October 15, 2020 | Community Spotlight: Mexicantown in Detroit, Michigan | By: Myrna Segura-Beltchenko, Director, Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities Main Street Program |https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2020/10/15/community-spotlight-mexicantown-detroit-michigan
The façade of Xochi’s Gift Shop after participating in a façade improvement grant program from the Main Street. Photo credit: Myrna Segura-Beltchenko
TheMexicantown-Hubbard Communities (MHC) Main Streetis a program of Southwest Detroit Business Association in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1957, theSouthwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA)fosters innovation, drive, and commitment. We work with investors, entrepreneurs, customers, and neighbors to capitalize on Southwest Detroit’s competitive advantage. We support our community’s vision for a healthy, vibrant neighborhood.
A Rich History
In the early 1920’s, the first Mexican families began to settle in the residential sections around downtown Detroit. They were drawn to Detroit because of the many job opportunities available within its rapidly growing industrial base. With time, families moved further southwest into the area now known as Mexicantown.
The Mexican community has been steadily growing and is considered one of Detroit’s most treasured neighborhoods. Its abundant diversity, walkability, and thriving business district has long been a magnet for newcomers.
Most Latinos living in Southwest Detroit are from the state of Jalisco, specifically an area in Mexico known as Los Altos (“The Highlands”). Los Altos is composed of a string of villages that are the birthplace of three of Mexico’s most popular cultural exports: mariachi music, cowboys, and tequila. While the last big wave of Mexican immigrants came in the late 1990s, new immigrants continue to trickle in, and with them they bring authentic food, tradition, and a rich cultural heritage.
Cinco de Mayo celebration along W. Vernor Hwy in the commercial district. Photo credit: Myrna Segura-Beltchenko
Mexicantown Today
Walking along the streets of our Mexicantown Main Street today, you can feel the energy of our commercial corridor. Our shop windows are decorated with papel picado—or cut paper—and colorful decorative Day of the Dead skulls. Our historical buildings incorporate elements of Mexican architecture. Our exceptional murals are influenced by the Huichol art which honors our heritage, ancestors, and the first generations of immigrants who came to this city.
Add to this the smell of freshly made corn tortillas, the taste of the Pan de Muertos (Day of the Dead Bread) and other Mexican desserts available at our local bakeries, and the variety of Mexican restaurants offering traditional dishes such as Camarones al Ajillo and Pollo en Mole as well as carnitas, tacos, tamales, and Tex-Mex food.
And we cannot forget our supermercados—the supermarkets—that serve our community and visitors from all over the state of Michigan and Canada. These supermercados offer a great variety of Mexican products, including bright vegetables, and fruits, meats, and other unique goods such as fresh cheese, hot sauces, spices, flans (custards), and frozen sweet fried plantains.
This liveliness of our W. Vernor Hwy. and Bagley Ave. commercial corridors are the backdrop for our small businesses, community, and our Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities Main Street program.
Celebrating Tradition: Día de los Muertos
Among many of the events we host celebrating our cultural traditions is the Día de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead. Celebrated November 1st and 2nd, the Día de los Muertos remembers and honors our loved ones who have passed away. This honoring is done through the installation of Ofrendas—or altars. Every year, many families place offerings and altars decorated with cempasúchil flowers, papel picado, sugar skulls, bread of the dead, mole, or a dish that their relatives to whom the offering is dedicated liked. Incense is placed to aromatize the place. The Day of the Dead is considered a celebration of memory and a ritual that privileges memory over oblivion.
Photos of this year’s Oferenda displayed in Xochi’s Gift Shop. Photo credit: Myrna Segura-Beltchenko
Mexicantown has been commemorating the Día de los Muertos tradition since 1999. Since then, the celebration has included Day of the Dead special events, workshops, and marches. Many businesses, churches, and other organizations in our district install Ofrendas and art displays in their windows to create a Tour of Ofrendas in our business district. Our annualDay of the Dead Brochureinforms residents and visitors to all that is happening in our district during this celebration.
