Curbed Cup 1st Round: (4) Midtown vs. (13) Southwest

Midtown

Midtown had a few big developments this year. The Forest Arms opened to residents after a long renovation process. The Hammer and Nail Building is now The Plaza, and will open sometime next year. Some new affordable apartments are now open, as is The Strathmore. Rock City Eatery and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken added more tasty options to the neighborhood. Oh, and West Elm will be opening a hotel here in a couple years and The Selden will bring new condos next to Honest? John’s. And prices continued to rise as the M-1 rail nears completion and the neighboring Arena readies for its 2017 opening.

Southwest

Michelle & Chris Gerard

Which neighborhood in Detroit has density, single-family homes, shops, grocery stores, and a strong, vibrant community? Southwest, while encompassing a large part of the city (and a large population) has all of it. It’s on the city’s radar for the 20-minute neighborhood initiative, meaning you should be able to get what you need in a 20-minute walk or bike ride. We saw a few great houses here, including this one and the neighborhood welcomed Open Streets. It may not get the development news like other neighborhoods, but it is one of the most thriving places in the city.