History
The Virginia Park Historic District is an example of a well preserved late nineteenth to early twentieth century residential community. The residences are testimonials to the wealth of early Virginia Park residents, as the area was conceived as an upper-middle class enclave. Many homes were completed by prominent Detroit architects, and display a diversity of architectural styles. The district was laid out in 1893. Ninety-two lots were platted and each given a name (such as Tanglewood, Thisteldown, and Sorrento) in the original plat. The developers placed a number of restrictions on area to ensure an attractive community. This quiet boulevard attracted a mix of businessmen and professionals. Due to the increasing commercialization of Woodward, as early as 1910 homeowners were concerned about the effect this would have on property values. This spurred the Virginia Avenue Improvement Association, whose goal was to re-landscape the subdivision, and who developed an attractive entranceway to the community. In 1979, General Motors announced its plan to renovate the area north of their World Headquarters. This fostered rehabilitation in the Virginia Park district.
The Virginia Park Historic District is located in the New Center area of Detroit. New Center is home to many thriving businesses large and small. The beautiful Fisher Building, as well as Cadillac Place and the Argonaut Building are a few of the late architect Albert Kahn's masterpieces that call New Center home. Henry Ford Hospital anchors this neighborhood with its massive award winning complex. The State of Michigan is another major employer and the anchor tenant of Cadillac Place, the former headquarters of General Motors. New Center Council, the non-profit organization that worked for many years making New Center an attractive destination to work, live and play, has now merged with the University Cultural Center Association to form Midtown Detroit Inc. Under the proven and respected leadership of Susan Mosey, Midtown Detroit Inc. is already making a noticeable and positive impact on life and business in New Center.
Virginia Park residents can enjoy the free programming at nearby New Center Park on many a Summer afternoon and evening. Neighbors get together at this new venue to hear live music performed on stage while enjoying food and drink from the parks food court and bar. Movie night is another popular attraction at New Center Park, with families walking or biking from Virginia Park Street, the brownstones lining Seward Street and historic New Center Commons.
Midtown Detroit Inc. is currently working with developers and residents to preserve the historic and architecturally significant buildings of New Center and further strengthening the quality of life here. Midtown Detroit Inc. is currently working with the non-profit Parks of New Center organization on funding major improvements and the ongoing maintenance of area green spaces.
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