Detroit Is Thriving with New Opportunities—But It’s Not a Comeback

Currently, Detroit is often framed in terms of rebirth, revival, and resurgence, a journey that began with the city’s bankruptcy filing in 2013. However, viewing it simply as a shift from despair to a creative center overlooks the rich history of a city that brought us Motown and the automotive industry.

Many locals prefer not to label it a “comeback,” as the city isn’t reverting to its former self. Instead, there’s hope that Detroit’s ongoing revitalization will create more equitable opportunities for its diverse communities.

The city’s progress is most apparent in adaptive reuse initiatives, where the remnants of historic, often neglected buildings are being reimagined as vibrant cultural hubs.

Consider Michigan Central, a Beaux-Arts–style train station that was abandoned and has since reopened in 2024 as a 30-acre “innovation district” developed by Ford Motor Company. The outdoor pavilion is designed for public events, and one of the buildings accommodates tech firms. Additionally, residents have transformed vacant lots into public art spaces. A prime example is the Heidelberg Project, initiated in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, who has adorned a city block with found objects including stuffed animals, shoes, and entire cars over the years.

We chatted with four influential figures from Detroit about how the city has inspired their work and identities. Sydney G. James is a renowned muralist; W.E. Da’Cruz co-founded a plant-based food company; James Sumpter is the executive chef at the new Cambria Hotel; and Robin Terry leads the board at the Motown Museum. Keep reading for our tips on the best places to shop, dine, play, and stay in the Motor City.

Sydney G. James

Muralist and visual artist

Sydney G. James’s vivid and lifelike murals celebrating Black Detroiters have become emblematic of the city. A recipient of the 2017 Kresge Artist Fellowship, her work has been showcased at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and in galleries around the globe across six continents. Additionally, she co-founded BLKOUT Walls, a local festival that unites Black muralists.

“I’m a second-generation Detroiter, born and raised. My grandparents migrated from the South during the Great Migration. I grew up in Conant Gardens, one of the first neighborhoods in Detroit where Black families could build and own their homes. We lived in a house my dad helped my grandfather build when he was just 12. I still reside in the area, close to my mom, in a home I purchased. This neighborhood is rich in Black culture, love, and family.

“When I relocated to Los Angeles in 2004 for a job in television, I knew it was a temporary move. Detroit had faced decline due to government neglect, but I was confident it would experience a revival. I wasn't sure what that resurgence would look or feel like, but I was determined to be a part of it, so I returned home in 2011.

“During that period, I began exploring street art. In Detroit, vacant lots transformed into spaces for community art and reclamation. I was invited to participate in the inaugural Murals in the Market festival in 2015, and shortly after, the podcast and newsletter Daily Detroit highlighted my mural Grind: Live From Detroit City as one of the top 18 murals in the city.

“As an artist, my work is highly responsive. I draw inspiration from every interaction, particularly from the Black women I meet daily. For example, my most iconic piece in Detroit is an 8,000-square-foot mural titled Girl with a D Earring, located on the Chroma building in the North End. My model, Halima Cassells, is a North End native and community activist who embodies the spirit and strength of Detroit. Unlike the original Dutch painting [Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer], I aimed for everything in my mural to be bold, including her pink D earring created by the late Yolanda Nichelle—because Detroit embodies boldness.

“On her clothing, I depicted logos and names of businesses that have existed or still thrive in the North End neighborhood. I chose to do this because the greatest threat of redevelopment is the erasure and loss of our history. Detroit was never lifeless; there have always been people living here. While it may have seemed rundown, it has consistently been vibrant.”

James Sumpter

Executive Chef, Cambria Downtown Detroit

Launched in October 2023, Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown is among the latest additions in a series of new hotels repurposing older structures. With 154 rooms, it provides much-needed accommodations for visitors downtown as the city draws more large conventions and events. Executive chef James Sumpter manages the hotel’s diverse dining options, including Cibo, a Mediterranean eatery; Detroit Taco, a casual Mexican restaurant; and the newly opened rooftop bar Cielo.

“I’ve served as the executive chef at Cambria Hotel for about two years now. The process of overseeing construction and launching the hotel was quite the endeavor. The building was previously the old WWJ radio station, one of the first radio stations with just three letters. Our hotel lobby is housed in that historic structure, but guests cross a bridge to access the new building featuring all the hotel rooms. The art deco influence has been beautifully preserved.

“Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, I landed my first head chef position at just 20 years old and have worked throughout the state, including in sushi and wine bars. I moved to Detroit a couple of years ago, not for a specific job, but to embrace living in a more vibrant city where I could more aggressively advance my career. Many others like me have come to Detroit seeking exciting opportunities.

“What I’ve observed is that Detroiters have a taste for thrilling new flavors while still cherishing soul food. For instance, Cibo is a Mediterranean spot, but I’ve added my own twist. We serve a fried chicken shawarma with a za’atar buttermilk biscuit topped with merguez sausage gravy.

