Things are looking up in Petoskey-Otsego, a residential community of sturdily built single-family homes, multi-family and apartment complexes. This western Detroit neighborhood suffered during the city's years of racial conflict and abandonment between the 1970s and 1990s. But many of its residents remained strong. Just ask Vonzie Whitlow. For more than 60 years, his barber shop on Windermere Street has been where locals gather to get a trim and discuss current affairs. Whitlow was trained in his profession by Raymond Parks, husband of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Undaunted by riots or recessions, Whitlow’s Barber Lounge is still open for business and is believed to be the oldest barber shop in Detroit.
Whitlow's unflagging determination is shared by other locals. “This neighborhood, like all of the city, had to become more flexible,” says Olayami Dabls, a visual storyteller and owner/curator of the Dbals Mbad African Bead Museum. “When the troubles began, the media wrote only about the negatives happening here. That scared off a lot of people. But eventually, when the city seemed headed toward ruin, artists began to come in and paint wall murals. And wherever there is art, people come to see it. Then, those people started investing in the area and rebuilding and repairing homes. This has become an opportunity for people to acquire property.”
Vonzie Whitlow using the scissors given to him by Raymond Parks, Rosa Park's husband.
African storyteller and mask maker Efe Bes performs at Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum.
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Restorations are underway
The streets of Petosky-Otsego are laid out in a grid fashion. Sidewalks lead past sturdily built homes with private driveways that sit back on small front lawns. The area also has a handful of warehouses and auto body shops, reflecting its history as a working-class neighborhood. The architectural style of the houses is a mix of late 19th- and 20th-century residential styles. Bungalows, American Foursquare and Colonial Revival structures, and multi-family homes are found throughout the neighborhood. Many of the buildings have been updated or are undergoing remodeling. “I pay attention to what is going on around here. There isn’t a street in this neighborhood where someone isn’t restoring a home,” says Dbals. The remodeling efforts have given Petoskey-Otsego a unique appeal; a combination of classic architecture that blends nicely with modern updates makes the area more attractive. Home prices here are still low. The range of home values is generally between $29,000 and $80,000, depending on the house’s condition and factors such as size and location of the property.
Petosky-Otsego is centrally located and just minutes from downtown Detroit.
Properties in Petosky-Otsego are situated close together.
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Restored homes turn heads
The heavily residential community is still full of single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family homes, as well as apartment complexes. Many of the homes in the neighborhood have been remodeled with modern updates and renovations, while some are still in their original condition. The area also has some commercial and industrial properties, such as warehouses and auto body shops – a reflection of its history as a working-class neighborhood.
The architectural style of the houses in the Detroit neighborhoods of Rosa Parks-Clairmont is a mix of late 19th and 20th-century American residential styles. Single-family homes, like Bungalows, American Foursquare, and Colonial Revival structures, as well as multi-family homes, like Tudor Revival, Dutch Colonial, and other similar housing styles, are interwoven throughout the neighborhood. Recently, the area has seen a renewal of interest, with many of its original houses being restored and modernized. This has given the place a unique architectural charm, combining the classic styles of the original neighborhood with modern updates to make the area more attractive. The range of home values for the area is generally between $29,000 and $80,000, depending on the condition of the home and other factors such as the size and location of the property.
Historic homes are found throghout Petosky-Otsego.
Renovated homes are beginning to come to market in Petosky-Otsego.
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A high school with a law club
Detroit Public Community Schools serve the neighborhood. Students can attend Spain Elementary-Middle School, which has a C-minus rating from Niche and a 13-1 student-teacher ratio. Area students may attend Cass Technical High School, which holds a B-plus rating. In 2023, Michigan State University launched a law club at the high school to help students understand how our democracy works and what role they can play in it.
Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle School has an overall Niche grade of C-.
Cass Technical Institute is a magnet high school in the Detroit Public Schools District.
