McNichols Evergreen

Connected by Grand River Avenue is a group of active and engaged Detroit communities committed to enhancing the quality of life. While McNichols Evergreen may be the smallest among them, the character of its homes is just as big as the houses themselves.

“I bought in Detroit because I grew up here, and I still appreciate the stories that our communities and these houses have to tell. When my wife and I bought our house in 1993, we first wanted a house with character. Special amenities just added to that,” says Harrison R. Duke, a Detroit native and longtime resident of the nearby Grandmont area. Duke also serves on community boards that collaborate with neighborhoods like McNichols Evergreen to help improve residents’ overall quality of life. “You won’t find any new construction or cookie-cutter stuff here, and that’s why the people who live here live here. We appreciate the uniqueness of each space and place and the stories that come with them.”

Perfect for enjoying a relaxing bike ride or a scenic stroll, wide streets and narrow sidewalks wind through the McNichols Evergreen neighborhood. The admiration of the designs of its homes tells the story of where the houses came from and how the community maintains its legacy. As the name suggests, mature trees accent lush green lawns and yards that offer an inviting curb appeal that introduces the eye to the prominent brick homes characteristic of the area. Colonial-style homes display an ample amount of signature shuttered windows and ornately framed entryways, while Cape Cods feature their recognizable dormer windows. Tudor-style homes on corner lots add a bit of a regal touch, and modern ranch-style homes feature attached garages. Like its surrounding areas, McNichols Evergreen gives a lot of space at a low cost, with three- and four-bedroom residences ranging from under $50,000 to nearly $200,000.

Served by the Detroit Public Schools Community School District, students have a wide array of options when mapping out their academic journey. Bates Academy, with an overall Niche grade of B-minus, takes students from kindergarten through grade eight. Detroit School of Arts, with a grade of C, keeps Motown’s legacy of entertainment alive, and the B-plus-rated Cass Technical High School has a laundry list of notable graduates that includes journalist Ed Gordon, television host and correspondent Shaun Robinson and the legendary Diana Ross.

As collaborative neighbors with North Rosedale Park, McNichols Evergreen residents also enjoy the namesake park of the neighborhood next door. The North Rosedale Park houses the home base of the North Rosedale Park Civic Association. The community building displays photos, maps and other historical pieces dating back to the 1920s and hosts local gatherings, meetings and special events, including its annual holiday market every December. In addition to the community house, the park also offers fields for baseball and soccer, playgrounds for smaller children and art installations that can be enjoyed by anyone who visits.

With everything from fresh produce and groceries to home goods to electronics, the local Meijer is a favorite go-to. The Garden Bug is a popular garden supply venue for residents with keen green thumbs. Local shopping centers are also in the area for other errands like a trip to the nail salon or grabbing a bite to eat. Island Spice Caribbean is a popular eatery that offers a menu full of West Indies-inspired cuisine like jerk ribs, brown stew chicken and the classic ackee and saltfish.

Located along the main thoroughfare of Grand River Avenue is the Redford Branch of the Detroit Public Library, where locals enjoy quiet reading and engaging events. The branch regularly hosts its monthly Knit & Lit Book Club, where members discuss books while creating knitted pieces and their Detroit Neighborhood Artists Workshops.

Written By

Kent Olden

Photography Contributed By

Sam Adams

Video By

Paris Lape