This celebration has expended all around Southwest Detroit and other areas of the City. Every year, more than five thousand visitors and students from our communities and from around the State take this opportunity to learn more about our communities’ culture, enjoy the shops in our business district, and eat at our restaurants.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration is going to be a little different. We understand that the local community, visitors, and schools want to celebrate this annual tradition and honor loved ones and community members that have died this year. While we anticipate having visitors, we know that the number will be reduced compared to previous years.
For that reason, we will be offering a Virtual Tour of Ofrendas in Mexicantown/Southwest Detroit for the first time. Guests will be able to enjoy an introductory video with an overview of our business district and a view of each participating business. The digital brochure will also have a link to videos or photos of each Ofrenda in the Mexicantown area, with a recorded presentation provided by participant business owners or commissioned artists, who will explain the meaning of each Ofrenda. The brochure will include a link to each participant’s website or social media page. We hope this will allow visitors and community members to still celebrate this tradition from home.
Supporting our Diverse Business Community
Our program is implementing a comprehensive, commercial district economic development plan to revitalize, strengthen, market, and promote the Mexicantown Main Street/Business District. We have established strong relationships with community members and business owners, communicating clearly in both English and Spanish. Our main goal is to provide a platform and a space where stakeholders can share their vision for the Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities.
We are intentional in our efforts to achieve our overarching goals and support our business community:
✔Providing resources in English and Spanish.We provide bilingual business workshops, networking events, and general support. We collaborate with and receive support from different City departments, Detroit District 6 City Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López, and other local agencies in an effort to advocate for the creation of multilingual City forms and communications with our community members and constituents. Spanish is the native language of many of our residents and business owners.
✔Shop Southwest Detroit.The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) has identified the need for increased technical support to help our small businesses bridge the digital divide as an integral part of their COVID-19 business plans. To address this, SDBA will soon be launching Shop Southwest Detroit, an e-commerce megastore for businesses in Mexicantown/Southwest Detroit. Seven businesses in our Mexicantown Main Street district will receive support services valued at $2,500. A total of 25 businesses in Southwest Detroit will participate in this new program.
✔Southwest Detroit/Mexicantown Façade Improvement Program.Our SDBA/Mexicantown Façade Improvement Program helps business and property owners improve their storefronts by providing grants for architectural services and reimbursement for up to 50% of construction costs. Façade improvements include updates such as new signage, lighting, and awnings, but can also completely rebuild storefronts. We provide architectural assistance, façade matching grants, and technical assistance throughout the application, design, bidding, permitting, and construction phases.
Local business owner Gloria Rosas Baiocco in front of her small business in the commercial corridor. Photo credit: Myrna Segura-Beltchenko
Closing Thoughts
The Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities Main Street welcomes everyone to respectfully enjoy its vibrant, colorful, and distinctive commercial district. Its architecture and aesthetics are reflective of its proud Latin American roots. Its walkable streets are safe with inviting, family-friendly activities. Its business community is an accessible, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
FAQs
Does Mexicantown Detroit take Canadian money at par? ›
Also a reminder we do accept Canadian at Par all day On Mondays. We also accept Canadian money at par Friday night at the bar.
What is the history of Mexicantown in Detroit? ›In the early 1920's, the first Mexican families began to settle in the residential sections around downtown Detroit. They were drawn to Detroit because of the many job opportunities available within its rapidly growing industrial base. With time, families moved further southwest into the area now known as Mexicantown.
What area is southwest Detroit? ›Southwest Detroit is in Wayne County. Living in Southwest Detroit offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Southwest Detroit there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families live in Southwest Detroit and residents tend to be liberal.
What cities are in southwest Detroit Michigan? ›- Core City.
- Condon.
- Mexicantown.
- Fort Wayne.
- Cecil-McGraw.
- Chadsey.
- Springwells.
- Delray.
Ambassador Bridge Connecting Detroit and Windsor – U.S. Interstate 75 & Highway 3. The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest United States / Canada truck crossing and handles around 8,000 trucks and 68,000 travelers daily.