“There’s a strong emphasis on farm-to-table dining because there are many urban farmers in the vicinity. The 2008 housing crisis severely impacted Detroit, leading to many properties becoming vacant for so long that they had to be demolished. People could then acquire these lots at minimal prices and transform them into green spaces. For example, there’s one just a few blocks from Cibo called Featherstone Garden. Annie Hakim, the grower, employs sustainable and organic practices, and that’s where I source many of our heirloom tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

“There’s a wealth of opportunity in Detroit. I’m tired of the clichés surrounding angry chefs and the history of misogyny in our field. In my role, I strive to create an atmosphere where everyone is respected and treated with kindness. This philosophy extends into my personal life as well. When we relocated, my wife and I embarked on a sort of ‘church tour’ to find one we felt connected to. Detroit is home to an incredible number of stunning churches. We discovered one nearby in Bagley called Gesu, which is diverse and led by a priest with progressive ideals. In Detroit, we’ve encountered fascinating individuals who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, in a positive way.”

Robin Terry

Chair of the board, The Motown Museum

Robin Terry serves as the chair of the board at the Motown Museum, which celebrates the legendary record label that began its journey in Detroit in 1959. Iconic artists like The Miracles, the Supremes, the Temptations, and Marvin Gaye recorded here. In recent years, Terry has spearheaded a $65 million expansion, transforming the museum into a 50,000-square-foot campus where guests can explore the original recording studio and enjoy live concerts in the newly created Rocket Plaza.

“Growing up, I was surrounded by Motown legends. My parents met while working at Motown, so I consider myself a product of that era. I was close to stars like Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and even the Jackson 5. They would visit us at our home on 918 West Boston, and during that time, we never thought of them as celebrities—they felt like family.

“When I was 15, my mother passed away from breast cancer, and I moved in with my grandmother in downtown Detroit. That experience deepened my love for the city's vibrant energy.

“After school, my grandmother would have my sister Elesha and me help guide tours at Hitsville [the iconic recording studio and house]. We also worked in a small shop that sold just one type of T-shirt and some coasters made from the centers of vinyl records. In 1985, my grandmother established the Motown Museum to preserve its rich history for generations to come.

“I was so immersed in the Motown world that I didn’t fully grasp its cultural and historical importance. In 2002, I stepped in as deputy director to support my grandmother during her health struggles. Suddenly, I found myself reading emails and listening to messages from people worldwide, sharing how much Motown meant to them. I witnessed fans traveling to Detroit just to be in the same place where the individuals I regarded as family crafted their musical careers.

“Currently, it feels like the museum is maturing into its full potential. Motown is a worldwide phenomenon, and it's finally receiving the recognition it deserves in Detroit, the city where it all began. Yet, there's so much more to Detroit than just the Motown Museum. We boast cultural landmarks and the stunning RiverWalk, which ranks among the most beautiful riverfronts in the world.

“As residents of Detroit, we often find ourselves in the position of defending a city that is truly remarkable. Those unfamiliar with it have a skewed perception of who we are until they visit and discover the truth. The people here are inventive, artistic, and possess an unstoppable spirit. Ultimately, Detroit is a city of champions.”

W.E. Da’Cruz

Cofounder, Mushroom Angel Company

Prior to relocating to Detroit in 2016, W.E. Da’Cruz had a career in U.S.–Africa international relations, where she represented the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in discussions with female entrepreneurs across Africa. In 2020, while following a Daniel Fast diet with her husband, she crafted a recipe for mushroom-based patties that resemble meat. This innovation led to the founding of Mushroom Angel Company, a rapidly expanding plant-based food enterprise in the Midwest.

“My husband Dominique and I established Mushroom Angel Company from our home in Martin Park during the pandemic. We create plant-based foods that have the texture and bite of meat, using locally sourced mushrooms. The narrative surrounding Detroit as a food desert has been prevalent, and with the effects of climate change, this presented a chance for entrepreneurs like myself to develop mushroom-based products.”

“We began our sales at Eastern Market, a renowned food hub in Detroit. It was there that we caught the attention of Meijer, a Midwestern grocery chain, and now we're available in six states just three years after our launch.”

“Last year, we were fortunate to receive a $30,000 grant as part of the inaugural Newlab Founder Fellowship. Newlab is part of Michigan Central, which is transforming the historic train station in Corktown into an innovation campus. Through the fellowship, we have a dedicated workspace at Newlab, allowing us to connect with some of Michigan's leading figures. You can imagine the impact of interacting with these influential leaders in our business growth.”

