The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of Detroit | Abandoned (Full Episode)

Detroit is the poster child for urban blight, but it's also the most hyped comeback city in the US. Rick gets the lowdown on the continued growing pains of the Motor City.
This episode of Abandoned first aired on VICE TV in 2016.
Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscrib...
About VICE:
The Definitive Guide To Enlightening Information. From every corner of the planet, our immersive, caustic, ground-breaking and often bizarre stories have changed the way people think about culture, crime, art, parties, fashion, protest, the internet and other subjects that don't even have names yet. Browse the growing library and discover corners of the world you never knew existed. Welcome to VICE.
Connect with VICE:
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com
More videos from the VICE network: www. vic...
Click here to get the best of VICE daily: bit.ly/1SquZ6v
Like VICE on Facebook: vice
Follow VICE on Twitter: / vice
Follow us on Instagram: / vice
Follow us on TikTok: www.tiktok.com...
The VICE KZbin Network:
VICE: / vice
MUNCHIES: / munchies
VICE News: / vicenews
VICELAND: / vicelandtv
Vice Life: / broadly
Noisey: / noisey
Motherboard: / motherboardtv
VICE Sports: / noc
i-D: / idmagazine
Waypoint: / waypointvice

[@jaywilliams2408]

Anyone that watched this episode learned that Detroit’s greatest asset is its people. Everyone that was interviewed was well spoken and very optimistic for the city’s future. These are the people that are making Detroit a better place.

[@Stacia.01]

@@thatv8life186omg the woke aganeda, who cares about the people in detroit, its about buisness and capital!!!

[@johncam8420]

better than Toronto, everyone wants theirs over here, absolute shithole. Very jealous of Detroit as a Torontonian.

[@grayfox2618]

Isn't it the people that caused it to be the way that it is?

[@perfectallycromulent]

i live in Boston, we have plenty of well spoken and optimistic people. they got those in Denver, Atlanta, Austin, and every other city that's growing and thriving.

[@Black_unity597]

@grey What caused it is the white greedy men looking for bigger profits and slave labor they closed down the plants and that’s why it is the way it is! Boy I swear the comments section is where people show their racism! If anybody is wondering the state of America or is racism is a thing of the past all they have to do is come to the comments section and the bigots will come right out!

[@cooldudecrashlion]

As a lifelong Detroit resident, I loved this. Skating at the WIG everyday after school and seeing it alive again in this documentary was emotional. Thanks shining a light on my city Vice.

[@thisguy1920]

This was 2016

[@os2958]

@@thisguy1920 Yes and it's even more true and good today!

[@kevettenoel3207]

@@thisguy1920 says a guy with 1920 in his handle. Sheesh 🙄

[@thisguy1920]

@@kevettenoel3207 First that makes no sense second yt added that for reasons I’m not aware of. Why do you have 3207 on yours?

[@onlyxans6920]

is the wig still there? also are the vipers still a thing? i remember the memes going around about the founder years ago lol

[@joephillip6514]

This abandoned series on vice is by far the best docu series they’ve done over the past couple of years. Quality cinematography and presentation by the host 👍👍👍

[@BrooklynBaby100]

One million percent agree…. This is from 2016… times changed since then sadly.

[@ToxicMetropolis]

I feel like VICE never earned the right to have that sweet intro about how they they acknowledge the problem with ruin porn, how these stories affect communities, etc. because this is basically what their whole model was all these years.

[@kylehenderson2718]

@@ToxicMetropolis Most "abandon porn" is just that - lurid pictures of ruins for people to gawk at for entertainment. I think what Rick and this series did was document the people that remain, how they still live, and most importantly how people are coming together to restore/rebuild/transform these areas. This isn't a vlogger driving around showing dilapidated buildings and addicts nodding out. The montage of people at the end of every episode showcases the HUMAN side of these neglected spaces - past, present, and future. Plus Rick fuckin rules, the cinematography rules, and the music rules.

[@FullSlamCunningham]

Unfortunately because it was old vice. Right before they went too far to one side.

[@public_grounds_tv]

This episode originally aired in 2016. Ford Motor Company has since rebuilt Michigan Central Station. They deserve credit for that. This was also one the best episodes of any show I’ve ever seen and played a part in my desire to buy the Public Grounds IP from its previous owner. Huge props to those all involved with his episode. It’s about time Vice put it out into the public domain.

[@soccerguy325]

Did it really?? Damn I'd love to see an update episode.

[@coreyf1204]

I was thinking, "why is Vice showing so much old footage?" These shots of Detroit are from over 5 years ago. A lot of what they showed looks completely different now: Midtown, Corktown, parts of Downtown, have much more redevelopment that has since been completed.

[@dettroitdominadora]

You can even see the cleanup and development happening into the neighborhoods now.

[@GivvyOfficial94]

If only vice could go back to doing good content

[@soccerguy325]

@@GivvyOfficial94 Lmfao you clearly do not watch enough VICE content then

[@MALogan-tc8sh]

As a Chicagoan with friends from Detroit from college, visiting it is a magical experience. There are no people in the world like Detroiters. Despite the ruin, I’ve had some GREAT times there. Even saw my first Bey concert there. Wishing everyone the best in this rebirth.

[@MALogan-tc8sh]

When he queued the song, I sang ‘But the money long as six mile brick mile knock..’

[@jonathanng138]

Then a basketball player comes rob you and gun you down

[@kenosabi]

Why yall always so f*ckin negative? Does it make you feel better? Do you post and feel like you've accomplished something for 30 seconds before running off to the next dumb thing that falls out of your c**k holster?

[@chrisbartolini1508]

@@jonathanng138Random acts of violence in Detroit are rare.

[@sim9373]

The BLACKS destroyed Detroit

[@mrwink258]

I’ve lived my whole life here. Always rooting for the people and this place that I Love. Stay Strong Detroit ❤

[@jackshowering6528]

I'm from the UK and I love the buildings the red brick looks amazing! I hope everyone can get what they want in life!

