas and Kate Walsh share its location in their piece appropriately titled “Things You May Have Missed at the Detroit Institute of Arts.”
1. June 2019
The 2019 “Best of Detroit” list served as a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who passed away in Aug. 2018 at age 76. Not only did the “Queen of Soul” win the honor of “Detroit Legend,” but she appeared on the cover via an original oil painting by Kim Frank Fujiwara. (Fujiwara won in the category of “Best Fine Artist.”) Simply put: This is a breathtaking cover. We admire and agree with our readers’ outstanding taste in their choice for the best Hour Detroit cover.
Detroit, MI
First responders honored after rescuing 12 people from capsized sailboats near Belle Isle
DETROIT – Detroit first responders and several private citizens are being credited with helping rescue a dozen people after multiple sailboats capsized in the Detroit River near Belle Isle during severe weather last week.
The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 10 as a line of thunderstorms moved through southeast Michigan, bringing strong winds to the area.
According to the Detroit Fire Department, crews were dispatched to Belle Isle near the beach following reports of overturned boats and people in the water.
Firefighters, EMS personnel, Engine 27, and Fireboat 2, known as the Sivad Johnson, responded to the scene.
When crews arrived, they found multiple small sailboats overturned in the river.
Officials said 20 people aboard seven sailboats were involved in the incident.
Twelve people were rescued from the water, while eight others safely returned aboard two boats that remained upright.
Fireboat 2 rescued four people from the water.
The Detroit Police Department Harbormaster rescued two more, while a private boater assisted three people. Another three were brought to safety by a nearby boat club vessel.
The operator of the sailing group said as many as 26 people were on the water before the storm arrived, with six making it back to shore on their own before rescue efforts began.
Despite the dangerous conditions, no serious injuries were reported. Officials said all rescued individuals declined medical treatment.
Authorities praised the coordinated response among firefighters, police officers, boat club members, and private boaters who assisted during the emergency.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Detroit Fire Department Fireboat Operator Daniel Familant. “To be honest, we do make a lot of the saves by the private boaters out there that are fishing or just having a good time, and people were out there screaming, ‘Help, help,’ and there they go, so everyone helps out. It’s an all-hands effort.”
Emergency crews remained on scene until everyone involved was accounted for.
Officials noted that one member of the Fireboat 2 crew was serving on the vessel for the first time during the rescue operation.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and Fr. Mario Amore on restructuring
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and Fr. Mario Amore on the archdiocese restructuring on Nov. 17, 2025 in Detroit
The list of Catholic parishes targeted for the possible stoppage of weekend Masses has grown to about 90 parishes across southeast Michigan, according to the latest proposed models the Archdiocese of Detroit has released as part of its major restructuring process.
The archdiocese released on Thursday the models for potential parish groupings for the six remaining planning areas in the archdiocese, and 32 parishes wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one of the models. Previously released models showed that 58 other parishes could stop holding weekend Mass.
The Archdiocese of Detroit recently completed listening sessions meant to garner feedback on the models, but parishioners can still share input through a survey that is open until July 31.
The archdiocese has been divided into 15 planning areas, or geographic areas, and three or four models are being proposed for each planning area, said the Rev. Mario Amore, executive director of parish renewal for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
The models have different proposed groupings of parishes ― called pastorates ― in which a grouping would share a pastor and potentially other priests. In some cases, selected churches in the grouping would no longer hold Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass.
The models released on Thursday are for planning areas 6, 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15, which include parts of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and parishes in St. Clair and Lapeer counties.
Sixteen of the parishes wouldn’t have weekend Mass under any of the models, including St. Alphonsus-Clement Parish in Dearborn, Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Redford Township and Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Clair Shores.
The models are part of the archdiocese’s biggest restructuring plan in years. Announced last fall, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said the archdiocese can’t maintain the roughly 200 existing parish buildings and is working to “right-size” the archdiocese, along with its personnel and financial resources.
Holly Fournier, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Detroit, emphasized that the models are just draft proposals “intended to solicit feedback from parishioners.” She said no decisions have been made regarding pastorate groupings, weekend Mass schedules or any other aspect of the restructuring process.
The Rev. Mario Amore, executive director of parish renewal for the Archdiocese of Detroit, said in May that parishioners understand that the archdiocese “needs to do something” about its challenges. But when it becomes personal for people, it’s “very difficult,” he said.
“And there’s a lot of human emotions, and … we need to honor that,” Amore said. “We need to be attentive to that, and no one’s saying that it’s an easy process, and it’s not a process that … we’re happy that we need to undertake, but it is one that we do need to undertake.”
What the latest Wayne County models show
Planning Area 6, which is in the southern section of Wayne County, excluding the Downriver area, includes 16 parishes. Eight of them would stop holding Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass under at least one of the models for the planning area.
They include St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy in Westland, St. Richard in Westland, St. Aloysius in Romulus, St. Sabina in Dearborn Heights, St. Linus in Dearborn Heights, Divine Child in Dearborn, St. Alphonsus -St. Clement in Dearborn and St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Dearborn.
Planning Area 7, which includes the northwest portion of Wayne County, has 15 parishes, four of which wouldn’t hold weekend Mass under at least one model. They include Our Lady of Loretto in Redford Township, St. John XXIII in Redford Township, St. Priscilla in Livonia and Resurrection in Canton Township.
What the latest Oakland and Macomb Co. models show
Planning Area 8, which is in southern Oakland County, has 13 parishes, six of which wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one of the models. They include St. William in Walled Lake, St. Gerald in Farmington, Prince of Peace in West Bloomfield, St. Joseph in South Lyon, Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield and Our Lady of Albanians in Southfield.
Planning Area 11, which includes the southeastern section of Macomb County, the Grosse Pointe communities and one parish in Detroit, has 14 parishes. Seven of them wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one model. They include Our Lady of Hope in St. Clair Shores, St. Lucy in St. Clair Shores, St. Basil the Great in Eastpointe, St. Margaret of Scotland in St. Clair Shores, Holy Innocents-St. Barnabas in Roseville, St. Matthew in Detroit and St. Clare of Montefalco in Grosse Pointe Park.
What the models in St. Clair, Lapeer counties show
Planning Area 14, which is in St. Clair County, has 12 parishes, five of which wouldn’t have Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass in at least one model. They include Sacred Heart in Yale, St. Edward on the Lake in Lakeport, Holy Trinity in Port Huron, St. Christopher in Marysville and Immaculate Conception in Ira Township.
Planning Area 15, which is in Lapeer County and part of northern Macomb County, includes ten parishes. Two wouldn’t hold weekend Mass under at least one model. They include St. Mary Burnside in North Branch and St. Cornelius in Dryden.
asnabes@detroitnews.com
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