In the current economic climate in Detroit as well as recent conversations with Matt Hampel about investment in the city from foundations and non-profits, I couldn’t help imaging how much overlap could be found among investments and how the particular communities were doing as a result of the investment focus or lack of focus.

Southwest Detroit, Corktown, West Riverfront, and Hubbard-Richard areas have been included in the most investment zones in the City of Detroit. These areas have seen the largest influx of young white residents with artistic focus.

Northern Wayne State, New Center, and Central/Middle Woodward follow close behind as prominent investment zones where there has been much activity to build a strong connector between the thriving Midtown area and New Center.

Brightmoor and Osborn are often talked about as key areas of investment, but have not been included as much as other areas.

A excluded stand out is Barton-McFarlane, a neighborhood in the 48204 zipcode listed as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the US. This area has also been a focal point of gang and drug violence since the 1970s. It is an overlooked area which could use more investment.

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