Detroit - Palmer Woods
Palmer Woods is a historic Detroit neighborhood filled with homes crafted by world-renowned architects, tree-lined streets, and a nearby community-centered park.
Palmer Woods is one of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods, known for its winding streets, rich architecture, natural beauty, and history. The neighborhood is located right off Woodward Ave and is enclosed by Strathcona Drive (North and West), Seven Mile Road, and Woodward.
Bishop’s mansion. Photo credit: Skyview Experts
Palmer Woods was officially established in 1915 and celebrated its landmark 100th anniversary in 2015. The neighborhood is historically known for being a symbol of Black Detroit success and of Black success in America.
The homes in Palmer Woods are architecturally diverse and were designed by numerous famous architects, including Minoru Yamasaki, Albert Kahn, and Clarence Day. Homes of interest include the Dorothy G. Turkel House, the only home in Detroit designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Bishop’s mansion, a 35,000 square foot mansion that used to be inhabited by the bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.
Palmer Woods boasts a close-knit community with an array of neighborhood gatherings, including block club parties, concerts, estate sales, home tours, and informal gardening and walking groups. On the second Friday of every month, residents can participate in Friday Twos—a monthly gathering of Palmer Woods neighbors.
The neighborhood is home to the active Palmer Woods Association, whose mission is to engage residents to “preserve and enhance the social, economic, and historic integrity of Palmer Woods.”
Palmer Park. Photo credit: Detroit Parks Coalition
Palmer Woods is perfectly situated in the City of Detroit and offers nearby shopping and dining—including Gateway Maketplace and Livernois Avenue of Fashion. The neighborhood’s location offers easy access to nearby towns, such as Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Birmingham. Palmer Park, a beautiful, community-centered park at Woodward and Seven Mile, is the perfect spot to enjoy recreational activities and boasts tennis courts, a splash park, playground, Lake Frances and its lighthouse, a historic log cabin, and miles of wooded trails. Be sure to check out the annual Palmer Park Art Fair that features local art, music, and food trucks. Nearby in the area, the Detroit Golf Club offers a world-class golf course, fitness classes, tennis courts, and swimming.