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Parks and playgrounds
The neighborhood has several pocket parks and play areas. McShane Park is an open space in the neighborhood with playground equipment, a small pavilion and a few picnic tables. Nardin Park is a mile away. The 5-acre green space features a playground, walking paths, picnic tables and grills.
Meet with friends and spend the day shredding outside at Bishop Park's Skatepark.
Bishop Park's Skatepark is a great spot to practice and get in some exercise outdoors.
Visit McShane Playground for a breath of fresh air mid day.
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Quick stops and local spots
New Quick Stop Market and Family Dollar are in the neighborhood for groceries and other essentials. Rite-Way Hardware has the tools needed for household repairs and a staff ready to offer suggestions. For a bite to eat, Hook Fish & Chicken is a local spot that serves soul food favorites.
Olayami Dabls in his bead museum and gallery in Rosa Parks.
Residents of Petosky-Otsego enjoy barbecuing outside when the weather is nice.
Hook Fish & Chicken in Petosky-Otsego stocks fresh fish & poultry.
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A bead gallery and scavenger hunt
Petoskey-Otsego residents can enjoy any of the many events that take place throughout Detroit. The Divine Artistry Lounge regularly hosts Kids Science & Crafts events and the Detroit Scavenger Hunt: Midtown Groove provides the opportunity for locals to learn about historic locations around the city, including The Majestic Theatre, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Detroit Institute of Arts. A visit to the Dbals Mbad African Bead Museum shouldn’t be missed. The color-splashed museum houses 18 outdoor exhibits, a bead gallery and an African Language Wall.
Experience Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum while wandering around its campus.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is located near Petosky-Otsego, making it easy to access.
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Getting to and from
The neighborhood is 5 miles from downtown Detroit via the M-5. Interstate 96 runs along the edge of the community, connecting with Interstate 94 to the south. Detroit International Airport is 17 miles west via I-94. Bus service is available throughout the area. This is a car-dependent neighborhood. It has a moderate crime problem with a CAP Index score of 6/10.
Hop on a DDOT bus and be downtown within minutes.
Newly installed bike lanes provide quick alternative means of commuting downtown.
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On average, homes in Petoskey-Otsego, Detroit sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Petoskey-Otsego, Detroit over the last 12 months is $69,250, up 152% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brick colonial in the Petoskey-Otsego neighborhood with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space. Property has fire damage and requires a full renovation, offering investors a chance to restore a classic Detroit home. Spacious layout with original character still intact.Located minutes from Downtown Detroit, this home sits on a spacious lot with strong
Great Opportunity to be a part of the Dexter/ Linwood revitalization. This brick and wood siding colonial is investor dream. The clean canvas will allow you to restore this home back to the original beauty it once displayed. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, kitchen, living and dining room and a full unfinished basement. BATVAI prior to submitting an offer. A license realtor is required to
EXCEPTIONAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY. This attractive, full-brick colonial features two 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom units, and a 2-car garage. Located in a desirable area close to Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University, Henry Ford Hospital, and Motown Museum. The units are spacious and include their own living and dining rooms. Recent updates include hardwood flooring and newer windows. The
This Just In: located in the bustling Petoskey-Otsego Detroit Neighborhood, we bring you an impeccably renovated DUPLEX, BOTH units available, each with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, plus a BONUS ROOM! Beautifully restored hardwood floors and large windows light up every room, generous living space will inspire you to entertain friends and family, and your spacious eat-in kitchen is complete with
Welcome to your new home in the vibrant Petoskey-Otsego District of Detroit! This charming upper unit is perfectly situated to offer both comfort and convenience. This home has been updated and offers three bedrooms and one and a half baths. The home is move in ready and awaits your personal touches to make it your home. The kitchen was also recently updated offering granite countertop. The
This Just In: located in the bustling Petoskey-Otsego Detroit Neighborhood, we bring you an impeccably renovated DUPLEX, BOTH units available, each with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, plus a BONUS ROOM! Beautifully restored hardwood floors and large windows light up every room, generous living space will inspire you to entertain friends and family, and your spacious eat-in kitchen is complete with
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