Reclaiming Detroit, One House At A Time!

I'm fascinated how neighbourhoods form, how different parts of a city attract different ethnicities or social classes and develop their own personality.

Dr Bob, a Chiropractor, bought a cheap house in a predominately black neighbourhood on the Detroit City side of 8 mile 15 years ago.

8 mile forms a racial and economic divide in Detroit. It's kinda fascinating to see, never have I visited a place where things appear better the further out from the CDB you get!

On the CBD side of 8 mile, things are really fucked up; whole blocks of the city having only one or two houses, nature coming back with shoulder high grass and wild animals, burnt out shells of deserted houses, poverty, limited services such as transport, crime, crack houses, very few places to buy essentials like food.

Dr Bob saw opportunities, he bought the surrounding vacant blocks around his house, learnt to farm and put in the veggies. He set up a organic veggie cafe and healing centre.

Other people, encouraged by his lead, moved into the vacant deserted houses around him. He helped them, with water, food. A community formed, everyone watching out for each other

This is the rebirth of Detroit.

[christopherallen]

one thing I noticed about Detroit was how green it is during the summer.. amazing.

[happyisthealero]

At least this guy is paying his taxes, and providing for his local community, rather than sponging off the system.

[anitaquick]

Thank You. Dr. Bob Detroit was a beautiful city and will be again.

[thomastherriault]

This is a great glimpse into the very near future. This is how We will exist going forward. Thank you so much.

[Austins_Corner]

Great video. It has been like almost 10 years since I have been there and I would be amazed to see what it looks like now. 

[reverendsharptoon]

his house increased in value $400. in one minute, wow! First he said I paid $1400. for the house, one minute later, he says he paid $1800.

[ayngelina]

Really enjoy this series in Detroit from Overlander.tv 

[da_gamers_loft]

I love what you do, wish you best of luck, i would love to visit this place one day!

[andrewkimball]

Urban farming is the key to saving Detroit.

[deborahdanhauer]

I love that they are occupying the old homes and planting gardens and raising chickens etc....that's wonderful.
He did say eventually, they want to get rid of the houses and live in nature as intended.
Humans can't live through a Detroit winter without shelter. He knows that. So what was he talking about? Did I miss something?

[whiteGirl]

Go Dr. Bob.If you can see it, you can, do it.Please rebuild Detroit.Do not, let it, go down, the tubes. The next thing, they need, to do, is, bring industry, in to detroit....You are, doing a great thing, by, trying, to revitalize, the house, and area.My hat, is off, to you...Your

[GeographicScholar]

This is what Detroit needs. More people coming in and reclaiming the city. Detroit still has potential. Detroit, more than just automobiles Why geography is very important for Detroit

[dashjeffreys]

Is there an update on how Dr, Bob is doing these days?

[FREDNELSON]

Detroit is a City that is sad and yet enchanting!!!! I know because I grew up here in the 70's when it was still a decent place to live. When I get out of the US ARMY I am coming home to reclaim my City. And help restore it back to what it use to be instead of the nightmare I have witnessed it  become.  PEOPLE need opportunity, Activities, Free programs, And help for the poor. And I might even run for MAYOR and  clean house of every corrupt official, police officers, city workers, city council members, friend of the court thieves, And all of the other scum that has brought my beautiful City to this horribly sad demise.. P.S. US SOLDIER OUT. I AM ALMOST IN TEARS LOOKING AT THE MOTOR CITY OF DETROIT. Mayor Coleman A. Young would be cursing in his grave right now. Saying these words: " What The Fuck Happen To My City "

[s_kid.]

This is how all you guys in detroit should be, like this guy, buy yourself a cheap house, renovate it, live in it and be proud !!

[dashjeffreys]

Stay safe! It seems Detroit has the same vibe of the great explorers who went west. A sense of making it work against the odds. A sense of what it used to mean to be an American. I admire these people. Good luck.

[rocket]

These surely were handsome neighbourhoods at one point. What Id give to find a house for such a pittance..no matter what the challenges.

[jimjones]

what area is this I need a cheap house. with nice neighbors

[krisraps]

in detroit there is a tonn of wood around to get, stove is the best way to go when you dont have money

[patsgarage]

I dont agree with squatting. The prices r so low....actually buy the property!!! Thumbs up to everything else. Seems like a nice neighborhood. I also agree that urban farming is the way to go. Get rid of the eyesore houses (the burnt out ones that cant be saved) and replace it with greenery and food!!