Downtown Detroit - More Shinola, Less Shit

I arrived in Detroit on the exact day the city officially declared bankruptcy and there has been a lot of speculation about what that means.   Despite this news, I saw lots of signs of re-birth.  Motor City Brewing Works, Shinola, The Butcher's Daughter Gallery and Avalon Bakery are all businesses that are breathing life into downtown Detroit.

Shinola produces beautifully made watches, bicycles and leather goods, all products of Detroit design students and was recently seen in the Style section of the Sunday, New York Times.     www.Shinola.com

Avalon Bakery features organic artisinal breads was recently voted one of the 100 top inner city businesses in the United States.    Their motto is "Eat Well / Do Good."    www.avalonbreads.net

Monica Bowman's gallery The Butcher's Daughter Gallery just opened in this new development on Cass Avenue.
www.TheButchersDaughterGallery.com

Motor City Brewing Works, the name says it all.

City Bird and Nest are terrific boutiques featuring Detroit-centric merchandise located in a mixed use building with lofts for rent on top.