[@Gino_567]

I'm on google maps right now taking a drive through your city and all I see it potential. You guys have some absolutely beautiful houses that are just begging to be renovated / repaired. There's beautiful, lush trees everywhere. People with mini farms and tractors. Everything is green. I hope you guys get up and running.

[@janelebenson1102]

I'm so proud to be born and raised in Detroit. ❤

[@DefensisIndus]

This was breathtaking. Everyone from the elders to the youngsters in this episode were so kind, educated, and wise...

[@Metalmassacre07]

educated? high school diploma at the very best.

[@tennessee.tiger1988]

@@Metalmassacre07 You must be young. I'm college educated myself. Let me tell you, it has nothing to do with real world education.

[@DefensisIndus]

@@Metalmassacre07 This foo 😂 Okay, I'm sure a college diploma will most definitely bring success, but that doesn't always apply to every aspect of life 😂 Get out of your house, travel the world more, meet new people. Plenty of experience out there!

[@tannerpaisley-ve6dq]

@@Metalmassacre07 Agreed! Also it will be a dump as long as the people are the same.

[@miaouew]

stunning+brave™

[@0n3MindSpinning]

Detroits story is Americas story. I grew up in st.Louis and there’s a lot of similarities to Detroit. I’ll never understand how we as a people can become so disconnected and just forget about things and throw away the old for the new and soulless. Travel around the country and witness everything looking the same wherever you land. The monotony of the same businesses and building styles everywhere is as sad as the forgotten cities, towns, and communities 😢

[@Scriptorsilentum]

greed and television helped disconnect people. after all, meals were taken around a table, parents talking, an elderly third generation or two grand- telling of older times, kids listening, bonds being made and strengthened. most of the houses i've ever seen in detroit (hamtramck, certainly) easily accommodated three generations of family under one roof. then television came in, entertained us all but kids changed. marketing recognised the power of that medium. greed was always looking for a way in... i've driven through st. louis and detroit for years as a trucker and am always stunned to see entire apartment blocks with roofs caved in, windowless, trees growing out of them (!) and wondered where the hell did the people go? they were in such disrepair that no one wanted to live there? landlords couldn't - or wouldn't - maintain them? cars came along and it was easier to park in your own driveway in a suburban "development" than it was downtown. to get to the good paying jobs you needed a car - buses, streetcars, rail couldn't cut it (or city govts weren't interested in trying). the suburbs sucked the people from the centres. just a few thoughts.

[@aethulwulfvonstopphen8013]

Thats what happens when jay-ish people take over your country.

[@johnkeller5163]

Many cities do not resemble Detroit's problems whatsoever. Yes, many cities do have serious problems but, like Detroit, have horrible politicians that allowed corruption and rampant violence to destroy cities instead of honestly planning by bringing all citizens together.

[@PatrickLindemann22]

Couldn’t have said it better. The monotony drives me mad. I hate seeing things that had so much character replaced by shiny new ones that have none. I see it everywhere in America. Mom and pop shops replaced by big chains, pretty old homes replaced by cookie cutter apartment buildings, family restaurants replaced by another starbucks, etc etc. But that's what happens when your average person values comfort, convenience, and consumption over all else I suppose.

[@0n3MindSpinning]

@@johnkeller5163 I’m not here to argue, but great white flight, city abandonment, racial divide, and rampant unemployment due to industry moves is very common.

[@bellabella9181]

A lot has changed in Detroit since this was made in 2016. I was there recently, downtown and the river walk is beautiful. The people are great. The city is passionate. I liked it a lot.

[@ryanvandy1615]

you wouldn't believe how much has changed since 2016. That city is ran so much better today, a literal night and day difference.

[@yo3rdtier128]

@yanvandy1615 … that’s a lie, drive down Grand river still blight everywhere. Go over on east 7 mile, same. Ok, downtown has made some improvements but it mainly looks the same just cleaned up and a bunch of new businesses with ridiculous high prices. Go to an event downtown pay $10 for a cup of beer. Park for $30 and a bag of peanuts $7. LMAO

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

You clowns are laughable. Detroit is still a crime-ridden cesspool.

[@dylanisntvibing]

I don't know if you'd call me a Detroit citizen (I live in Rochester Hills further north from downtown Detroit, but I have visited detroit many times) but to me, yeah it has changed. Some areas are still horrible and still reminiscent of the crumbling state of the city, but a lot of other areas have improved. I hope my city can further improve and move on from its massively devastating decline.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

@@dylanisntvibing Give me a break. There are shootings and crime n those "tourist areas" that Detroit brags about as being nice. They're getting worse... it is a money pit with corrupt government and foolish bleeding hearts. Want to fix Detroit? You gotta get rid of the welfare class.

[@Nick-xk1qt]

This episode was from 2016, for anyone wondering about the WIG it was unfortunately demolished in September of 2019. What was built in the WIG’s place was just further gentrification of midtown with apartments for $2,200 a month. Exactly one of the issues they spoke about earlier in the video.

[@gimel77]

There's plenty of low income housing in the city. You want the city core to be nice, and for that to happen, you have to attract certain types of people. In order to do that, you have to charge higher rent. The people who can afford to pay the rent are generally more responsible and place value in something other than drugs and crime. It kind of seems people would rather it be a bombed out shell of its past than to actually have nice things.

[@CroatZg]

​@@gimel77 Lol well said!

[@kevinc8955]

@@gimel77Yeah I don’t think they want to build the community back. They want to somehow magically have an upper middle class area without any upper middle class living there because that means white people.

[@nickcosss]

Yeah i thought the same, they seem to be complaining about the devistation and the gentrification. Do they just want a bunch of rich black people to move there magically?

[@gingerseed123]

My grandmother grew up in Detroit, she had to move away for work and always dreamed of going back home. She cries about how everyone just forgot about Detroit and let it fall into ruin. I really hope I get to see Detroit thrive again

[@tannerpaisley-ve6dq]

The problem are the class of people. They will gradually destroy wherever they migrate to.

