Detroit’s Paradise Valley continues to stand as a testament to Black economic and cultural resilience, and on February 27, 2025, that legacy was honored with the premiere screening of “Back to Paradise: Detroit’s Historic District Reborn.” More than one hundred attendees gathered at the newly renovated Harmonie Club to witness the first installment of the seven-part docuseries, which chronicles the district’s revival and the leadership working to restore its prominence.
The screening brought together community members, business leaders, and city officials, all invested in the rebirth of Paradise Valley. The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the driving forces behind this redevelopment, spearheaded the event, offering attendees an inside look at the district’s transformation through historical narratives, interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
“This series is a testament to Detroit’s resilience and the power of strategic investment in community-driven development,” said Kevin Johnson, DEGC President and CEO. “We’re not just reflecting on the past; we are building the future of Paradise Valley with a vision that honors its cultural and economic significance.”
Paradise Valley’s history is deeply intertwined with Detroit’s economic and social evolution. Once a thriving hub of Black business and cultural expression, it housed a network of Black-owned enterprises, jazz clubs, and entertainment venues. During its peak, establishments such as the Barlum Hotel and the Club Plantation drew national acts, making the district a landmark for Black excellence in music and entrepreneurship. However, the systematic disinvestment and urban renewal projects of the mid-20th century led to its decline, displacing Black businesses and residents in the name of progress. The revival documented in the series seeks to reclaim that legacy, ensuring that Black ownership and influence remain central to the district’s resurgence.
Attendees watched as the first episode unfolded, detailing Paradise Valley’s rise as a business and entertainment hub, its decline due to systemic disinvestment and urban renewal policies, and the ongoing efforts to reclaim its status as a cultural cornerstone of Detroit. The documentary showcased key figures leading the charge, including members of the Paradise Valley Conservancy Board. Rainy Hamilton, an architect and developer, has played a central role in reimagining the district’s infrastructure, ensuring that its redevelopment blends modern design with historical preservation. Denis Archer Jr., a business leader and entrepreneur, continues his family’s legacy of civic engagement and economic empowerment within the city. Hiram E. Jackson, publisher of Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Real Times Media, is leveraging Black-owned media to ensure that the district’s resurgence is documented and celebrated through platforms that serve the Black community. Roger Basmajian has been instrumental in real estate investment, developing multi-use spaces that contribute to the district’s accessibility and vibrancy. Ismail Houmani, a longtime business owner, has worked to reestablish hospitality and entertainment venues that highlight Detroit’s rich cultural influence.
David Howell, vice president of Development Services at the DEGC and one of the series’ executive producers said, “The DEGC made a deliberate effort to prioritize affordability in the projects we support. The Broadway Lofts redevelopment, for instance, is a $38 million investment featuring 80 residential units, with 20% designated for individuals earning 60% of the area’s median income. This means a server working at Fixins, earning $19-20 an hour, can afford to live in a modern mid-rise apartment just steps away from their workplace. That level of accessibility and inclusivity is critical, and we are incredibly proud of this effort.”
As the credits rolled, the excitement in the room was palpable. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the series, emphasizing the importance of telling Detroit’s story through the lens of those who have lived its history and are shaping its future.
Among the night’s honored guests was Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit, a nonprofit real estate and housing development firm dedicated to improving housing stability and ensuring Black Detroiters have access to high-quality, affordable housing. Her work has been instrumental in creating equitable solutions within the district’s redevelopment, making sure that longtime residents are not displaced as investment flows back into the area.
The economic impact of Paradise Valley’s resurgence extends beyond new developments. The district’s revival is creating opportunities for local Black entrepreneurs, providing spaces for small businesses, and fostering cultural institutions that reflect the richness of Detroit’s Black heritage. Spaces that once stood empty are now home to new ventures, entertainment hubs, and gathering places where community members can celebrate their history while investing in the future.
The premiere at Harmonie Club was a gathering of visionaries, community stakeholders, and Detroiters committed to the city’s future. The district’s revitalization is an ongoing effort, but this event made it clear that Paradise Valley is reclaiming its place as a hub of Black excellence in business, entertainment, and culture.
Detroit has long been a city of resilience, and the rise, fall, and revival of Paradise Valley mirrors that journey. “Back to Paradise” does more than document this transformation—it calls on viewers to engage in the work that remains. The docuseries continues to roll out over the coming weeks, and the conversation sparked at the premiere will undoubtedly fuel the momentum needed to ensure that Paradise Valley’s resurgence benefits the community that built it.
For those who missed the premiere, “Back to Paradise: Detroit’s Historic District Reborn” is available for streaming on the DEGC’s YouTube channel and MichiganChronicle.com. The story of Paradise Valley’s past, present, and future is unfolding, and Detroiters are once again at the heart of it.
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