Over the past three years, the Monroe Street Midway has grown into an indispensable cultural hub in the heart of downtown Detroit, serving as a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit and resilience. This dynamic outdoor space, situated conveniently between the lively neighborhoods of Greektown and the iconic Campus Martius Park, has transcended its role as a mere recreational destination, becoming a vital part of Detroit’s social fabric.
The summer version of the Monroe Street Midway – complete with a mini golf course, roller skating, basketball courts, food trucks, backyard games, and live music and DJs – went away this weekend as the site prepares for its final winter installation before it permanently closes to make way for a hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars mixed-use development.
From thrilling roller-skating escapades to electrifying basketball showdowns, mouthwatering snacks, and enchanting swings, the Midway has consistently brought out the child in all of us.
Originally slated to be the future home of the Monroe Blocks, a mixed-use development project that was unveiled in 2018, the site underwent a transformative shift during the tumultuous days of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and in the years thereafter.
In response to the unique challenges presented by these times, Bedrock, the visionary behind the Monroe Blocks, took a step to reimagine the once-vacant lot as a space for community gathering and recreation. This decision led to the birth of the Monroe Street Midway, a haven that has provided joy to people of all ages throughout the year. Earlier this year, Bedrock reaffirmed its commitment to the Monroe site, announcing the resumption of development plans under the new moniker, “The Development at Cadillac Square.”
One of the most captivating aspects of the Monroe Street Midway has been its ability to adapt and innovate, responding to the ever-evolving desires and interests of the Detroit community. This adaptability was on full display when the venue introduced outdoor roller-skating in downtown Detroit—a novel and exciting concept that brought a refreshing breeze of nostalgia and euphoria.
When Bedrock decided to embark on this roller-skating adventure, they partnered with none other than Kyle Black, the owner of Detroit’s Rollercade, the oldest continuously Black-owned roller skating rink in the nation. This strategic partnership with a local entrepreneur deeply rooted in the city’s cultural history and with a generational legacy in the roller-skating business added a unique and authentic touch to the project.
The Monroe Street Midway quickly emerged as the ultimate downtown hangout spot for Detroiters of all ages, transcending the boundaries of generational divides. It became a symbol of unity and a testament to the power of communal spaces in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Date nights, family outings, and spontaneous gatherings all found a welcoming home within the Midway’s vibrant confines.
Over the years, the Monroe Street Midway garnered national acclaim for its uniqueness as an all-encompassing playground nestled in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Its success didn’t just stop at the local level—it drew attention from far and wide, highlighting Detroit’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity.
One notable aspect of the Monroe Street Midway’s journey has been its evolution into a venue for hosting various events and attracting high-profile appearances. Notably, Jerk x Jollof, a popular Afro-Caribbean event group, has graced the Midway with its vibrant presence over the years. The pulsating beats of Afro-Caribbean music have become synonymous with the Midway experience, as J x J has hosted events annually at the site.
Among other notable figures who have graced the venue with their presence is Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who celebrated Michigan’s resilience and unity at the Midway. Lil Nas X, the chart-topping artist known for pushing boundaries in the music industry, also made an appearance the morning after the first stop on his national tour. Flavor Flav, the iconic rap pioneer and member of the legendary group Public Enemy, laced up his skates at the Midway’s, and native Detroit rapper Big Sean did the same just last week.
As we bid farewell to the summer version of the Monroe Street Midway, it’s crucial to acknowledge its impact on Detroit’s cultural landscape, even if it was just for three short summers. Its role as a unifying force, a center for recreation, and a stage for diverse events and high-profile appearances has left an indelible mark on the city’s collective memory. While the Midway will transition into a new phase of development, it will leave a void for summer fun in downtown Detroit, too. And it also leaves questions. Once the site is transformed into office spaces, penthouses, and high-priced retailers, will this space – a space created specifically for Black Detroiters – still be attractive to the city’s majority population? Here’s to hoping that the people developing The Development at Cadillac Square have the same considerations they did when they dreamed up the Monroe Street Midway.
Executive Editor Jeremy Allen contributed to this story.
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