Detroit’s West Side Welcomes Revitalized Helen Moore Community Center
A new chapter has begun for Detroit’s west side with the official opening of the renovated Helen Moore Community Center and the brand new Ed Davis Park. After years of disrepair, this vital community hub is ready once again to serve residents, honoring two remarkable Detroit leaders.
The Rebirth of a Beloved Community Hub
Known for years as the Dexter-Elmhurst Community Center, the facility closed in 2019 after falling into severe disrepair, plagued by violations and ownership changes. The city of Detroit stepped in, taking ownership and undertaking significant renovations to bring it back to life.
The center has been renamed to honor Helen Moore, a celebrated Detroit activist who has dedicated six decades to fighting for improved education for Black children in the city. Moore was instrumental in the fight to reopen the center on Dexter Avenue. “I’m so happy that it’s completed and I will be here quite often,” Moore shared, expressing her joy that the community now has “a beautiful place to come to with their families.”
The newly revitalized facility boasts impressive features, including a modern gym, a computer lab, and dedicated rooms for STEM and art programs. These additions ensure that the center can offer diverse opportunities for learning, recreation, and community engagement for all ages.
Ed Davis Park: A Tribute to a Trailblazer
Complementing the community center, a brand new park has been unveiled, named after Ed Davis. Davis was a trailblazing figure, recognized as the first African American new car dealership owner in the United States. This park provides much-needed green space and recreational opportunities for families and children in the neighborhood.
Detroit City Council member Fred Durhal III, who grew up attending the center, spoke movingly about the park and center’s significance. His father, former Michigan state representative Fred Durhal Jr., had passionately advocated for the center before his recent passing. “I know he is smiling today because Dexter is a little bit brighter,” Durhal III remarked, highlighting the deep personal and community connection to this revitalization.
Before & After: A Look at the Transformation
| Aspect | Before Renovation (Dexter-Elmhurst) | After Renovation (Helen Moore & Ed Davis) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed since 2019 due to disrepair | Officially reopened Saturday, fully renovated |
| Condition | “Totally empty,” “all kinds of violations” | Modern, welcoming, safe for families |
| Key Features | Non-functional, neglected spaces | Gym, computer lab, STEM room, art rooms, new outdoor park |
| Honors | N/A | Helen Moore (activist), Ed Davis (business pioneer) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Community Center
- What is the Helen Moore Community Center?
It’s a newly renovated community hub on Detroit’s west side, offering a gym, computer lab, STEM and art rooms for local residents. - Who is Helen Moore?
She is a longtime Detroit activist who has advocated for improving education for Black children for over 60 years and championed the reopening of this center. - Who is Ed Davis?
Ed Davis was the first African American new car dealership owner in the United States, and the new park adjacent to the community center is named in his honor. - Why was the center closed before?
The facility, formerly known as Dexter-Elmhurst Community Center, closed in 2019 due to severe disrepair and various violations under previous ownership. - What can the community expect from the center?
Residents can expect a beautiful, welcoming space for families to gather, learn, and engage in recreational activities, fulfilling a critical need for the neighborhood.
The reopening of the Helen Moore Community Center and Ed Davis Park represents more than just new buildings; it signifies the resilience and hope of Detroit’s west side, offering a renewed “home” where families can thrive and create lasting memories.
Detroits West Side Welcomes Revitalized Helen Moore Community Center
