Every year thousands of people around the world take to streets to learn a bit more about a particular neighborhood. These events are known as Jane’s Walk in honor of Jane Jacobs who was an urbanist and writer.
She believed that cities were complex and needed a good population density to succeed. Cities need to be walkable and have public spaces for people who lived there. She also believed that mixed use planning was important.
If these words sound familiar, they should. If you have been paying attention to all of the development news around Detroit, a lot of these same key words are used.
Her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities has been used by architects, planners, policymakers and activists since she wrote it in 1961.
So, let’s talk more about Jane’s Walk.
There are currently 7 Jane’s Walks planned in neighborhoods around Detroit in the month of May.
The walks are free and are citizen-led. This is a great way to learn about a particular neighborhood and the people who call it home.
Remember you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
If you have always wanted to learn more about Palmer Park and the area surrounding it, this walk is for you. I hear they will be making a stop at the Historic Palmer Park Log Cabin during the walk.
When: Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Palmer Park Community House/Splash Park.
Love the architecture in the Woodbridge neighborhood? Check out this walk.
When: Saturday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Woodbridge Pub 5169 Trumbull
Jane’s Walk: Black History Tour in the Cultural Center
Take a walk through the neighborhoods around the Cultural Center. While you’re there you will learn about one of the earliest Black hospitals and a historic African American church.
When: Saturday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 East Warren Avenue
If you still call it Cass Corridor, you should probably check out this walk.
When: May 5 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at the David Mackenzie House 4735 Cass Avenue
Interested in learning more about Hope Village? You should check out this walk. There will be food provided at the end of the walk.
When: Sunday, May 6 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Focus Hope 1200 Oakman Boulevard
The Villages are always a happening place now days. You’ll have a chance to really get to know the East Village during this Jane’s Walk.
When: Saturday, May 19 from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Mack Alive 3746 Fischer Street
The Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corporation will be putting on a Jane’s Walk around Northwest Detroit.
When: Saturday, May 26 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at Sinai-Grace Hospital 6071 W. Outer Drive
