Detroit

blue

Axios Detroit Partners

Axios Detroit

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Detroit Alerts

Alert

Detroit Members

Membership

Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

News

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Where to find a trendy Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit

Where to find the Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit.

The spritz is looking a little less orange these days.The big picture: Although Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, the pale green Hugo spritz — typically made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and soda water with mint and lime for garnish — is emerging as a major summer cocktail.

CPA Building on the market again in Corktown

The building near Michigan Central is for sale for $2.5 million.

Real Estate

It feels like the right time to try again to sell the long-vacant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPA Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" data-vars-content-id="93277ae7-360b-4eeb-9971-dca5faa935af" data-vars-headline="CPA Building on the market again in Corktown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" target="_self">CPA Building</a> on a well-known corner of Corktown, ownership representative Robert Zalkin tells Axios.The big picture: The wedge-shaped, six-story building across from Michigan Central is now listed for $2.5 million by O&#x27;Connor Real Estate in the quick-changing, price-rising neighborhood near downtown.

The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit

More high-end homes are selling, even as local prices slip.

Demand for luxury homes is rising amid an economic boom for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rich Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rich-americans-thriving-while-80-200000627.html" data-vars-content-id="97801353-9a75-449f-bdc9-106843577793" data-vars-headline="The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rich-americans-thriving-while-80-200000627.html" target="_blank">rich Americans</a>.Why it matters: This is the K-shaped economy in action, a thriving upper class and everyone else stagnating or falling.

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit

Prices are rising as buyers navigate rates and tight affordability.

Homebuyers and sellers, prepare yourselves! Peak season is coming for you.Why it matters: Spring into summer is the most competitive time for buying a home.

How to pick a mortgage lender in Detroit

Local housing pros say trust and taking a class help most in picking a lender.

Picking a mortgage lender is one of the biggest decisions you&#x27;ll make when buying a house, and it&#x27;s a complex one.Why it matters: Who you trust with this major investment affects everything from your rate and closing costs to the speed of closing and how satisfied you are at the end.

More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords

Some homeowners are renting instead of selling as homes take longer to move.

More Detroit home sellers are becoming what Zillow calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="d16de38c-15a4-4ec5-9984-a8acde3c6543" data-vars-headline="More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The move from hopeful seller to landlord has reached its highest level since late 2022, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="d16de38c-15a4-4ec5-9984-a8acde3c6543" data-vars-headline="More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> topped 7%.

Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate

Officials question whether zoning changes alone will lower housing costs.

A plan to ease <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" target="_self">housing costs</a> by loosening zoning rules is drawing pushback from local officials and planners, who say the approach alone won&#x27;t guarantee affordability.Why it matters: Michigan faces a significant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" target="_blank">housing shortage</a>, with rising prices pushing first-time buyers out of the market.

Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing

City leaders are exploring avenues to make it easier and more affordable to build new homes.

Business

Detroit hopes to attract innovative homebuilding companies like 3D printers as it seeks creative strategies to build housing on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" target="_self">vacant land</a>.Why it matters: Homeownership is seen as a pathway to building generational wealth in a city where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poverty is on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" target="_self">poverty is on the rise</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Hudson's Detroit condos now for sale

Presales have begun for 96 condos in Hudson's tower, priced from $600K.

Potential buyers for new high-rise condos at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hudson&#x27;s Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" data-vars-content-id="a450fafe-d58a-407e-8bcb-5ef4b1057929" data-vars-headline="Hudson&#x27;s Detroit condos now for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" target="_self">Hudson&#x27;s Detroit</a> can make their move.Why it matters: Tuesday&#x27;s presale launch was the first time condos at Hudson&#x27;s downtown development have been formally offered.

Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly

Rents in Detroit dipped slightly, but many renters still face high housing costs.

Detroit&#x27;s median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" data-vars-content-id="83f4acdd-4e29-4a26-89f8-dff32a5ca384" data-vars-headline="Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" target="_self">rent</a> is down slightly in 2026 compared to last year, while other Midwestern cities aren&#x27;t so lucky.Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many.

Real Estate 🏠

CPA Building on the market again in Corktown

The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit

How to pick a mortgage lender in Detroit

More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords