The Community
There are raw materials produced and refined, machine parts manufactured and distributed, goods shipped on rail and on water, autos and trucks repaired and sold, food produced and served, and establishments for entertainment in our district. .
This business community also resources homes, churches, and schools that followed the development of an industrial base as Detroit grew in the 1900’s. Home to waves of migrants from France, Canada, England, Poland, Finland, Italy, Africa, and Latin America, Oakwood Heights is a case study of industrial America in the 20th Century, and how jobs bring rich diversity to new areas.
Oakwood Heights is the hub of several noteworthy Detroit Areas and several adjacent municipalities. Springwells, Woodmere, Delray, Fort, Schaefer are historic areas of Detroit that all connect to Oakwood Heights. The cities of Dearborn, Melvindale, Ecorse, and River Rouge are also linked to Oakwood Heights as ties to their economy, history, and geography.
The Rouge River is a waterway running through Oakwood Heights, providing access for large freighters to deliver raw materials along the Great Lakes. It also provides for smaller ships to provide cruises for tourists and private parties along the Detroit River.
History
Two historic bridges provide crossings to Oakwood Heights along Fort and Dix avenues.
The Fort Street Overpass is a historic bridge due to the engineering challenges it overcame and it unique place in the history of road development in the U.S. A part of the “superhighway” designation of Fort Street in the 1920’s, this overpass was made to avert rail crossing delays and accidents. It was a joint venture between several railroad companies, the County of Wayne, the State of Michigan, and the City of Detroit-which had recently annexed the Village of Oakwood. This overpass was one of three overpasses in Wayne County and the most ambitious of the three, being wider by 44 ft. and longer by 1,100 ft. than the others.
Local Business
Giovanni’s Ristorante holds a unique distinction of being named one of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Named after an Italian immigrant to Southwest Detroit in 1909, Giovanni Cannarsa, it has grown from the carry out Giovanni’s Pizza Parlor into a world class restaurant. While the likes of Tony Bennett, Red Skelton, and Frank Sinatra have dined here, it is as warm and inviting to everyone as the Cannarsa home was in the 30’s. ACME Bolt
Advance Truck and Trailer
All Saints Parish
Aurora Studio
Bell Fork Lift
Bell Tire
Colberts
Courtesy Transfer
Cyano Corporation
Detroit Salt Company
