West Side

8 Mile

The historic dividing line between older inner-city neighborhoods and more affluent suburbs makes up the northern border of Detroit. The name comes from the Mile Road System, a method used to delineate east/west roads through the Detroit area. The road was the inspiration for the hit movie also called 8 Mile starring rapper Eminem, who grew up near the road. 8 Mile isn't exactly "touristy", but it is quite an experience for those wishing to experience one of the most famous ghettos in America. However, the area is experiencing much redevelopment.

Palmer Woods
Woodward

A private historic neighborhood in the city of Detroit west of Woodward Ave. and north of Palmer Park.

Palmer Park
bordered by Woodward Avenue to the east, 7 Mile Road to the north, Fairway Drive to the west, and West McNichols Road to the south

Most of this historic neighborhood/park was made before World War II. The 1960's brought a large influx of gay male residents to the Palmer Park neighborhood. By the 1970's Palmer Park was the center of gay life in Detroit. The area along West McNichols Road consisted of many gay bars and nightclubs. The number is smaller today.

S.S. Kresge House
70 West Boston Boulevard

The mansion of the founder of Kmart, now owned by Sears.

Lee Plaza
2240 West Grand Boulevard

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this vacant high-rise apartment building was built in 1928 and designed in the Art Deco architectural style. Located near downtown and midtown, the building rises 15 floors.

Woodbridge
bounded by Trumbull Street, Calumet Street, Gibson Street, Grand River Avenue, Rosa Parks Boulevard, West Warren Avenue, Wabash Street, Railroad Tracks, and the Edsel Ford Freeway

Woodbridge is home to many architecturally significant houses, most of which are Victorian-style. The nieghborhood was one of the few that were not affected by Detroit's decay a few decades back. Woodbridge was founded in the late 19th century as a neighborhood for the wealthy, and it still is. When visiting the neighborhood, the Eighth Precinct Station is a must-see. The second oldest police building in Detroit, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.