[@sukunawillstillwin]

@@tannerpaisley-ve6dqBlck community can only thrive if the undesirable parts are wiped away via eugenics

[@snowflakemelter7171]

​@@tannerpaisley-ve6dqBingo.

[@BrooklynBaby100]

@@tannerpaisley-ve6dqgreed sadly… but also makes sense why some if not most are not allowed access to the good things in life… they burn down all the good opportunities afforded to them.

[@utente1489]

You can thank the blacks for that

[@therealpoka]

Abandoned is without a doubt the best tv-series I've ever seen. The places. the editing, the music, Rick. Everything is just so perfect.

[@Zero.0ne.]

I agree. I really wish they would do another season with Rick and the same production team.

[@patrickohara7117]

Rt! It’s so good

[@NitroKlips]

One of the best series Vice has ever produced. I wonder how Rick's doing now. It would be sick if he could do a season 2 like 8 years later.

[@magesalmanac6424]

I haven’t binged a series like this in a long time.

[@MrMCDiggles]

Yea the Packard plant is in the process of being demolished and Michigan Central Building got bought by Ford. They are making it their HQ for their EV Department.

[@Saelenkmith]

skating as good as ever just saw him at a demo a few weeks ago

[@NitroKlips]

@@Saelenkmith at 47! Good man, still keeping it real.

[@gasNmudtv]

​@@MrMCDigglesonly part of the packard plant is being / has been torn down. Its still there just a shell of its self

[@oliviasooooksk]

Every time I’ve visited Detroit (3+ times the past year) I haven’t experienced anyone unhappy!! Everyone was kind, friendly and welcoming.

[@Richard-f7q]

Depends upon where you go.

[@oliviasooooksk]

@@Richard-f7q I believe that for sure

[@joeknowshustle7210]

Michigan born and raised. I’ve traveled all over the country for work, and I’ve never been to a city with more spirit than Detroit.

[@evetteleonard5606]

More than New Orleans? Just curious.

[@onthatsiete]

😂😂😂😂 that place is a black hole wtf you talking about

[@MotownModels]

An FYI for people - this was made in 2016. So much has changed even since then - the city is a fantastic place to live and work.

[@mito88]

what is pushing this positive change?

[@MotownModels]

@@mito88 although the population hasn't gone up dramatically in the last 2 decades, I think it's a combination of younger people moving in and more job opportunities popping up. Plus a bunch of other nuanced things

[@scottthomson3575]

And a fantastic place to be murdered or robbed at gun point. Sorry, minority ran cities do not make it.

[@PancakeBoi]

i was noticing how alot of buildings and infrastructure wasn't there that should be

[@SphericalThinker]

@@mito88 L. Brooks Patterson died and the rest of the community is starting to realize that without a vibrant city, the suburbs are only going to grow so much. Auburn Hills and Macomb Township might be aesthetically-pleasant places to live, but no one's coming to the region to go to either of those bedroom communities, they want to come to the region to visit its principal city. Its time to let the past die, let old prejudices die, and time to move forward as a whole community instead of trying to build out farther and farther until we have "Detroit suburbs" either in Toledo, Flint, or Ann Arbor.

[@Verakhan]

Thanks for this series, and specifically this episode. I’m not currently a Detroit resident but work at the GM factory in Detroit. My grandparents were born and raised in Detroit. Growing up in a small farming community 5 hours north of Detroit and moving down for work since 2012 I can honestly say I love Detroit. Resiliency, drive, character, and so many other adjectives could be used. This place means so much to me. Keep it up on the Abandoned series.

[@madelynmatulis4493]

My grandparents (91 and 85) lived in Detroit during its boom, they moved out once it started to fall. It was very interesting talking to my mom about what their view point on what happened was. I really hope Detroit continues in an upward direction, it’s such an amazing mix of culture and people from all walks of life

[@bingo8789]

White flight

[@louisthomaswest]

​@@bingo8789 I think you mean gentrification.

[@tressietes04]

@@louisthomaswest No, it started to fall when the whites left. Gentrification is when whites make communities safer and bring in businesses. White flight is when they leave and the community loses businesses and safety.

[@carcotasu081]

@@louisthomaswest Gentrification is when the whites start moving in

[@davidz3879]

@@louisthomaswest Decades of white flight. The gentrification is much newer & smaller.

[@nlomas]

As an Englishman I can't understand why people would want to erase a cities history. Rebuild yes, but honor the history because once it's gone there is no going back. Great interview with great people. Love the urban farms :)

[@oliverparker425]

As if England doesn’t work to erase Irish/Scottish/Welsh history

[@nlomas]

@@oliverparker425 thanks for noticing. We’ve been working hard to make sure no one knows the names of these countries. Still lots to do such as change our education system, documentaries, flags, people and culture but hopefully we’ll be done soon.

[@oliverparker425]

@@nlomas The problem is obviously more subtle than that

[@nlomas]

@@oliverparker425 you obviously never went to school here or understand anything about historical education and cultural promotion in the UK. We have issues with centralisation of political decision making but devolution and cultural promotion are improving not deteriorating.

[@GruntmanG]

My first time in Detroit 15 years ago brought me to tears on the way in a taxi from the airport to a meeting in town to evaluate establishing new industry in Detroit. We didn't succeed :(. It brings tears to my eyes again to see Detroit reviving and positive attitudes spreading and the results from those whom for decades have fought to save their city. KUDOS !!!!

[@JackBQuick79]

As a Michigan Native i have high hopes for Detroit. Its where all my childhood Heros played ball. I agree with turning some land into farms i feel like that could only benefit the residents in many different ways. Good luck Detroit, from Gran Rapids. Detroit needs more "Passion" both the amazing woman and the attitude. We can only go up from here.❤ The people of Detroit deserve their city back! ONE LOVE❤️🇺🇸

[@louisthomaswest]

Likewise. Detroit. B&R.

