La Norteña

09/03/2026

Time stood still here.

Old apartment photos. Personal belongings left behind. Little pieces of everyday life frozen in place.

They remind us that buildings are more than structures. They are archives of the people, families, and stories that were part of the neighborhood.

Now, the demo has begun.

We’re making room for a new chapter while remembering the past.

The same walls will soon hold the work of Southwest Detroit artists and stories of our beloved Mexicantown.

Old walls. New chapter. Same neighborhood.
More stories to tell.

08/14/2026

Sincere sense of gratitude to Invest Detroit, our project partners, and the Southwest Detroit community for believing in and supporting the redevelopment of La Norteña.

Projects like this don't happen alone. They take partnership, investment, trust, and a shared belief that preserving our Voces: Southwest Detroit History while creating new opportunities matters.

La Norteña is more than a redevelopment project—it’s an investment in community, culture, and the future of Southwest Detroit.

Thank you for being part of the journey. ❤️

07/24/2026

A building at 3600 West Vernor that has been vacant for over 15 years will be rehabilitated into four apartments and a social lounge on the ground floor. It was known for many years as La Norteña and is included in the new Latinx National Register Historic District nominated by HDAB staff and officially listed by the National Park Service in January 2026. Developers Tanya Saldivar- Ali and Luis Ali held a groundbreaking last week attended by the mayor, many city and state officials and community members, including Angela Gallegos and Osvaldo Rivera (who serves on the Historic Designation Advisory Board), both of whom assisted HDAB with the successful district nomination. Tanya and Luis’ project reflects their families’ long-time commitment to Southwest Detroit. In fact, Tanya’s mother, Giovanna Apolloni ~ Rodriguez, in 1973 purchased the building at 3535-3537 West Vernor to open Giovanna’s Lounge, which for more than fifty years was a favorite neighborhood destination. Now Tanya and Luis hope the nearby revised Norteña will serve as the next neighborhood favorite gathering place!

This rehab is one of two project receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program and Build MI Community (BMC) Grant initiative through the State. The funding aims to expand housing and commercial spaces. More details here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2026/03/two-redevelopment-projects-in-detroit/.

07/23/2026

Thank you City of Detroit Government for supporting the La Norteña redevelopment project!

07/23/2026

The La Norteña Project has never been just about restoring a historic building, it's about holding a space that reflects the people, culture, and stories of Southwest Detroit.

We believe buildings are more than brick and mortar. They hold memories, create a sense of belonging, and have the power to strengthen community.

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOCES!!🔊

As we begin shaping La Norteña into a community-rooted cultural lounge, we want to hear from you.

What experiences or vibes would bring you back?

This is where construction meets community.
Where design meets culture.
Where memory shapes the future.

The best spaces are built with the community, not just for the community.

We'd love your ideas as we bring La Norteña to life.
💡

07/21/2026

Thank you MEDC MiPlace for supporting!

07/17/2026

Thank you EL CENTRAL Hispanic News 👏🏽

The former La Norteña property is being transformed into a mixed-use development that will include new apartments, community gathering space, and opportunities for future growth. This project stands out as it's being led by developers with deep roots in Southwest Detroit who want to preserve the neighborhood's culture and identity.

See what's planned for the site and how this project aims to balance new investment with the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.

ESPAÑOL ⤵️

El antiguo edificio de La Norteña será transformado en un nuevo desarrollo que incluirá viviendas, espacios para la comunidad y nuevas oportunidades para el vecindario. Lo que hace especial este proyecto es que está siendo impulsado por desarrolladores con profundas raíces en el suroeste de Detroit, comprometidos con preservar la cultura y la identidad del barrio.

Conoce qué viene para este histórico espacio y cómo el proyecto busca combinar el crecimiento con la preservación de la cultura local.

07/11/2026

Our hard work, shared memories, collective intergenerational stories, and beautiful culture are what make Southwest so strong. 💪🏽 We are overwhelmed with gratitude and wanted to share this beautiful video that captures the joy of celebrating alongside so many of our loved ones, elders, and partners.

A special shout-out to our small, but mighty team we couldn't have done it without you. More to come!

Angela Gallegos Angela Topacio Perez Sel SuperSel Alvarado Stephanie Peña Ruffin Laura Walker & Mike Bianca Morones Vargas Eddie
Luis Ali Voces: Southwest Detroit History Martina Guzmán , Andrea Gallegos Maryanne, Gary and Xavier Ali for holding down the AGI fort.

Thank you all for making this milestone so special. ❤️‍🔥

video credit