A $1 million upgrade is coming to Detroit’s Chinatown.
The once vibrant pocket of Midtown, between Peterboro Street and Cass Avenue, is set for a significant refresh that will restore it to its authentic roots.
“My dad was the former unofficial mayor of Chinatown for many years; he owned various restaurants throughout the years, including the Forbidden City, which is in the proposed area,” said Lisa Yee-Litzenberg.
Yee-Litzenberg recalls Lunar New Year celebrations and other events that brought excitement and culture to the area.
On Monday (March 10), Yee-Litzenberg serves on the Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee.
She was thrilled to see how many people participated in the first steps of the process.
Monday evening, dozens of people packed a community meeting held by Midtown Detroit.
The goal was to gather residents’ ideas about what architectural features and designs they’d like to see in the new Chinatown.
To Melaine Markowicz, Executive Director of Midtown Detroit, the turnout meant one thing.
“Not only is there a lot of momentum and enthusiasm for this project, it really means something to people.”
Senator Stephanie Chang, who helped secure the $1 million in state funding for the project, was also in attendance.
Chang is excited to see Chinatown’s impact on the broader community.
“I hope it’ll also be a catalyst for positive growth for the neighborhood,” Chang said.
The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee will host a celebration from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 26, 2025. More details will follow.
Yee-Litzenberg says it will be yet another opportunity for people to express their ideas and wishes for Chinatown.