[@samsoniteman]

As a Michigan native too (Flint), I have high hopes for Detroit as well. Mostly because my mom refuses to leave there so I hope it can rebuild so she can be someplace safe, and because if Detroit can rise back up, that'll give a new hope to Flint.

[@brandoncardwell7271]

rick is my favorite vice reporter. he has a way to really uproot some feels but also make things light and happy and fun.

[@AdamEdward]

not to mention he's a badass skateboarder.

[@criminallettucewraps5207]

@@AdamEdward Yeah I was a little surprised to see that.

[@BottleBrassMonkey]

@@criminallettucewraps5207 He’s been a pro skater for almost 30 years

[@criminallettucewraps5207]

​@@BottleBrassMonkey jesus I didn't realize that was Rick McCrank. Thanks!

[@shakeel0atmeal273]

Brandon, yesterday I was rolling around when I got the shits and had to pull up into a gas station. The lid was dirty so I squatted over the bowl and MISSED. it landed on the seat 😮😮 I didn't know what to do and panicked and left. It was the only toilet in there 😮😮

[@lil_lyrix]

It's obvious this is from 2016, cause since this video the city has changed a lot. Lots of new towers downtown, midtowns even more changed, and the Packard plant has been partially demolished by the city because the developer couldn't uphold their end of the deal. Not just that, but the large building that they filmed outside of at the start of the video when they were talking has been renovated and is opening within a year.

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

And the skatepark’s gone.

[@johncam8420]

can you give links to updated images of detroit?

[@PatelPresh]

It does say it was aired in 2016, could be why it’s so obvious lol

[@forevergreat8660]

and the VIPERS training facility/warehouse is a night club now

[@ironknightgaming5706]

@@forevergreat8660 wow

[@ChristianRunsNY]

This has become one of my favorite series from Vice. Solid work as always sharing stories and opinions by people who don't often get to share their stories.

[@guywill7875]

I am 66 years old. Born in 1957.I lived in a subdivision in Southfield called "Roseland Woods just off the Southfield Expressway and 8-mile and Nine Mile roads. All of the houses were built in the mid-1950s and were pretty much similar. A white neighborhood. There were no African-American Families living in Roseland Woods We had one of the few homes that was a custom-made home. I remember we went to Northland Shopping Center a lot and there were a lot of stores that catered to the more affluent suburban families. I remember on the other side of 8 Mile was Detroit. The homes were modest and the neighborhoods were all well-kept. I never thought the city of Detroit was anything but amazing in the early 1960's. We could ride the Woodward Conant Bus from Northland all the way downtown. I remember Belle Isle the Roosertail Nightclub. Fisher Theatre and Fox Theatre. The Pontchatrain and Saint Regis Hotels. Being from a well-to-do white family never really allowed us to experience the real Detroit. When I was out of high school we went to Greek Town and some other parts of the city that had a vibe. I remember Palmer Park and Indian Village. Detroit was an amazing city to me. I left Michigan in 1978 when Coleman Young was the mayor and Detroit was a shell of its former glory days. I went to the Art School behind the Detroit Institute of Arts with the Diego Rivera Murals. What this documentary sheds light on are to people of Detroit. Kind and grounded. I pray for the city I grew up outside of in the 1960's. its funny about being from Detroit. If anyone asks me where I am from I tell them. I hold up my left hand and point to where it is on my palm.

[@connarish]

the intro to this series always gives me big feels

[@markbeames7852]

Amen to that.

[@tinyupwardrockets]

Spacemen 3 - Hey Man

[@nathansimpson5721]

I went to Detroit for the first time in December 2022. I went to a Lions game and Pistons game and they were both a ton of fun. The people were great

[@glenquagmire4340]

I went there yesterday and saw 2 people get shot. It's the people there that is keeping the place down. It's a culture of democrats. Its a dead city. Needs to be put out of its misery.

[@cc-dtv]

im going there in 20 days for my company's yearly powwow

[@louisthomaswest]

Yeah. We cool peeps.

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

@@glenquagmire4340Bro I live in Detroit you did not come here

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

@@cc-dtvwhat sort of music do you like? I can recommend some local venues

[@epicbluerat9999]

Nothing in this world has inspired me more than the resilience of the ones who stayed in Detroit and pushed through. Its why I have a special place in my heart for them. Love from chicago.

[@ksmith9008]

As an architecture major at Detroit Mercy, I absolutely love this. This is a truly special city with some of the best people and we get too much bs. 313 ❤

[@SkainzWorld]

The most beautiful thing to see is people working together for their common prosperity.

[@brynmusselwhite481]

Detroit fascinates me, and every time I've left there I've felt the same about the spirit. What I always take from your Abandoned episodes is the sense of community you find, no matter where you go. Keep on keeping on!

[@tylerdavis_chs1168]

I wish Vice would bring this series (and Rick) back. They should do a Post-Pandemic version of Abandoned

[@hannahwandoff4726]

Thank you for actually taking the time to talk about Detroit and it’s struggles and strengths ❤ most portrayals just show the bad parts but, it’s an amazing city with rich history and great people!

[@mayaliii]

😂😂😂😂

[@garden0fstone736]

As someone who’s never been to Detroit until the last few months honestly I’d say that it really isn’t that bad. I’d even argue it’s better than Chicago at this point

[@vedocapp]

One reason we decided to launch our app in Detroit was the community support. People are kind and polite to say the least!

[@dandiaz19934]

Just finished watching this w my wife who grew up in Metro Detroit. I would have liked to see more contextualization on the "come-back" aspect of it. The question of who this is a comeback for? How is it happening? What are the mechanics of gentrification? Which industries are attracting more people, if any? Etc.

