The Friends of the Milwaukee Junction (FMJ) is a group brought together to preserve and rebuild one of the most historical parts of Detroit, by meshing history, art, environmentalism, and community building.
The Milwaukee Junction is a part of the city that rests between East Grand Boulevard, Clay St., St Aubin St/Hamtramck Dr., Woodward Ave., I-94/75 and Warren Rd. It includes some of the best historical parts of Detroit and the early days of automotive history. At one point this area was the capital of the automotive world.
FMJ featured projects help to bring together this history for a sense of pride in the community, while rebuilding and revamping Detroit. Two more recent projects include a wall art piece completed by DETROIT LIVES! and trying to brighten Brush Street viaduct.
DETROIT LIVES! worked with a Milwaukee Junction building owner, and created a wonderful piece of art reading “We Khan do it”- Khan relating back to the famous architect Albert Khan. This piece seamlessly wove history, art, and community build together, and added a valuable bight spot to the city.
Another project of FMJ is to light up the Brush Street viaduct and make the area safer for the veterans whom live in nearby housing. Not only does FMJ want to light up this street but they want to do it with solar street lamps, making the street safe and green.
The Friends of the Milwaukee Junction are using this historical information in order to bring back not only a sense of beauty to the city but also a sense of pride. By infusing the already rich history of the community with art and restoration projects this group is working hard to bring Detroit back to its better days with a modern twist. If you would like to help or want more information on the projects of FMJ please visit www.greeningdetroit.com/friends-of-milwaukee-junction/.
Author: Klaire Balmas – Reporter/Historian, representing GreeningDetroit.com
