Red’s Jazz Shoe Shine
Red’s Jazz Shoe Shine Parlor was once a vibrant gathering space in Detroit’s North End, where music, conversation, and community thrived.
Since 1949, Red’s was more than a business—it was a legacy
institution that welcomed people from all walks of life. It served as a hub where young men learned invaluable life and trade skills, providing them with economic opportunities that sustained them for years to come. No matter where people traveled from, Red’s was a place they made it a point to visit.
Beyond its role as a shoe shine parlor, Red’s was a cultural landmark that attracted some of Detroit’s most notable figures. Motown legends such as The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin were regular visitors, along with city dignitaries and other local icons. Behind its storefront, a hidden speakeasy with a small stage provided a space for performances, discussions, and community connections, solidifying its place in the neighborhood’s history.
We are not only preserving the memory of Red’s but also creating a space where community, culture, and commerce can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Today, we honor that legacy through a restoration project that transforms this historic site into a commercial hub for local entrepreneurs, community events, and the Black Bottom Garden Center.
At the heart of this revitalization stands the Northend Co-operative Greenhouse, the future home of the Black Bottom Garden Center and an incubator for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. This space is a key piece in the development of the Oakland Avenue Commercial Corridor, fostering economic opportunity while preserving the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage.
By reclaiming this historic site, we are not only preserving the memory of Red’s but also creating a space where community, culture, and commerce can continue to thrive for generations to come.