[@koilamaoh4238]

Gentrification is more of a term for rich white urbanite liberals, when they bring their high wealth jobs in to town, in which they displace others and increase housing and rent prices, thus displacing people further back, sure it may improve upon that "area" but it also displaces people, in which those people of the area may not have a chance.. Kinda like a gated community like conservatives have to keep out any undesirables in a way, like they have in florida(there are rich white conservatives but not many makes the attempt, as they are more greedy, they are not likely to improve the town itself, instead keep it poor all together.); while the liberal version isnt gated but expensive as hell, like california parts, and you'll start seeing more homeless and drug addicts. I'm prety liberal but im not a fan of those "liberal" types.

[@JoshyByNature]

I recently hit up Detroit on my van life journey and was actually surprised how nice it was there. Nothing that I expected from the down talk of it across America for what seems like my entire life. Some really nice neighborhoods!

[@abluvjb]

I’m a born and raised Detroiter! ❤ This makes me so proud to see my community thriving in real time; just like how my mom and grandma have always talked about. We’re just a little rough around the edges, much love ✌🏽#313forlife

[@Helm-w1q]

As some one who grew up on the outside edge of Detroits west side. I have interacted with the city all my life. Starting with my grandfather living on Van Dyke six blocks from the Detroit river. I as a white suberbanite have never been afraid to travel to Detroit and did so way back in the bad old days, and did it without fear. Today the city is so much better, that doesnt mean that it doesnt have its places that I wouldnt go, there is. Yet all big cities are like that. Today Detroit is slugging rats. Its improving slowly, but thats the best kind of improvment, better thought out, last longer. Its home. Ive never been ashamed of being from here.

[@IOSALive]

VICE, I liked this video because it's awesome!

[@awsheit]

Detroit will never be reborn. It's a fractal of tragedy. No one is going to move there, raise a family there, put their kids in the school system and go through the winters when Detroit is what it is. I pity every single person left living there as they are living in nothing more than a tomb. -grew up there.

[@wasted828]

i live in lincoln park, detroit isnt that bad anymore. detroit isnt the same city it was 5 years ago, let alone 10/20+, there are new multibillion dollar EV and battery/chip production factories moving in, tech companies opening offices, new retail, new construction, new housing complexes, ford dumped $1bil into revitalizing michigan central, full neighborhoods are being repaired, house costs are rising, the pop decline has finally stopped, downtown has been popping since covid restrictions ended. i am truly not sure why you are pessimistic, the light was starting to shine thru at time this video was uploaded (2016,) but they are truly materializing now

[@awsheit]

@@wasted828 I lived in Allen Park and I go back every year and more people have gone literally insane, more people have died young, it looks like Gotham city but way less cool. You don't see the sun for eight months out of the year. It's horrifying. Everyone who stayed behind only gets worse every year.

[@f3s3n]

When it got to the part about the privatized security, I was not the only one thinking of of OCP and Robocop, right? LOL

[@ashelfishisttortle]

Definitely not the only one. If only people paid attention to what cyberpunk has been trying to warn us about.

[@DetroitNinja]

The Model T plant is not in Detroit. It's Highland Park to be exact.

[@MPB059]

The first time I went to Detroit (2014), I instantly fell in love with the Motor City. The city has beautiful architecture, rich history and the Detroit River is so blue looking at when you see the Canadian side. I was also saddened that when the city went into that bankruptcy, I have never seen so many vacant buildings and high crime, I felt like I was in a post apocalyptic movie. But I’m so glad that Detroit is making a comeback and I want to go back there and help out the city!

[@laurynallen5600]

Detroiter here! Love my home, it’s literally something to do every weekend! With the activities being so vast anyone could find their rhythm with fun. Too, as I’ve grown older I’ve come to realize the beauty and distinctiveness of Detroit’s most prestige homes and buildings, aged and very telling architecture. Buildings that one may think is abandoned may not be if you do a bit of digging. Love to see first hand the Renaissance of Detroit.

[@sophiaisabelle01]

Detroit sure has interesting history behind it. There's not much I know about it, yet I'm suspiciously drawn to it.

[@bingo8789]

Don't be. You might be tempted to move here. This city is quietly moving in the right direction with BILLIONS being spent in the city yearly. 2010 until now has made steady progress. 10 years from now we don't want to be Atlanta or San Francisco or Dallas or Charlotte. Having new floods of people here isn't always a good thing.

[@louisthomaswest]

​@@bingo8789 It can also help Detroit's economy. You must know this.

[@weetodd]

@@bingo8789 From an ATL native I say Amen to that. My city has been wrecked by people from CA and the Northeast. They want to vote for liberals until it's too expensive to virtue signal anymore. All of the people that I know that have moved here from these areas will continue to vote for the people who are actively destroying America. Detroit prospered because it was based on traditional values. When the progressive democrats took over it failed. Period. Communism/Socialism/Marxism is slavery and ultimately genocide. 100M died under Maos' China and 100M died under Lenin/Stalin all in the 20th century. What's most amazing to me is that NO HISTORY PROFESSOR WILL ADDRESS THE GREATEST TRAGEDY of all time because it EXPOSES these ideologies for what they truly are.

[@jonathandudley6250]

@@bingo8789 It's going to happen regardless. If you don't build proper infrastructure now, once the rick assholes start moving in they will buy the politicians and you'll end up like Austin

[@bingo8789]

@chadclair2304 Detroit filed for bankruptcy over a decade ago. Largest bankruptcy filing in US history. This city has mismanaged funds since forever. Crooked politics and leaders can kill any city. But I have to give credit where it's due. We elected our first white mayor of Detroit in probably nearly 50 years. Detroit has been the blackest city in America since forever, UNTIL like this year. Memphis now has more black residents. People were skeptical about voting for our mayor but it was just something about him. Detroit likes blacks running the city for black people. But the man has done nothing but a wonderful job since hes taken office. Hes not perfectand the city still needs work but hes good. Hes turned detroit into a Tech powerhouse. Somethinglike Seattle. If we're lucky, like San Francisco. Big business are here and more are coming.I really don't see anyone running against & beating our mayor. He wins by large margins. Until he has a big blow-up or quits, he's the man. Happy fir the future. When people start talking about detroit too much. I like 🤫😄

[@GreyLambert]

WHOA ITS RICK MCCRANK! one of my favorite professional skateboarders growing up! surreal to see him here but a very welcome surprise

[@gregdom2856]

As a eighties baby from the Bronx this reminds me of the burnt down Bronx era, Detroit I have y'all in my prayers 🙏🏽

[@brentduanefoster]

I’m pulling for cities like Detroit! We have cities and towns ALL OVER THIS country that have been abandoned and neglected that have so much potential for redevelopment and use.

