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Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

New psychiatric hospital opens this fall

The Northville campus will serve adults, children and adolescents amid high need for mental health services.

Health

Construction has finished on a new state-run psychiatric hospital serving Southeast Michigan.Why it matters: Need is high and beds are limited for people experiencing severe mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Detroit automakers face shrinking growth options amid China rise

Years of betting on pickups and SUVs have left Detroit vulnerable to global rivals like China.

Business Brief

Detroit&#x27;s automakers are running out of room to grow after years of retreating toward their most defensible turf: pickups and SUVs.The big picture: Japanese and Korean rivals are taking more U.S. market share, while Chinese competitors are squeezing Detroit overseas.

Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening

We sampled the viral chain's burgers, wings and peach pudding.

Things to Do

Slutty Vegan, the viral and vulgar plant-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" data-vars-content-id="ad7fbbbb-6f30-48d4-920e-a03326458af9" data-vars-headline="Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" target="_self">restaurant chain</a>, is getting closer to opening its first Detroit location.Dig in: During a recent Axios work retreat in Atlanta, Georgia native and repeat customer Kristen Swilley took Axios&#x27; Casey Weldon and editor Tyler Buchanan to see what all the fuss is about.

Fifth Third invests $20M in northeast Detroit neighborhoods

The investment will target housing, jobs and small businesses in G7 and Denby/Whittier.

Business

Fifth Third Bank is investing $20 million in one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically disinvested areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/12/detroits-g7-area-overhaul-dangerous-gratiot" data-vars-content-id="074ec4d2-12e8-44c7-8931-54cbb22fe45d" data-vars-headline="Fifth Third invests $20M in northeast Detroit neighborhoods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/12/detroits-g7-area-overhaul-dangerous-gratiot" target="_self">historically disinvested areas</a> of Detroit.Why it matters: The bank&#x27;s commitment comes as Mayor Mary Sheffield pushes for more investment outside downtown.

Gordie Howe opening puts Historic Fort Wayne in focus

Bridge traffic is bringing fresh attention to the park with neglected buildings.

Development

The Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="walking path" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/05/gordie-howe-bridge-bike-canada-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="4550000a-cd4a-426f-9b63-ba1bcc3ecd73" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe opening puts Historic Fort Wayne in focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/05/gordie-howe-bridge-bike-canada-opening-day" target="_self">walking path</a> is bringing new visitors to a historic park — and raising questions about its future.Why it matters: Detroit has struggled to breathe new life into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic Fort Wayne" data-vars-click-url="https://www.historicfortwayne.org/" data-vars-content-id="4550000a-cd4a-426f-9b63-ba1bcc3ecd73" data-vars-headline="Gordie Howe opening puts Historic Fort Wayne in focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.historicfortwayne.org/" target="_blank">Historic Fort Wayne</a>, the sprawling military and Indigenous site.

Cosm Detroit opens downtown

The immersive venue brings live sports, movies and an 87-foot dome downtown.

Theater venue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cosm Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/02/cosm-dome-construction-progress-fall-opening-sports" data-vars-content-id="eb2c0776-46dc-41d8-9bb4-8a0a814760db" data-vars-headline="Cosm Detroit opens downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/02/cosm-dome-construction-progress-fall-opening-sports" target="_self">Cosm Detroit</a> opened Thursday next to Campus Martius after months of anticipation.Why it matters: The new downtown attraction, with an 87-foot-diameter dome screen, is meant to immerse viewers in the action of a football game or movie.

Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio

The new east-side space will offer ceramic art programming for all ability levels.

Culture

Historic pottery center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pewabic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewabic.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopN-kyPWTbb-OaAB2duDgl5E_rb3LjVuqoP8giRbUfQagNUZsuf" data-vars-content-id="72ca9cc8-7c71-4f70-a69a-f4f827e8544f" data-vars-headline="Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewabic.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopN-kyPWTbb-OaAB2duDgl5E_rb3LjVuqoP8giRbUfQagNUZsuf" target="_blank">Pewabic</a> is opening a new location.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pewabic Neighborhood Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewabic.org/pages/neighborhood-studio" data-vars-content-id="72ca9cc8-7c71-4f70-a69a-f4f827e8544f" data-vars-headline="Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewabic.org/pages/neighborhood-studio" target="_blank">Pewabic Neighborhood Studio</a> will allow Pewabic to offer a wider range of public-facing programs for people of all ability levels interested in ceramic arts.

