Detroit’s Paradise Valley holds a significant weight of history, a legacy of Black excellence in business, culture, and economic innovation. This district was an ecosystem built by Black visionaries who, despite systemic barriers, created a thriving network of enterprises, entertainment hubs, and social institutions. That history remains a foundation for the present, making the ongoing revitalization of Paradise Valley a crucial chapter in Detroit’s economic story.
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are leading this renewal, presenting “Back to Paradise: Detroit’s Historic District Reborn,” a seven-part docuseries premiering February 28, 2025. The series details the restoration of the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District, highlighting historical depth and contemporary development. It will be available for streaming on the DEGC’s YouTube channel and MichiganChronicle.com, ensuring that the community remains central to the narrative.
“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. The effort is not only about reflecting on the past but about shaping the future, ensuring that Paradise Valley continues as a cultural and economic landmark. The district’s history demonstrates self-sufficiency and prosperity despite segregation and economic exclusion. That spirit of endurance fuels this project, and “Back to Paradise” will highlight the voices leading the charge today.
At its peak, Paradise Valley was a stronghold of Black business ownership and cultural production. It stood among the nation’s Black Wall Streets, showing what was possible when a community had the space and resources to flourish. The district’s decline was the result of systemic disinvestment and urban renewal policies that displaced Black residents and business owners under the guise of progress. Today’s redevelopment efforts seek to correct those historic wrongs, ensuring that the economic benefits of this resurgence return to the community that built it.
Key figures driving this revitalization include the Paradise Valley Conservancy Board, whose leadership is integral to ensuring that this district’s future remains tied to its cultural legacy. Rainy Hamilton, an architect and developer, is spearheading infrastructure and commercial real estate projects that merge modern design with the district’s historical aesthetic. Denis Archer Jr. continues his family’s legacy of civic engagement and business development, bringing entrepreneurial energy into the area. Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media, is expanding Black-owned media’s footprint in Paradise Valley, ensuring that stories of Detroit’s resurgence are told by those who lived its history. Roger Basmajian is a leading force in real estate investment, supporting the development of multi-use spaces designed to keep the district vibrant and accessible. Ismail Houmani, a longtime business owner, is committed to fostering hospitality and entertainment venues that celebrate Detroit’s unique cultural influence.
David Howell, vice president of Development Services at the DEGC and one of the series’ executive producers, speaks to the organization’s commitment to inclusive development. “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.”
That commitment to affordability is essential, given Detroit’s history of economic displacement. Revitalization efforts often result in gentrification that forces long-term residents out. The approach in Paradise Valley intends to be different. The DEGC and DDA are focused on ensuring that Detroiters—especially Black Detroiters—benefit from these developments, not just witness them from the sidelines. The docuseries will provide insight into economic strategies, public-private partnerships, and community engagement shaping this district’s resurgence.
Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit, is a critical leader in this effort. Her nonprofit real estate and housing development firm is focused on improving housing stability, ensuring that Black Detroiters have equitable access to affordable, high-quality housing in their own communities. Her leadership bridges the gap between historic preservation and modern accessibility, ensuring that Paradise Valley’s revitalization supports longtime residents rather than displacing them.
Economic growth and cultural preservation are often positioned as opposing forces, but the revitalization of Paradise Valley seeks to integrate them. The district’s redevelopment is not only about constructing buildings; it is about reclaiming a narrative that was nearly erased. The docuseries will feature exclusive interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from developers, business owners, and community leaders. These stories will provide a blueprint for what inclusive economic development looks like when executed with intentionality and respect for history.
To mark the launch of “Back to Paradise,” a special screening will take place on February 27, 2025, at the newly renovated Harmonie Club in Detroit. The venue itself is a symbol of this district’s revival, a space where community members, investors, and stakeholders will gather to celebrate a project centered on community ownership and participation in Detroit’s development narrative.
DEGC’s leadership in this effort underscores its role as a key player in Detroit’s economic future. The organization serves as the city’s lead agency for business retention, attraction, and development, working alongside business, civic, and community leaders to drive investment and job creation. The Downtown Development Authority supports this mission by providing resources and incentives that make projects like the Paradise Valley revitalization possible. Their joint efforts are shaping Detroit’s economic landscape with a commitment to the city’s legacy and future.
Detroit has been a case study in resilience. The rise, fall, and resurgence of Paradise Valley reflect that broader narrative. This district is a symbol of Black economic power when given room to thrive. “Back to Paradise” will document this transformation while challenging viewers to engage with the work that remains. The legacy of Black business ownership and cultural innovation that defined Paradise Valley must be safeguarded, ensuring that its revitalization serves as a model for equitable economic growth.
For more information about “Back to Paradise: Detroit’s Historic District Reborn,” visit www.degc.org/newsroom and follow the conversation using #BackToParadiseDetroit. This is not only a documentary series—it is a reminder of what was, what is, and what still can be.
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