$12M Development Could Bring New Restaurants to Area Near Gordon Park

A proposed $12 million development in Virginia Park near the site of Detroit’s 1967 rebellion could bring new restaurants, retail, and residential space to the neighborhood.

The Karasi Development Group led by Katrina Lockhart and Dr. Ray Johnson is planning to renovate one existing house at Atkinson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard (formerly 12th Street) into the Karasi Education & Cultural Center, according to the Detroit News. The venue would feature a mural by artist Hubert Massey as well as galleries, an artist incubator, and greenspace.

The project also calls for building three additional mixed-use buildings in the area to create a neighborhood business corridor. The site would feature outdoor cafe seating, a courtyard, and gardens. According to Karasi, the owners Ethiopian eatery Blue Nile, which has locations in Ann Arbor and Ferndale, are in talks to be a part of the development.

If all goes according to plan, construction on the Karasi Development’s mixed-use building could get underway next spring.

Michelle and Chris Gerard

Michelle and Chris Gerard

Meanwhile, Curbed reports that the city unveiled an historic marker in Gordon Park on July 23 — the 50th anniversary of the 1967 rebellion. The park recently underwent updates including new landscaping and playground equipment.

• Site Where 1967 Uprising Began Sees New Signs of Life [Detroit News]
• Detroit ‘67 Historic Marker Unveiled; Development Planned in Neighborhood [CDET]
• All Developments Coverage [ED]