“2024 was a year of great renewal and change. We’re thankful and proud to be sharing your stories and telling new ones through Detroitisit, especially as we mark the end of this year. We covered urban development across many corners of the city.
We covered start-ups in the innovation space. We covered small businesses and women-owned business. We expanded our It List and shared about all sorts of goings-on in the city.
“Most importantly, we shared stories of yours that went deep into the character that makes Detroit, Detroit,” says Detroitisit founder Ivana Kalafatic. “A hard-working, resilient, brilliant place to call home and to work in. We love seeing the growth in the city day after day, year after year, with so much to look forward to in the time ahead of us. Keep sharing your stories, your dreams, and your determination to make your story part of Detroit’s and part of ours.”
Here’s a look back at the stories that defined 2024.
Redefining Education for the Future
Detroit’s education sector thrived in 2024, embracing new ideas and gaining global recognition.
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) addressed the impact of AI in design. “With proper regulation, AI can be a tool instead of a threat,” said CCS Provost Tim Flattery, emphasizing the need for flexible policies and ongoing discussions with students, faculty, and alumni
Cranbrook Academy of Art welcomed two new deans, Michael Stone-Richards and Lynne Tomaszewski, signaling a new chapter for one of the country’s premier art institutions.
DETROIT MERCY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Meanwhile, students from CCS and Lawrence Technological University represented Detroit on an international stage at Milan Design Week, showcasing their work at the world’s most prestigious design venue.
Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture upheld its strong reputation, with three students receiving national recognition through the AIA Committee on the Environment (CORE) awards, highlighting Detroit’s impact on sustainable design.
A Historic Year for Detroit Sports
2024 was a year to remember for Detroit sports fans. The Lions gave the city a season to celebrate, winning their first playoff game in 32 years, clinching their first division title in three decades, and making a historic appearance in the NFC Championship. As we head into the end of the year and 2025, the city is rallying behind the team during this winning season and dreaming of a Super Bowl run.
SPIRIT OF DETROIT STATUE SPORTING LIONS NFL JERSEY, PHOTO DETROITISIT
Comerica Park was also a hub of excitement as the Tigers made the playoffs and welcomed a revamped food lineup featuring local favorites like Slows BarBQ, Voyager, and Marrow.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Grand Prix returned to the downtown streets, with a unique focus on sustainability with economic impact.
In May, Detroit hosted the NFL Draft, drawing 775,000 people into Detroit over the 72-hour event, shattering the previous record of 600,000 set in Nashville in 2019. “Detroiters show up and show out—it’s what we do,” said Regina Gaines, owner of House of Pure Vin.
Community and Philanthropy Driving Change
Detroit’s foundation and nonprofit community demonstrated the power of philanthropy in 2024.
The Gilbert Family Foundation gained momentum with its $500 million investment plan aimed at stabilizing neighborhoods, reducing property tax foreclosures, and fostering economic mobility. “Our efforts are most effective when focused on residents at risk of property tax foreclosure or eviction,” said GFF Executive Director Laura Grannemann about the foundation’s success in stabilizing housing.
BASBLUE IN MIDTOWN, DETROIT
The Hudson-Webber Foundation distributed $1.3 million in grants to six Detroit nonprofits, supporting arts, culture, economic development, and safe communities.
Groups like BasBlue, a space for women and nonbinary entrepreneurs, and Black Leaders Detroit, which has invested $3.2 million in Black-owned businesses, were key in supporting Detroit’s entrepreneurial growth.
At Samaritas, Mihaela Mitrofan continues to lead efforts to support roughly 3,000 refugees annually, providing pathways to stability and growth.
And, in Highland Park, Mama Shu continued to build Avalon Village, adding a Healing House, a farm with 30 chickens, and housing for young adults in need.
Detroit’s Cultural Renaissance
2024 was a landmark year for arts and culture in Detroit.
Pewabic Pottery celebrated 121 years as a cornerstone of the city’s creative landscape. “Pewabic is part of the fabric of Detroit,” said Executive Director Steve McBride. “There’s something essential about people putting work into creating something beautiful — it feels very Detroit.”
PEWABIC POTTERY
Detroit museums embraced technology to expand accessibility and engagement. The Wright Museum became a “smart museum,” the DIA hired its first Chief Digital Officer, and MOCAD integrated QR codes and more to better serve visitors with vision or hearing impairments.
In East Village, Anthony and JJ Curis spearheaded transformative projects like The Shepherd, a cultural campus featuring green spaces, galleries, and artist studios.
The “Stories of Us” sculpture exhibition in Capitol Park showcased ten local artists with ten unique themes of unity and community to life, with plans to end up in Washington, D.C. in 2026 with fifty sculptures from artists in four other cities.
Revitalizing Detroit’s Neighborhoods
BRUSH PARK
Detroit’s neighborhoods continued their resurgence in 2024.
Brush Park thrived with new housing and businesses under the City Modern development, blending restored historic structures with modern townhomes and apartments.
Meanwhile, beyond its rise as an art and cultural hub, East Village is seeing projects like Greatwater Homes’ single-family residences and Lantern’s mixed-use spaces driving growth.
Milwaukee Junction continues to establish itself as a creative hub, housing artists, musicians, and unique businesses alongside destinations like the world’s only Techno Museum.
Hamtramck, Michigan’s most diverse city, welcomed infrastructure upgrades and new businesses, while Jefferson Chalmers saw passionate residents and developers transforming the waterfront into a thriving community.
One of the year’s most memorable moments came in June when Michigan Central Station reopened. Restored by Ford Motor Company, the station now serves as a mixed-use campus blending history and innovation. The reopening celebration drew in people from all walks of life from all corners of Detroit and Metro Detroit.
Detroit’s Iconic Brands
Detroit’s iconic brands continue to shape and represent the city’s enduring spirit and resilience.
Carhartt, founded in 1889, has become a national symbol of hard work and quality craftsmanship. Its legacy continues to resonate with workers and consumers alike, reminding everyone of Detroit’s blue-collar roots and commitment to excellence.
CARHARTT WORKS FOR ALL
Vernors, America’s oldest surviving soda, also celebrated its deep Detroit roots. Since its creation in 1866, this beloved ginger ale has been a source of pride for the city, showcasing the ingenuity and grit of its entrepreneurs. These brands not only honor Detroit’s past but also continue to inspire its future.
Better Made has remained deeply rooted in Detroit’s identity. “One of the things we are most proud of is our heritage that’s so intertwined with Detroit,” says VP of Purchasing Phil Gusmano. “We’ve been in Detroit since 1930. When others made the decision to move out of the city, we remained. Detroiters appreciate that.”
Looking Ahead
2024 reminded us of the boundless potential within Detroit’s people, businesses, and communities.
From transformative investments in neighborhoods to cultural innovations and historic sports moments, the stories we’ve shared reflect a city on the rise.
As Kalafatic puts it: “Detroit is a hard-working, resilient, brilliant place to call home and to work in. The growth we see every day is a testament to the people who make Detroit what it is. Together, we’re writing the next chapter in this city’s incredible story.”
Here’s to another year of resilience, renewal, and progress in the Motor City.
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