DETROIT – Some residents are celebrating the one-year anniversary of a transformative community project that has brought new life to the Gratiot corridor near 6 Mile Road on the city’s east side.
The initiative, known as the G7 Activation, has successfully converted three vacant city-owned lots into a vibrant community gathering space, centered around the Matrix Center, a comprehensive human services hub.
“This space has been an opportunity for us to bring the community together, but also having access to the resources that we currently offer at the Matrix Center,” says Starr Allen-Pettway, President and CEO of Matrix Human Services.
The project, part of the Gratiot /7 Mile Strategic Neighborhood Fund area, represents a collaborative effort between residents, businesses, artists, and community organizations.
The transformation has addressed long-standing concerns about blight, traffic safety, and neighborhood resources.
Local resident Elmo Parker has noticed the changes.
“They’ve been doing a lot of cleanups, cleaning out fields and stuff like that around here,” Parker said.
The Matrix Center has emerged as a cornerstone of the community revival, offering an array of services to area residents.
“When it comes to housing support, workforce development, or youth in the community, we have numerous resources available,” Allen-Pettway explains.
The center now provides:
- AAU youth programming
- Basketball programs
- Golf activities
- Community clinic services
- Workforce development resources
- Housing support services and other programs.
The momentum continues to build along the Gratiot corridor. The City of Detroit recently secured a $12.5 million Safe Streets for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These funds will support safety improvements along the entire Gratiot corridor, from 8 Mile Road to downtown Detroit.
The Strategic Activation project has demonstrated the corridor’s untapped potential, spurring additional improvements, including:
- Business façade enhancements
- Commercial redevelopment initiatives
- Expanded community programming
Neighbors said the G7 Activation project exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can catalyze positive change in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
It combines physical space improvements with essential human services to create a lasting impact.
