Five Points

[nain rouge]

Does anyone have any historical information on Detroit's "five point" intersection at Grand River and 7 Mile? It looks to me like it must've been altered at some point when "Michigan lefts" were added on Grand River. It seems as if Five Points Street must've run straight through Grand River at one point, though I can't say for sure.

Just looking at the map, it's a screwy area. I don't know why they even bothered to have Five Points Street connect with the modern Grand River with 7 Mile "in the way", and there's that weird Albert Street nearby breaking up the grid with another funky angle. And plus there's all those "fake"/old Grand River Aves running parallel to the real Grand River. In fact, Five Points runs through one of the imposter Grand Rivers.

What the heck, Detroit?

[paulj313]

I think you may be right, the intersection in question is to the right.

[Danny]

In 1929 after Redford Township went bankrupt, Detroit annexed 65 to 85 percent of the 6x6 grid mile area. Five Points from 8 Mile Rd. to Puritan St. is part of the border being set by the Michigan Legislature.

Five Points will also be part of the proposed street grid sub-division called 'The Eye'. Fewer homes and businesses were built in that area of 7 Mile Rd. and Grand River. The rest of the grid like streets had remained underdeveloped after the Great Depression. By the 1940s more housing was built during the WWII years and by the 1950s came quick suburban spawl. Redford TWP. became a Charter Township after 1948, its residents don't want what's left of the township to be part of Detroit, Livonia and Dearborn Heights.

[Scottathew]

It looks like Five Points and Brady used to go straight through.

The picture above can be found here: http://gigapan.com/gigapans/147450

[antongast]

What/where are the fake Grand Rivers? I've never noticed them.

[nain rouge]

On closer analysis, the fake Grand Rivers might be a mislabel by Google Maps. It's just a weird alley for businesses that stops and starts. Looking at those historic photos, it looks like the alleys predated the businesses in most spots.

Thanks for all the info.

[ThosWolfe]

On closer analysis, the fake Grand Rivers might be a mislabel by Google Maps. It's just a weird alley for businesses that stops and starts. Looking at those historic photos, it looks like the alleys predated the businesses in most spots.

Thanks for all the info.

Indeed, Google Maps mislabeled the alleys as Grand River and 5 points. I grew up in that neighborhood and walked down most of those streets/alleys. Not sure why Albert street was platted, there are a few houses on that short block.
5 Points has not gone straight through since the D.U.R./ D.S.R. trolley turnaround was at that corner.
Danny- Redford became a Charter Twp. 80s or 90s.
Snow job. General Law townships can get annexed. Charter Twps. better protected. BUT Charter Twps can tax like a city. Millage rate skyrocketed.
The Detroit boundaries were drawn to avoid annexing the historic Redford Cemetery at Puritan Telegraph and the notorious 'Casino' on west side of 5 points on Grand River.
About 1/2 of 'downtown' 5 Points was demolished to build Stark Hickey Ford.

[GMan]

Indeed, Google Maps mislabeled the alleys as Grand River and 5 points. I grew up in that neighborhood and walked down most of those streets/alleys. Not sure why Albert street was platted, there are a few houses on that short block.
5 Points has not gone straight through since the D.U.R./ D.S.R. trolley turnaround was at that corner.
Danny- Redford became a Charter Twp. 80s or 90s.
Snow job. General Law townships can get annexed. Charter Twps. better protected. BUT Charter Twps can tax like a city. Millage rate skyrocketed.
The Detroit boundaries were drawn to avoid annexing the historic Redford Cemetery at Puritan Telegraph and the notorious 'Casino' on west side of 5 points on Grand River.
About 1/2 of 'downtown' 5 Points was demolished to build Stark Hickey Ford.

Always curious to hear any history or see pictures of the area. I remember remnants of evidence of the old DUR line when passing through the area in the late sixties. I also was in the old "Casino" building after it was a furniture store and toured the upstairs. I heard that the building had quite a lively past life.

Here's an old thread on the area: http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...the-City/page2