[@maddierodriguez8569]

As a lifelong Detroiter, I appreciate this. However, please come see us in 2024 a lot has changed.

[@cubatravelscouting2465]

Awesome report on Detroit! Kudos to the producers , cameraperson and host but most of all to the folks that are there in the ground doing the work for a better future of the city ! Greetings from LA, California

[@SphericalThinker]

Its funny because I was in Detroit's Mexicantown and I'm like "Is thisMexicantown or Boyle Heights?!"

[@thirdclasshero1148]

Isn't the dtm guy the dude that was putting out those wildly unrealistic and ineffectual, "how to not get mugged" videos a year or two back?

[@UpperDeckerCards]

That whole segment was hilarious, the camera kept panning to the goon standing in the back lol what a joke

[@TopseyKrettz]

Born and raised.. I'll never leave! Something about the way of life here, the people in the community, the camaraderie, the changes, everything.. We strive to change, rebuild, improve everything we can for the better because we love Detroit and know this city has so much history, extraordinary value, sand potential. Especially if you're a multigenerational family who call this city home. Detroit has shaped me and I have an emotional attachment to this amazing place. When I think of this city, or try to relay in one word what this place is... I always use 2 words interchangeably history/memories...

[@elysianfields8461]

Agree! ❣️

[@amberthompson1596]

This series is so good. I watch every episode. Rick interviews the best residents and he is so talented speaking with people. He seems to put people at ease. VICE is legit.

[@zmg5232]

I moved from Alaska to Detroit to be apart of something greater. I'm so happy and grateful to make the best decision of my life!!

[@jayshahrealestate]

This is video is aired so long ago, Detroit has changed massively since this video. Like couple of the buildings he shows are literally now occupied and redone and some of these spots are demolished like in the 2018-2022 time. This was filmed in 2016 when it has massively changed since then. 2018-2019 was the real start to the massive change in the city

[@jenelaina5665]

I was wondering...

[@jenelaina5665]

It's in the description but only when you expand. Smdh 7 years is a damn long time.

[@rustandcompany9682]

Train station is beautiful now.

[@donnalawson6236]

The community starting to rise up, esp re the intended food desserts(as this is an issue world wide, & it’s intentional) it’s really heartening. In my country is the economically poorer areas that have the most fast food outlets, liquor & pokie machine outlets, no accident. It’s great to see people taking there city back, growing fresh food, it starts like this, organically, not by gentrification!!!

[@gheebuttersnaps2011]

The only reason there are no grocery stores in these areas is because the crime is too high. Criminals ran all the businesses away. My friend owns a grocery store in Detroit called sav mart. Last week they had a 6 inch steel door broken into and took the dte payment kiosk. That's where people could go to pay their electric bill. Now my friend won't replace it, because it will just be another target to break into his store. So no more payment machine. If you want to "take the city back" you have to get rid of the criminals and then and only then will businesses open to serve their community.

[@tlennon]

The food desert issue in Detroit is not intentional, it's due to the fact a big name store like Kroger or Meijer won't put in effort to run a store that will just end up operating at a loss. This is due to all the theft that goes on and why you only see independent grocers as they're the only ones willing to put up with the level of crap that comes with operating in those neighborhoods

[@este633]

while food deserts exist in detroit i think the term more fitting to what ur describing is a food swamp! typically food deserts exists within food swamps anyways, and both r genuine problems that can mcause a lot of damage to vulnerable communities .

[@magesalmanac6424]

What the difference? Food desert is when it’s a lack of good nutrition and fresh food. So what’s a good swamp

[@oldguy-db1qk]

I started watching this series when my son sent me the link to the episode about St. Louis. I liked this episode about Detroit because it revealed a lot about America in general. What the Commander said about how things were for African Americans in Detroit is all across this nation. He said a mouth full and it was all truth. I grew up south of St. Louis in a small railroad town that had its own version of the urban plight. When I was a kid there were factories and businesses and I watched as my little home town died a relatively quick death. Everything shown about these cities in this series is everywhere across America. It's not just an urban issue. The story is the same! It's only in miniature form by comparison. Go into any small town across America and you will see lost industry, lost businesses, lost communities, Main streets with nothing there except empty buildings. And of course the ever present and ridiculous racism. America is a sad place anywhere you look. I agree that it is sad about St. Louis and Detroit and Cleveland but it is everywhere. The only way to change this is to come together as one people. Get rid of your racist views and your politics and unite. Because we all know how it ends if we remain divided.

[@michaelolson571]

I was in Michigan (2018) for a friends wedding and randomly got off the highway and started driving through Detroit and ran into the car plant. The amount of abandoned or missing homes in some neighborhoods was shocking. But other neighborhoods in or around the city were beautiful. Downtown seemed to be very lively and had food spots like shake shack, ect. Pockets. I hope the city keeps moving on the up and up.

[@jimmyheights5143]

Randomly getting of the highway and getting off in Detroit is like a 10 year vegan randomly and knowingly eating McDonald’s food. 😂😂 I wouldn’t dare go to any hood anymore.

[@os2958]

It was such a HUGE city. When the apartheid happened, not all neighborhoods could survive. Hopefully revival will spread.

[@sueyu3603]

Duh, like every majority black area is crap in every city across the USA/ world. They are not capable as a whole to keep up areas without help.