How much does it cost to cross into Canada from Detroit? ›| USA TO CANADA | |
|---|---|
| CASH TOLL - Autos, Passenger Vehicle, Station Wagon, Personal Van, Empty Pickup Truck, including driver and passengers | $7.00 USD |
| AMBASSADOR BRIDGE PREMIER Commuter Card Holders Premier Card can be used towards fuel and duty free purchases. | $5.25 USD |
| Bus, including driver and passengers | $12.00 USD |
Michigan Central Station is among the most famous abandoned buildings in Detroit. The old train station has been beat up and has fell victim to vandals, with windows smashed and spray-painted walls.
What is the largest abandoned area in Detroit? ›Packard Automotive Plant
This abandoned automotive plant is noteworthy based on sheer size: it's one of the largest abandoned buildings in the world, spanning over 40 acres.
Largest Abandoned Factory in the World: The Packard Factory, Detroit - Sometimes Interesting. The abandoned Packard Factory is a 3.5 million square-foot complex sprawling across 35 acres. Today it stands as the largest abandoned factory in the world.
What are the rough areas of Detroit? ›Some of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit are Belmont, Fiskhorn, Von Steuban, Warrendale, and Franklin Park.
How many Hispanic people live in Southwest Detroit? ›
Race and Ethnicity
36.3% of the people in Detroit City (Southwest) PUMA, MI are hispanic (41.6k people).
Detroit's Southwest side is known for Mexicantown and its Mexican cuisine at restaurants such as Mexican Village, Evie's Tamales, El Zocalo and Xochimilco. Restaurants, bakeries, and shops are located on Vernor Highway, on both the east and west sides of the Interstate 75 service drive.
How many people live in Mexican Town Detroit? ›Mexicantown is a neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan with a population of 1,630. Mexicantown is in Wayne County. Living in Mexicantown offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Mexicantown there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks.
What is the biggest city in southwest Michigan? ›Grand Rapids is the largest city in western Michigan.
What are 4 major cities in the Southwest? ›The largest cities by metropolitan area are Phoenix, Las Vegas, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Tucson.
Do I need a negative test to enter Canada from us? ›Return or travel to Canada
Pre-board testing is not required, except: COVID-19 emergency air travel requirements for China, Hong Kong and Macao In effect.
Do I need a passport to drive to Canada? Whether you're crossing via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge, Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity, according to the U.S. Department of State website.
Can I enter Canada without a passport? ›Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.
What do I need to drive into Canada from Detroit? ›- valid passport and visa. This is an internationally-recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and nationality. ...
- U.S. PASSPORT CARD. ...
- ALIEN CARD. ...
- ENHANCED DRIVER'S LICENSE (EDL) ...
- ONE OF THE TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM CARDS.
Instead of landing in Canada, you can simply take a taxi from Detroit Metro airport to downtown Windsor. Our Detroit taxi to Canada service helps you get home sooner, with peace of mind and comfort! With a variety of vehicles in our fleet for you to choose from, you are guaranteed to save time, money and worry.
Can you take a train to Canada from Detroit? ›
Train Trip Information: Detroit to Toronto
There is one daily train from Detroit to Toronto. Traveling by train from Detroit to Toronto usually takes around 22 hours and 11 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
Sitting at a picnic table in Chandler Park, by census estimates the poorest area of the city of Detroit, John Henry Irelang talked about poverty in his neighborhood. But, empathy for his neighbors was not the only reason he cried. He cried because of lost opportunity.
Where is the poor side of Detroit? ›Along Detroit's eastside border with upscale Grosse Pointe Park, one tract has a 72 percent of families living in poverty. On the city's west side, the Brightmoor neighborhood has a section where two-thirds of families exist with household income below the federal poverty threshold.
What is the largest private home in Detroit? ›Bishop Gallagher residence
Upon completion, the Fisher brothers gave the property to Bishop Michael Gallagher, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit. The 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) home is the largest within the city of Detroit.
Corktown is the oldest existing neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, though it is only half as old as the city itself.