“In my view, Detroit has evolved into a feast of opportunities. All it takes is to show up and engage. People from diverse backgrounds can now access resources and create an economic ripple effect throughout the city and beyond. For instance, consider my friends Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba, who own Baobob Fare restaurant. When I first came to Detroit, fellow community members who knew about my African heritage (my family hails from Ghana) introduced me to Nadia and Mamba. They were refugees from Burundi, newly settled in Detroit. During my initial three years here, I watched our friends transition from pop-ups to establishing their own restaurant in the North End, introducing both Detroit and the Midwest to East African cuisine. Imagine navigating the challenges of launching and growing a successful food service business without speaking the language or being familiar with the area, yet achieving national recognition [they were nominated as 2024 James Beard Award finalists for outstanding restaurateur].

This reflects the thriving business ecosystem in Detroit.

“There is a migration trend occurring in Detroit, and my family is part of that journey. I must admit, I was initially reluctant to move here. I relocated from New York City with my husband and oldest daughter in 2016. Our experience in Detroit truly illustrates that you can still pursue your American dream. We arrived with no family, no friends, and minimal connections to the city aside from its rich Black cultural history. After all, why would anyone leave the Big Apple? The only reason was to come to Detroit and join this entrepreneurial renaissance. Our success, even after starting our company during a pandemic, speaks volumes about what Detroit offers to its community.

“You don’t need to be a native Detroiter to weave yourself into its tapestry. I may not have been born here, but my children were. I’m building a legacy in this city for them and for everyone in our community who benefits from our company’s efforts.”

Discover Detroit like a local

To truly experience Detroit, explore its neighborhoods, including those beyond downtown—like Midtown (famous for its museums), Eastern Market (be sure to come hungry!), and historic Corktown. Don't forget to check out nearby cities in the metro area, such as Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn. Use this guide to plan your visit.

Where to dine

Detroit's culinary scene kicks off with its famous rectangular deep-dish pizza. To experience it, visit Buddy’s, the birthplace of this fluffy, square pie made using steel pans from a local auto factory. Additionally, several new hotels are serving standout dishes: The Godfrey Hotel features Hamilton’s, which reimagines classic American cuisine, while Hiroki-San in the Book Tower showcases ingredients flown in weekly from Japan.

For dessert lovers, Bon Bon Bon offers exquisite chocolates, Sister Pie tempts with its cult-favorite salted maple pie slice, and Huddle Soft Serve serves up nostalgic cones of frozen custard topped with sprinkles, of course.

For a taste of East Africa, visit Baobob Fare and try the 24-hour-marinated samaki (flash-fried fish paired with sweet plantains, stewed yellow lentils, and sautéed onions). This restaurant is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba, 2024 James Beard Award finalists who arrived in Detroit as refugees from Burundi in 2015. In Dearborn, the nation’s first Arab-majority city, Shatila Bakery serves authentic baklava and knafeh pastries, while AlTayeb specializes in Lebanese dishes, and Qahwah House offers traditional Yemeni coffee imported directly from its homeland.

Where to shop

The shopping heart of Detroit lies along Woodward Avenue and Cass Corridor. Stop by City Bird for unique Michigan-themed gifts and visit Shinola for artisanal watches. The Avenue of Fashion, stretching along Livernois and 7 Mile, is known for its rich history of Black-owned businesses. You can find everyday fashion at Simply Casual, while Three Thirteen specializes in Detroit-themed apparel. Eastern Market serves as the city’s go-to spot for flowers, fresh produce, antiques, and vintage treasures. In Corktown, don’t miss John K. King, one of the largest bookstores in the country, boasting over a million used and rare books, and Eldorado General Store, filled with locally crafted trinkets and apothecary products.

What to do

Detroit is home to an array of museums, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. For automobile enthusiasts, The Henry Ford, located about 20 minutes from downtown, is a must-see. Don’t forget to visit the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn.

In the New Center district, check out the Fisher Building and Cadillac Place, both iconic designs by Albert Kahn from Detroit’s vibrant 1920s era. Make sure to visit the Guardian Building downtown, known for its stunning tiled lobby ceiling, with guided tours available.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the -mile Detroit International RiverWalk, offering scenic views of natural parkland and Windsor, Canada, across the river. You can extend your journey by taking the Dequindre Cut path to Eastern Market, part of the future 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway. Alternatively, visit Belle Isle, an island park in the Detroit River that boasts the best sunset views in the city.

Where to stay

Opened in 2018, the 106-room Siren Hotel is among the pioneering boutique hotels that have breathed new life into iconic skyscrapers in the city. Housed in the historic 1926 Wurlitzer Building, which once sold musical instruments, it stands prominently in downtown Detroit.

Similarly, the Roost apartment-hotel shares a remarkable history. Located in the renovated 1926 Book Tower, which reopened in 2023, it features a variety of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units spread across four floors. Each of the 117 apartments is equipped with homely amenities like All-Clad cookware, La Colombe coffee, and live plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.