John Gallagher

Detroit Free Press

The City of Detroit's long-delayed revitalization of the downtown district known as Paradise Valley took a major step forward Wednesday with the selection of five teams to redevelop multiple buildings there.

Including the cost of buying the buildings from the city, the five teams will invest at least $52 million in the district formerly known as Harmonie Park. The city renamed the small tree-lined enclave several years ago to evoke the lost vibrancy of the old Paradise Valley district wiped out by urban renewal in the 1950s.

The five teams will create a range of new projects, including a boutique hotel, dozens of new residential apartments, retail and office space, a jazz club, more parking,and more.

►UPDATE:Jazz, boutique hotel, retail to anchor Paradise Valley

Five teams have been chosen to redevelop Detroit's Paradise Valley and will invest at least $45 million in their projects, according to the Detroit Downtown Development Authority.

Paradise Valley redevelopment projects include a boutique hotel, apartments, office and retail space.

Developers for Paradise Valley include businessmen Dennis Archer Jr., architect Rainy Hamilton and gallery owner George N'Namdi.

Once known as Harmonie Park, the district on the east side of downtown was renamed by the city several years ago to evoke the lost Paradise Valley area wiped out by urban renewal a half-century ago. Its future has been debated for years as many want to ensure that Detroit's renaissance includes a strong dose of African-American culture.