When we talk about Paradise Valley, we’re not just talking about a place on the map. We’re talking about a rich tapestry of Black history and culture that has shaped Detroit’s identity. Once a bustling business and entertainment district from the 1920s to the 1950s, the original Paradise Valley was a beacon of Black excellence, community, and resilience. Now, decades later, this legacy is being revitalized, and it’s nothing short of revolutionary.
Enter The Vinyl Society, a new cocktail lounge at 1427 Randolph Street, a venture nine years in the making by Dennis Archer Jr. This sophisticated space doesn’t just serve drinks; it serves history, culture, and a vision for Detroit’s future. Archer, son of former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and a prominent entrepreneur, has created a venue that pays homage to the past while setting a new standard for hospitality in the city.
A Journey Through History
Paradise Valley, originally part of Black Bottom, was a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, jazz clubs, and theaters. It was a place where legends like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald performed, where Black entrepreneurs flourished, and where the community came together in solidarity and celebration. However, the urban renewal projects of the 1960s displaced many residents and dismantled this vibrant community, leaving behind a void that has long yearned to be filled.
In 2015, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan renamed Harmonie Park to Paradise Valley to honor this rich history. It was a symbolic move, but one that paved the way for tangible change. Dennis Archer Jr. saw an opportunity not just to create a business, but to resurrect the spirit of Paradise Valley. In 2016, he was awarded the spaces at 1407 and 1427 Randolph Street, and by early 2020, he had acquired the buildings, setting the stage for The Vinyl Society.
Crafting an Experience
The Vinyl Society is a masterclass in blending historical preservation with contemporary elegance. Archer and his team drew inspiration from some of the most prestigious hospitality venues around the world—Gramercy Park Hotel’s Rose Bar in New York, Hotel Costes in Paris, Bar 1200 in Los Angeles, and Connaught Bar in London. These influences are palpable in the chic design choices and sophisticated ambiance that define the lounge.
The transformation of the former UDetroit Cafe space into The Vinyl Society was a meticulous process. Birmingham-based design firm Ron & Roman was tasked with fusing historical elements with modern design. The result is a stunning 2,300-square-foot space that feels both timeless and fresh. Furniture and architectural pieces from D&D Millwork in Warren, coupled with Archer’s personal art collection, add layers of character and sophistication.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. The Vinyl Society is a sensory journey, with a refined dress code and an exquisite drinks menu curated by beverage director Desmond Oliver. With a total capacity of around 130 people, the lounge offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for patrons to enjoy meticulously crafted cocktails, live performances, DJ sets, and even intellectual programming like fireside chats with industry leaders.
A Community Hub
Archer’s vision for The Vinyl Society extends beyond creating a luxurious cocktail lounge. He aims to make it a cornerstone of the community, a place where people can come together to celebrate arts and culture, engage in meaningful conversations, and experience the best of Detroit’s hospitality. The lounge is set to host a variety of events, from live music performances to cultural celebrations, ensuring that it remains deeply rooted in the community it serves.
This community-centric approach is evident in the deliberate choice of location. The Vinyl Society is situated in a growing neighborhood, with new restaurants offering Asian fusion, Latin fusion, and Southern cuisine set to open nearby. By positioning The Vinyl Society in this dynamic area, Archer is helping to create a vibrant ecosystem that honors Detroit’s past while fostering its future.
PHOTO: The Vinyl Society investors from left: Frank Torre, Mark Davis, Dennis Archer Jr. and Christopher Brochert.
Looking Forward
The opening of The Vinyl Society is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Detroit’s Black community. It’s a celebration of the city’s rich history and a bold statement about its future. Archer and his partners have invested between $1.8 million and $2 million into the project, creating a debt-free venture that stands as a beacon of what’s possible when we honor our past and innovate for our future.
The Vinyl Society is more than just a cocktail lounge. It’s a revival of Paradise Valley’s legacy, a tribute to the Black excellence that built Detroit, and a promise of what’s to come. As we step into this new era, let us remember the words of Maya Angelou: “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” The Vinyl Society is a place where we can remember, celebrate, and look forward—together.
So, whether you’re a longtime Detroiter or a visitor to this storied city, The Vinyl Society welcomes you to be part of this groundbreaking journey. Come for the cocktails, stay for the culture, and leave inspired by the enduring spirit of Paradise Valley.
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