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A prosperous past - In the early 20th century, Detroit was a booming metropolis. Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903, earning Detroit the nickname "The Motor City."

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A massive black market - During the Prohibition era, it is estimated that up to 75% of illegal liquor was smuggled through Detroit's waterways, according to Mental Floss. (Photo by Kahari king on Unsplash)

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The Great Migration - As industrial jobs exponentially expanded throughout the city, over 400,000 people flocked to Detroit between 1941 and 1943.

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Shifting population - At its peak in 1950, Detroit was the fifth largest US city, with a population of 1,849,568. However since then it has declined nearly 60%, with a current population of just over 670,000.

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The birthplace of Motown - The legendary music label Motown Records was founded in Detroit by Berry Gordon Jr. on April 14, 1960. The company remained in the Motor City until it moved to Los Angeles in 1972, marking the city's overall decline.

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Falling on hard times - The collapse of the auto industry deeply impacted this Michigan metro area. Between 1947 and 1963, the city lost over 140,000 manufacturing jobs. (Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash)

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Pervasive problems - This ultimately led to widespread poverty, high crime rates, and massive urban decay, with thousands of abandoned buildings scattered around the city. (Photo by Glen . on Unsplash)

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A city in deep debt - In 2013, Detroit was the largest US metropolitan area to file for bankruptcy with an astonishing debt of nearly US$18.5 billion. (Photo by Tim Arterbury on Unsplash)

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A new chapter begins - However in the last few years, the Motor City has shown remarkable signs of recovery. It was even named the second best city to visit in the world in 2018 by Lonely Planet.

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Out with the old and in with the new - The city has been undergoing a massive transformation, with once abandoned and decaying buildings being turned into art galleries, distilleries, and chic shops. (Photo by Jorge Flores on Unsplash)

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A brand new culinary center - In recent years, the Motor City began forging its new future as a trendy culinary hub. Its classic Coney dogs and Greek bites are still alive and well, but with new additions of French bistros and burger bars with locally sourced ingredients. (Photo by Jorge Flores on Unsplash)

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A dreamland for creatives - The city's revamp has brought in art-lovers from far and wide for its array of intriguing art galleries, and even more so for its incredible collection of street art. (Photo by Jorge Flores on Unsplash)

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Farmers market frenzy - Empty parking lots throughout Detroit are being converted into community operated urban farms which sell their own locally grown produce to high-end eateries around the city.

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Delightful distilleries - Craft beer and local liquors are made on-site in sophisticated gastropubs that were once abandoned warehouses. (Photo by Stanford Smith on Unsplash)

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Change for the better - Several previously vacant buildings have also been turned into museums and hip hotels for adventurous travelers who want the authentic Detroit experience. (Photo by Jorge Flores on Unsplash)

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Let the games begin - Downtown Detroit is being brought back to life, with brand new hockey and baseball arenas for sports fans to enjoy.

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An expansion of open spaces - The Riverwalk, an already popular Detroit destination, will be extended to Belle Island, and three new parks are being created around the city.

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Starting anew - Several landmark buildings across the city that have been worn down over the years are being renovated and converted into hotels, condominiums, and cultural centers.

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Bike-lovers rejoice! - Speaking of bike culture, the Joe Louis Greenway is finally in motion. This 26-mile non-motorized pathway will give Detroit residents and visitors a way to enjoy the city and bypass traffic jams.

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Transportation triumph - For those who want to get around town in an energy efficient and healthy way, there will be a new 43-station bike-share system set up in the downtown Detroit metro area.

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Bringing back the beauty - The residential areas in the Brush Park Historic District are in for a major overhaul. Mansions are being restored to their original pristine state and hundreds of new apartments, condos, and townhouses are popping up.

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Railway revival - After years of poor public transportation, the QLine streetcar has revolutionized transportation in the Motor City, making visiting Detroit's hot spots easier than ever.

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Train station transformation - One of the largest construction undertakings by the city was the restoration of the Michigan Central Station, which had new windows, facilities, and elevators installed in 2015.

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An architectural marvel - With all of the new restorations breathing life into the once run-down urban area, beautiful gothic-style buildings such as the Detroit Masonic Temple are finally getting the attention they deserve. (Photo by Alex Brisbey on Unsplash)

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From crumbling to cool - Many of the Detroit's dilapidated buildings have been repurposed into museums that showcase the city's fascinating history. (Photo by Andrew Amistad on Unsplash)

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Curtain call - The famous Fox Theatre opened its doors in 1928 and was last renovated in 1989. This performing arts center still remains one of Detroit's most prominent cultural symbols.  (Photo by Ryan Pouncy on Unsplash)

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Bright and brilliant - A city which at one time had nearly 40% of its public street lamps not functioning is lit up once more. Between 2014 and 2016 nearly 65,000 LED lights were installed around Detroit, setting a US record. (Photo by Boris Crowther on Unsplash)

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Turning the page on the past -

It seems now that this city, which was once considered an urban wasteland, is in the midst of a renaissance, with a potential for even more greatness than its Motor City past. (Photo by Doug Zuba on Unsplash)

See also: Exploring Michigan's magic.

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