What is the oldest house in Detroit? ›Trowbridge House is considered the oldest known building in the City of Detroit. Located at 1380 E. Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, the house was built in 1826 at a cost of $2,500. The land was originally part of a French land grant to Charles Chauvin.
Why does Detroit have so many empty houses? ›As employment opportunities declined, some properties went into foreclosure due to unpaid taxes or mortgages, and they were left abandoned. Today, some of these buildings remain empty and now stand in ruins.
What is the oldest street in Detroit? ›...
Corktown, Detroit.
| Corktown Historic District | |
|---|---|
| Added to NRHP | July 31, 1978 |
The Detroit Land Bank Authority owns vacant residential properties, including homes, side lots, and vacant land that may be developed.
What part of Detroit is Hood? ›Three of the top places to live in Detroit are Sherwood Forest, Jefferson-Chalmers, and Midtown.
What is the safest city near Detroit? ›
...
Safest Cities in Michigan, 2019.
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grosse Ile Township | 0.88 |
| 2 | Beverly Hills | 0.78 |
| 3 | Grosse Pointe Park | 0.78 |
| 4 | Berkley | 0.7 |
Detroit hoods map ranges from the West Side to the East Side of the city. While this map may highlight Detroit gangs areas, though not specific gangs, the map truly breaks down all of the city's 'hoods from Exit 9 (Joy Road) to Chedda Ave.
What is America's most Hispanic city? ›Los Angeles, California: Of the 3.8 million people who live there, 1.8 million are of Latino origin, representing 47% of the total.
Is there a lot of Mexicans in Detroit? ›Within Metro Detroit overall, Mexicans are the third-largest immigrant group. In Macomb and Oakland counties, the Mexican populations are among the ten largest immigrant groups in each county.
What percent of Detroit is Mexican? ›Race and Ethnicity
7.75% of the people in Detroit, MI are hispanic (52.1k people).
Birmingham, Michigan is perhaps the wealthiest suburb of Detroit. This is enough to put it right near the top for us. It is located 20 miles north of the center of Detroit along the Woodward corridor.
What are the rich neighborhoods of Detroit? ›The wealthiest neighborhood in Detroit is University West is s small neighborhood and Detroit's wealthiest neighborhood. The median home price is $761,490, which is more expensive than 99.1% of the neighborhoods in Michigan and 88.7% of the neighborhoods in the U.S.
What is Detroit most famous street? ›The city's main thoroughfare M-1 (Woodward Avenue) links Downtown to Midtown, New Center, and the North End. Downtown contains much historic architecture, including prominent skyscrapers, ranging from the Renaissance Center, the Penobscot Building, One Detroit Center, and the Guardian Building.
Who is the largest immigrant population in Detroit? ›A 2013 report by the Global Detroit and Data Driven Detroit stated that of the immigrant ethnic groups to Metro Detroit, the largest segment is the Indian population.
What are the largest immigrant groups in Detroit? ›However, the largest Detroit immigration group was Canadians. The main reason for the boom years of immigration in Detroit was the rapid expansion of the automobile industry.
Where do Hispanics live in Detroit? ›
Many live in southwest Detroit, also known as Mexicantown; a vibrant community less than two miles from downtown. Detroiters frequent the neighborhood to enjoy great food, music, and to experience a different culture.
What is the richest small town in Michigan? ›Huntington Woods is one of the richest residential areas in Michigan. This city is well-known for its abundance of single-family residences – nearly 2,364 within 1.49 square miles.
What is the most white city in Michigan? ›Grand Rapids is home to the largest number of white residents. The census counted 119,881 white people in the city, a decrease of 1,530 since 2010. Grand Rapids contains 3% of Michigan's non-white residents.
What is the fastest growing town in Michigan? ›Dearborn and Dearborn Heights
Population growth in the past few years has topped 12%, and home prices are well below state and national averages. Typical home values are $216,000, rising from $153,000 in 2020.
Of the region's two core states, Phoenix is the largest city in the Southwest, with over 1.7 million people.
