Walkability & Diversity in Southwest Detroit
Springwells is a Southwest Detroit neighborhood enclosed by Dix Highway to the north, Waterman Street to the east, Fort Street to the south, and Woodmere Cemetery to the west. With 13,550 people, it is the fourth-largest neighborhood in the city. Springwells is also known as West Vernor-Springwells (the intersection of the commercial strip) and Springwells Village (by the Urban Neighborhood Initiatives). It precedes the city’s 1921 annexation by being a strong community with settlement records dating back to 1783.
Springwells borders the neighborhood of Carbon Works.
Drink
Charlie’s Bar — 1503 Springwells St.
For Centipede™ enthusiasts or fans of Art Deco woodwork, Charlie’s is the place to be in Southwest. This corner bar also has a great pool table.
Eat
Vince's Ristorante Italiano — 1341 Springwells St.
Every old neighborhood needs a classic Italian joint. As the story goes, Vincenzo and Maria Perfili opened the parlor after the attention Maria’s food received when she delivered it to Vince at the Cadillac Fleetwood Plant. Beyond the profusion of neighborhood taco trucks, Vince’s is a Springwells staple.
See
Murals at El Asador Steakhouse, Garage Cultural, and Beebe’s 2 Supermercado.
This mural campaign was brought on by Inner State Gallery in Eastern Market, after their team-up with Mexico City’s Fifty24MX.
Shop
Danto Furniture — 7701 W. Vernor Hwy.
Since 1940, four generations of the Danto family has operated this shop on W. Vernor. If you live in Detroit, they have likely sold your family, grandparents, or parents their first set of furniture. Danto is one of the first stops for new immigrants coming to America, and the staff speaks many languages to accomdate them, including English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Library
Campbell Branch — 8733 W. Vernor Hwy.
Named in honor of the first president of the Library Commission, James Valentine Campbell, the Campbell Branch originally opened in a rented store building at West End Avenue near West Jefferson on September 1, 1907. The branch was known as the Delray Branch and the West Fort Street Branch. The Campbell Branch opened in its current location in March, 2006.
Transit
Photography by Ali Lapetina