A historic hospital's legacy for Black health care

Detroit's former Dunbar Memorial Hospital was founded to tackle gaps in medial care amid the Great Migration.

History

Black doctors founded Dunbar Memorial Hospital in the late 1910s to tackle a glaring gap in medical care amid the Great Migration.Why it matters: The building, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="designated as a historic site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/places/dunbar-hospital.htm" data-vars-content-id="cb066313-9784-4ef4-9e08-924808fb2027" data-vars-headline="A historic hospital&#x27;s legacy for Black health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/places/dunbar-hospital.htm" target="_blank">designated as a historic site</a> near Detroit&#x27;s cultural center, is a physical reminder of how Black physicians built their own institutions to provide health care when patients were shut out of traditional care.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

Residents want more time and influence over the massive riverfront redevelopment.

Developers seeking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remake the Renaissance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">remake the Renaissance Center</a> made their opening arguments Tuesday at Detroit city hall. The initial response was skeptical.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first public meeting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" target="_self">first public meeting</a> exposed an early tension over whether a project developers say will benefit all Detroiters is giving residents enough time and influence to shape it.

A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1

An Axios reporter traversed the bridge on opening day, talking with locals.

🚲 Annalise here. On Wednesday morning, two wheels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">took me</a> to another country and back.Why it matters: Canadians and Americans marveled together while traversing the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s free, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="82732f90-2042-4f89-a66d-b08111e6c621" data-vars-headline="A bridge, a bear and unicycles: Biking the Gordie Howe on Day 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/04/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-opens-what-to-know" target="_self">long-awaited</a> pedestrian and cycling pathway for the first time.

New hub aims to support local filmmakers

Free workspaces, screenings and artist residencies are coming to Detroit's Little Village.

Local filmmakers are getting a new early-career support center on the east side.Why it matters: Detroit&#x27;s arts community includes a long tradition of filmmaking, but some feel there&#x27;s limited opportunity to screen local films, learn and share ideas across the industry.

Detroit hands solar projects to DTE

The transfer prevents further delays, but also presents a costly and controversial change.

Environment

Detroit City Council approved a plan to transfer three neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" data-vars-content-id="2713fa34-62bc-466f-9606-8d3c61ef8341" data-vars-headline="Detroit hands solar projects to DTE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/07/10/detroit-city-council-considers-neighborhood-solar-fields" target="_self">solar projects</a> to DTE Energy&#x27;s purview.The big picture: The switch away from Boston-based contractor Lightstar Renewables is needed so the solar developments can move forward without further delay, city officials say.

Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters

Construction could begin this summer as fundraising tops 70% of goal.

Detroit PBS is preparing to break ground on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-planned headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/30/detroit-pbs-headquarters-move-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/30/detroit-pbs-headquarters-move-funding-cuts" target="_self">long-planned headquarters</a> in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood with fundraising support following last year&#x27;s federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public media cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/22/wdet-faces-federal-funding-cuts" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/07/22/wdet-faces-federal-funding-cuts" target="_self">public media cuts</a>.Why it matters: The project will bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit PBS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitpbs.org/" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitpbs.org/" target="_blank">Detroit PBS</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90.9 WRCJ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wrcjfm.org/" data-vars-content-id="2366a298-8b0a-4f65-ae68-df1fda9ca48b" data-vars-headline="Detroit PBS nears groundbreaking on new headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wrcjfm.org/" target="_blank">90.9 WRCJ</a>, a classical and jazz station, under the same roof for the first time, creating a new space for public media programming and community events.

Development 🏗️

Fifth Third invests $20M in northeast Detroit neighborhoods

Gordie Howe opening puts Historic Fort Wayne in focus

Cosm Detroit opens downtown

Pewabic expands with new neighborhood studio

A historic hospital's legacy for Black health care