[@madreep]

I'm originally from Seattle. I grew up in what's known as the CD (Central District). My grandma bought the house I grew up in for 45,000 in the 60s. I looked it up on Zillow a couple of days ago and it's currently estimated to be worth 1.7 million. Million! That's ridiculous! It's just a house. Pretty small, no yard to speak of. When I could no longer afford to live in Seattle I moved to my mom's hometown of Portland, Oregon. Had my kids there, started my career. We were pushed out due to the rising cost of living two years ago. So I followed my mom and sisters to Phoenix. I can't afford it here either, and I can't afford to save to move somewhere else. I don't know where to go next. I hate gentrification. It hurts the people who have always lived in the area.

[@ayo623]

My family was pushed out of our hometown after 5 generations. I can't afford to buy anywhere within 400 miles. I don't know where to go either. Gentrification is so shitty.

[@Michael_Hunt]

Stop moving to large, well-known population centers would be a good start.

[@madreep]

@Michael_Hunt well I only moved to a large area a year and a half ago. I couldn't change where I was born and when my parents moved back to Portland I was a kid. Didn't have much of a choice there either.

[@tranquil14738]

Housing costs are so ridiculous I’m 21 and I don’t think I’m going to get to ever own a home

[@ayo623]

@tranquilcam13 I'm 15 years your senior with a college degree and several specialty certificates. I make 80K and still can't afford to buy a house.

[@grjr1979]

This show is so good. I can’t believe I just found it.

[@devontawhite]

I wish this episode would have showed some of the amazing neighborhoods that still exist in Detroit like Sherwood Forest, Indian Village, Boston-Edison District and many more. This represented just a part of the Detroit I grew up in.

[@sosagecaserol6675]

So proud of Detroit from Scotland. My great uncle moved to Detroit in the early 1900s to work for Ford and settled in Detroit, I’m so happy to see it on the up again wonderful people in this video ❤👍

[@ComptonCrypto]

and he was probably one of the people that refused to work because their skin was darker than his

[@sosagecaserol6675]

@@ComptonCrypto he might have been and If so im very ashamed of that. I don’t know much about him other than he moved to Detroit and didn’t come back. Regardless I have so much love for the people of Detroit especially the black communities who suffered greatly and are now building Detroit back even better, stronger and fairer . From the outside looking in you all have a lot to be proud of

[@chcgostyle]

While a hard topic to swallow, it is really nice to see that even in the most delapatated neighborshoods, good people do exist. Social media spins one narrative, and thanks to VICE, you quietly displayed a real, yet unpopular narrative.... that people just want to do good and live in peace. Keep up the great work VICE!!! 🙂

[@wewya.]

My name is glenn quagmire and i go giggity

[@Dzokhar]

I can't be the only Michigander watching this with pride. These people could be my neighbors and they're all this tenacious.

[@Seraphina_Atley]

I was just in Detroit today and in absolute wonder at the architecture, history, and friendly people. Detroit is definitely coming back!

[@jacobtorok5617]

I am so proud to be a part of this city, movement, and community.

[@TheDJMel]

I know this series first aired in 2016 and I'm late to the game, but this series is one of my favorite things on the KZbin. It's so good. Salute to Rick!

[@im.anuragparida]

Such a beautiful documentary. It shows the resilience and vigour of the people to work hard and make the American Dream come true for communities. Vice has always been able to capture the emotions and the perseverance of the people to make things work.

[@IndelibleHD]

Always been intrigued by rise and fall of this once great city.

[@emsj86]

Simple factories left

[@glenquagmire4340]

​@@emsj86The people voted Democrat... so the factories left for greener pastures.

[@TingTingalingy]

​@@emsj86absolutely false. White people left.

[@jeremyserwer2586]

@@glenquagmire4340 Haha, Detroit has long been a democratic stronghold--UNIONS are supported by the democratic party. Lets contrast your simple ideas with examining the red state miasma's of the Appalachian strip which encompasses many states---why do you not look at the republican run disasters of this region? Same problems that Detroit has only it's a rural area.

[@Riikkyy]

@@TingTingalingythat and the end of WWII, Ford, Chrysler and Chevy took the packard factory out of business putting almost 40,000 out of jobs. The packard factory was one of the largest high end upper class vehicles back in the day when Ford chrystler and Chevy stepped it up in the 40-50s packard couldn’t find footing in the middle class vehicles. The factory was also used in WWII to deliver P-51 fighters. Went from making bank in the car industry and war industry to pretty much nothing made a huge impact in the community. The population in Detroit in the 1940s was 1.6 million + and today it’s around 640,000.

[@adoznuladodevet]

Rick McCrank >> the epitome of a journalist and the G.O.A.T. skater, yet humble and grounded. ❤️

[@MrsAnalplunger]

I’m a Clevelander so I’m not supposed to root for Detroit… with that said I am rooting their comeback. I’ve spent a lot of time in Detroit for work and I have fallen in love with the city. The people, history, and sense of community are unparalleled.

[@tehutiboi]

Such an amazing episode!!! This is my favorite Vice series ever. Awesome job guys, quality!!!!

[@superquasigalaxygamer6297]

Man, it seems like almost everywhere you go, things are falling apart. But to see a city that's KNOWN for being riddled with crime, and just a terrible place to live in general, starting to finally come out of that, is amazing. It honestly gives me hope that someday the rest of the world can be like that too... God bless all the people from Detroit, I'm praying that soon you'll have your city back like it was, and even better 🙏❤

[@RaptorFaceRumble]

When The Grand Tour did an episode of Detroit they mentioned a lot of this. Crazy to think it was one of the most populated and rich cities in America.

[@Urbextwosevens]

I absolutely loved this beautiful series. Im so glad its made it’s way to youtube.

[@MVinny24]

Detroit native checking in, and we are thriving more than ever, and will continue to grow, and there’s more love in this city than most people realize 💙

[@DennisMoore664]

With that closing montage I'm guessing this is the last one of these? What a wonderful series, I'd love to see more new shows made. 2026 is just a few years too so they could re-visit some of these places. Just always sad to see a good thing end, but that's life. Loved that line at 38:48 - "So this is the reason why everybody has too much stuff"🤣 Thanks Vice. Good luck with the new owners.

