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Association seeks to return Woodward to 'Avenue' it once was

Debbie Schutt, Woodward Avenue Action Association help connect suburbs to city of Detroit

DETROIT – Every summer we see the classic cars of yesteryear traveling up and down Woodward Avenue. All that history on four wheels, yet the entire package of what Woodward Avenue is about is often overlooked.

"The heritage that most people drive by every single day and don't have a clue what they are looking at," Debbie Schutt said.

"Give me, like, one example of something that people don't realize about Woodward Avenue," Mitch Albom said.

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"There are 30 all-American roads in the United States. That's it," Schutt said. "Woodward Avenue is one, and that's because we have a story of national significance."

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There are nine national historic landmarks in the 27 miles, two counties and 11 municipalities that Woodward Avenue encompasses.

"You would be the person in the car going down Woodward Avenue going slower, slower, slower -- wait, look at that, look at that -- at every corner, you got another story," said Albom.

"That's it," Schutt said.

"But Woodward has a lot of stories, doesn't it?" Albom asked.

"A tremendous amount," said Schutt.

The Woodward Avenue Action Association plans to return Woodward to the "Avenue" that it once was with the addition of bike paths and improved retail space. The association plans to transform pieces of history into heritage centers and post signage, designating landmarks as historical sites.

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"More than any single road, the connector between the suburbs and the city, if anything is going to break down that barrier, it would be Woodward Avenue," Albom said.

"You got it. We would like to see 27 miles of economic health and sustainability. That's what our goal is," Schutt said.

Connecting the suburbs to the city, Schutt and the Woodward Avenue Action Association are reclaiming a piece of history in the heart of Detroit.

Heart of Detroit


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