What are 5 fun facts about the Southwest region? ›Amazing Southwest Facts
The region's main food is called Tex-Mex, a blend of American and authentic Mexican food. One of the most abundant resources in the Southwest is oil. Locals call it black gold. Even though the region is hot and dry, it can get very cold and snowy in the higher mountain elevations.
Southwest Airlines was incorporated in Texas and commenced Customer Service on June 18, 1971, with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three Texas cities—Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio—and grew to become a major airline in 1989 when it exceeded the billion-dollar revenue mark.
Do Mexican resorts accept Canadian money? ›Cambios will accept Canadian cash, just no coins, yes. But we always just get pesos from the ATM, it's easy and you get the best rates that way- just get out large amounts per transaction (5000 pesos or more) to reduce service fees. Store excess in room safe, take out a day's worth every morning.
Where can I exchange Canadian money in Detroit? ›- Currency Exchange Near Me. Detroit, MI. All "Currency Exchange" results in Detroit, MI. ...
- Foreign Currency Exchange Services. 14.6 mi. ...
- American Currency Exchange. 14.8 mi. ...
- Atlantic Xchange. 4.2 mi. ...
- Chase Bank. 11.7 mi. ...
- Windsor Station Currency Exchange. 5.1 mi. ...
- ICE Currency Exchange. 3.1 mi. ...
- Chase Bank. 3.1 mi.
The Canadian dollar was established in 1871 as an official national currency and is used only in Canada.
Where can you turn in Canadian money for American? ›
- Banks.
- Currency exchanges in shopping malls and tourist areas.
- Online through Canada Post.
- Online through an online currency exchange service.
- Foreign exchange kiosks in airports.
Is $100 in Mexico a lot? With today's exchange rates, $100 USD is about $1,900 – $2,000 MXN. Compared to wages, $1,900 MXN is about weeks' worth of salary for most manual labor jobs outside the major cities of Mexico. So for locals that have basic day labor jobs, it is a decent amount of money.
How much cash do I need to declare Mexico? ›If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.
How much is $5 pesos in U.S. dollars? ›5 MXN to USD – Mexican Pesos to US Dollars
How much is $5.00 – the five 🇲🇽 mexican pesos is worth $0.279 (USD) today or 💵 Zero us dollars 28 cents as of 14:00PM UTC. We utilize mid-market currency rates to convert MXN against USD currency pair.
1 USD = 1.34115 CAD Feb 05, 2023 08:09 UTC
The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
Exchanging money in advance is not necessary. In fact, most places will accept either US or Canadian dollars.
Can I use U.S. dollars cash in Canada? ›All of Canada uses the Canadian dollar, however certain retailers throughout the country will accept the US dollar as a form of payment for goods. We highly suggest you to use the local currency to pay for goods and services.
Are $2 bills worth anything? ›Generally speaking, a $2 bill is typically worth $2 if it was produced between 1976 and 2013. Even an uncirculated $2 bill won't be worth more than face value if it was printed after 1976.
Where is $1 worth the most? ›- Spain. gatsi/Adobe. ...
- Peru. Pakhnyushchyy/Adobe. ...
- Bangladesh. giusparta/Adobe. ...
- South Africa. Thomas/Adobe. ...
- Vietnam. Hanoi Photography/Adobe. ...
- Mexico. JoseLuis/Adobe. ...
- Hungary. Noppasinw/Adobe. ...
- Egypt. AlexAnton/Adobe.
Categories of U.S. Paper Money
They are typically worth between $2-$20 for $1 bills, $10-$12 for $5 bills, and $30-$5,000 for $10 bills — all depending on the year of issue. Gold Certificates are bills issued between 1863 and 1933 in denominations ranging from $10 to $10,000.
Can I use my US debit card in Canada? ›
Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions.
How much is $200 Canadian in US? ›200 Canadian Dollar = 146.263430 US Dollar (USD)
Can I deposit Canadian cash in US bank? ›Do banks accept foreign currency in the US? Some banks may let you exchange unspent foreign currency you bring back to the U.S., but you generally won't be able to deposit foreign money into your checking or savings account. Instead, you'll have to exchange foreign currency for dollars before making a deposit.