[@wildwest1832]

You realize there is not a single night shot in this entire film? Why not show that side of detroit?

[@arbjful]

Crime obviously

[@kitstanford195]

What a wonderful and positive episode of a truly exceptional show. An example of the type of stories that can be told if people are willing to listen to a balanced picture

[@fi-mynameis2639]

Raves in the 90's at the Packard Plant were legendary!

[@BobbyDaBunnyRabbit]

Beautifully edited, Vice. Well done cheers from Canada. I’m 24 and a married man and this made me cry

[@scottbaillargeon3760]

Speaking as a Windsor, ON native from across the river. We are so proud to see Detroit, our nearest major city, on the come up.

[@kinkiesse7736]

Well, Windsor is part of the problem for Detroit. Windsor has been stealing jobs from Detroit for decades..

[@Motownsports89]

I moved back to Michigan in 2020 for work and hadn't been in Detroit since 2005. The downtown area is so nice. Definitely a comeback city!!

[@imbadewaykimbi4623]

Came as soon as I saw my city but I think we really onna comeback fr

[@emsj86]

No work won’t happen

[@JackBQuick79]

I admire your optimism. I'm not being cynical. I grew up with all my heros coming from Detroit. Isaiah Thomas, Barry Sanders, Jack Morris and Allen Trammel. The list goes on with Motown as well. So I'm with you on this. Detroit can be great again. Good luck to you, from a fellow Michigander.

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

@@JackBQuick79You always have a place here, even if for a night.

[@makaylacoggins3414]

Beautiful video. Definitely gonna watch the rest of the abandoned series now 👌🏼

[@AyyoShyGurlTv]

I cried when he said all the children used to sing the Temptations and now everything is gone.😢

[@300adad]

I spent a couple years growing up in Detroit in the 2010s. There was something incredible about that inflection point. I remember someone organized a wedding for our family friends at one of the abandoned plants… you could never do that now, buy I suppose that’s a sign of good changes

[@slaphappysmokey1]

There is so much history in that city. Hearing about areas trying to be rebranded by outsiders angers me. With the people who put their foot forward to make their neighborhoods like before? Mad props! These people that were interviewed are the ones with true heart and should be seen as an example of what you can do if you just put your ideas into play. Was I the only one who was wondering where the skating was going to be?

[@kevinbenitez42]

My dude did not just bite into that celery stick 🤢

[@jays.4254]

What a fantasitic video/documentary about Detroit. One of the bests I have ever seen on KZbin!

[@blairwilliams136]

The real heart of America is in Detroit , I have so much love for it and it's residents. Watching it come back to life warms my heart.

[@cortezmiller1899]

This is 7 years ago, almost a decade old video! Can we get a update video please?!

[@sphexes]

Great video as always. I'm from Toledo, OH and love to go all over Detroit to find new places to eat or explore. I've ridden my bicycle from Toledo through Detroit up to Macomb Co one day. I love it. Yes, it has a long way to go. Let's hope it can happen.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

The problem with Detroit is people are waiting around wondering "when THEY gonna come and fix this place", instead of asking "what do I need to do to fix this place MYSELF". Fighting gentrification is the problem too. Why would you be against new money coming in to fix things and make them better? If you WON'T do something with it then step aside and allow someone else.

[@yingle6027]

Exactly, I would say they are in severe need of some ''gentlemen'' to come in and make the place work.

[@tobyjackman3212]

Kinda seems like fixing the place themselves was literally what they were doing throughout the video though 🤷🏾‍♂️ & quite clearly if you're struggling to make ends meet anyway then you don't need outsders coming in & driving up prices because that means homelessness & destitution

[@yingle6027]

@@tobyjackman3212 For Detroit to be fixed requires years, perhaps decades of businesses coming in and knowing that they are "safe" to operate. Then middle class families establishing themselves and a functional community can flourish. Setting up a few gardens is a start but they have a loong way to go.

[@simonwood5587]

Don’t think the whining against “gentrification “ makes sense. So they’d rather it stays a ruined crack infested wasteland?

[@nicholasrosebush6182]

Have you ever even been to Detroit? People are here every day making the city a vibrant and beautiful place. Take a walk downtown on a Saturday night, 15 years ago it was a ghost town, now its like downtown Chicago.

[@adamtringali8752]

Abandoned is hands down one of the best series vice has made

[@whenmountainsmove]

My Dad is 82. He used to talk about Detroit all of the time. Back in its hay day, it sounded like a great place to be for jobs, housing, art and especially music. Im always facinated in cities that used to be known for music but now are not.

[@Raw_Dawgs6409]

This is old footage. At least 3 years old. Two things I noticed in the first 4 minutes is first off, the Renovation of Michigan Central Station is well underway and set to be completed next year, 2024, and second, the Packard walkway bridge has collapsed since this was recorded, and third, the Packard renovation went belly up. I don't recall what's happening to it now, but I know it's not being saved. I don't like this regurgitation of older content without explicitly saying so because this already is a misrepresentation of Detroit. Sure, it says so in the description but you actually have to want to click and check it out instead of just taking it at face value.

[@eskoelmwood5936]

Dude! This Viper commander guy is the first person I've heard openly talk about the racism in that area. I had to leave. I refuse to raise my kids in a place like that.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

simpleton here. please expand on your reply. i'm a middle-aged white truck driver that used to have a lot of business in hamtramck (detroit off chene and orleans) with agricultural loads. the old coney island diner on chene would serve me just fine but i remember clearly the black staff staring at me like deer in the headlights when i'd come in. several times i was downing these awesome clubhouses and black customers smiling wide-eyed giggling at the white trucker chowing on "soul food" (still don't know what it is...).

[@everythingunderthesun7803]

@@Scriptorsilentum Oh! Kinda like how Black Detroiters are leered at when we go into establishments in Birmingham, Troy and Plymouth?