Conant Gardens

Nine miles northeast of downtown Detroit, the Conant Gardens Historic District is a revitalizing bedroom community near major roadways like Interstate 75 and Nevada Avenue. Once the most exclusive African-American area in the city, the historically Black neighborhood was carved from land that belonged to abolitionist Shubael Conant in the early 1800s. The site grew rapidly in the 1920s, as newly wealthy Black workers could buy land there without restrictions. It was in its prime in the 1940s and ‘50s, and homes from that era are still popular in the neighborhood today. Bus stops are easily accessible and found at regular intervals around the area, and if anyone wants to travel, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport is less than 25 miles away. Further, the Conant Gardens Neighborhood Development Corporation was formed to help revitalize the area through strategic partnerships, affordable housing and more integrated green spaces.

“It’s a very small area with a high school, fire station and several churches. There are a lot of bungalows, and the area is more affordable than many places,” says Tami Jo Schuetzler, a Realtor with The Signature Group Realty. “It’s on the East Side of the city, which means roads run at an angle instead of in a grid, like on the West Side. The East Side’s roads are more like wheel spokes, which can take a little time to get used to.” The neighborhood is made up of colonials, Craftsmen and Tudor Revival designs set back from the street to allow for small front lawns. Many homes have larger backyards, and trees dot the landscape. Sidewalks run through much of the area, and although there are open lots, most homeowners take pride in their lawns. Prices range from $25,000 for a 1920s four-bedroom bungalow needing love to $100,000 for a three-bedroom red-brick bungalow.

Students in the area are part of the Detroit Public Schools Community School District, and Conant Gardens is zoned to Mason Academy and Pershing High. Both schools have earned grades of C-minus from the education ranking website Niche. Mason Academy teaches children from prekindergarten through eighth grade. A one-to-one technology school, students receive laptops to do research and classwork with. There is also after-school tutoring, a robotics program and a chess club. Pershing High opened in 1930, and the JDilla Music Foundation partnered with the school to create a recording studio for the students.

Detroit is filled with parks, both large and small. Residents of Conant Gardens have easy access to each. Conant-Minnesota Park rests in the south of the neighborhood and, at just over two acres, packs a surprising amount into the small space. Recently renovated by KEO & Associates, the green space has new asphalt walkways, color-coded basketball courts and playground equipment complete with rubber safety surfacing. To the north of the neighborhood, Farwell Park sprawls over 90 acres and includes the Farwell Recreation Center. The facility offers classes and activities for all ages, including Senior games and youth craft workshops. To keep active and warm in the winter months, the center also has a dance studio, gymnasium and a weight room.

Conant Gardens doesn’t have much in the way of retail or restaurants. But everyday essentials can be found near the corner of Conant and Seven Mile Roads. Royal Fresh Market is a full-service grocery store where residents can find produce delivered fresh six days a week. The newest addition to the Royal Fresh chain, the store provides a bevy of services from Amazon Lockers to coin-counting machines to an ATM. Locals can also pay their utility bills here if desired.

Nunn’s BBQ has been a neighborhood favorite since 1984. Opened by a former Chrysler worker, the eatery serves up Southern-style BBQ and homemade desserts crafted from Mr. Nunn’s original recipes. Still family-owned and operated, the restaurant uses a 10-foot charcoal grill and smoker to impart the eatery’s signature taste. With delicious slow-cooked meats and $9 lunch specials on weekdays, it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back.

A historic enclave working to reclaim its former prosperity, Conant Gardens welcomes residents to take part in its journey.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Franklin Abreu

Video By

Syd Silberman