Facade of the Blue Bird Inn, ©DSC
This virtual event was hosted by Mallory Bower of Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN), with guest speaker Michelle “Jahra” McKinney, Executive Director of the Detroit Sound Conservancy (DSC). Ms. McKinney shared the nonprofit repository’s ongoing preservation and placekeeping journey with its project— the Blue Bird Inn.
The Blue Bird Inn structure is a historically significant neighborhood building that is now a part of the local historic district in Detroit, Michigan, on the city's Old West Side. Once renovations are complete, the DSC will use the Blue Bird as its home for archival records + collections, community engagement, and education outreach programming.
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History
The Blue Bird was constructed in the mid to late 1920s. The building was built upon what was once sacred Native American land, something that is not lost on the DSC. The organization continues to honor their history by highlighting the tribes where the structure now stands. In 1937, the building opened as bar & restaurant and by 1948 was known as THE spot for bebop. It was at this time the Bluebird came into its own, ushered in by showcasing bebop.
Preserving the Blue Bird is akin to preserving the musical heritage of Detroit. If it wasn’t for Detroit— bebop, which predated Jazz— would have died. The Blue Bird Inn is of great historical significance. It was important in the development of black music. The Bird foreshadowed the explosion of music such as the Funk Brothers.
The Blue Bird was not only a popular neighborhood meeting place, but a focal point of modern jazz. It was the center of that scene.The cafe hosted performances by Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane + Charlie Parker. The Bluebird was commemorated in song: Jazz trumpeter Thad Jones wrote “A Salute to the Bluebird” and jazz pianist Tommy Flanagan wrote Beyond the Bluebird.
Preserving the Blue Bird is akin to preserving the musical heritage of Detroit. If it wasn’t for Detroit— bebop, which predated Jazz— would have died. The Blue Bird Inn is of great historical significance. It was important in the development of black music. The Bird foreshadowed the explosion of music such as the Funk Brothers.
The Blue Bird was not only a popular neighborhood meeting place, but a focal point of modern jazz. It was the center of that scene.The cafe hosted performances by Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane + Charlie Parker. The Bluebird was commemorated in song: Jazz trumpeter Thad Jones wrote “A Salute to the Bluebird” and jazz pianist Tommy Flanagan wrote Beyond the Bluebird.
Location
Also of importance, the site served as a symbol of entrepreneurship freedom, & self-determination. Located at the boundary of Tireman Ave, the Blue Bird Inn is a place of historic significance. Location is especially important due to the rampant segregation that occurred during this time. Black people were welcomed in this area in the city at a time when racism and segregation was rampant.
People could not move freely beyond Tireman. The black demographic could not reside North of the demarcation line (designated as Tireman) due to restrictive housing covenants and intimidation tactics that forbid them to do so. There were laws in place but new ‘rules,’ both written and unspoken sprouted up to take their place.
If you were black and traveled beyond the boundary of Tireman, you’d hit Dearborn, which was notorious in its reputation among the black population as a racist area and renown “Sundown Town.” Population records of the time illustrate there are no black people living west of Woodward. This was because black residents, through restrictive racial regulations— were forced to live in certain areas; basically, you couldn’t live east of Woodward.
People could not move freely beyond Tireman. The black demographic could not reside North of the demarcation line (designated as Tireman) due to restrictive housing covenants and intimidation tactics that forbid them to do so. There were laws in place but new ‘rules,’ both written and unspoken sprouted up to take their place.
If you were black and traveled beyond the boundary of Tireman, you’d hit Dearborn, which was notorious in its reputation among the black population as a racist area and renown “Sundown Town.” Population records of the time illustrate there are no black people living west of Woodward. This was because black residents, through restrictive racial regulations— were forced to live in certain areas; basically, you couldn’t live east of Woodward.
Original stage after restoration, on display Detroit Historical Museum, 2019 ©Nicole Wrona/MLS
Preservation
A grant from Kresge Foundation helped the DSC to buy the Blue Bird. At the time of the sale, the building was in foreclosure. The DSC worked with partners to conduct environmental + structural engineering studies. In 2015, DSC contacted Wayne State University (WSU) to conduct an archeological dig of the property. The network of students excavated the floor, rebuilt the stage, and eventually— the ceiling. The poor condition of the ceiling led to interesting discovery: a student reached up to the ceiling in order to prevent a piece of plaster from falling and tons of business documents fell from its spot. The information, most likely hidden by Clarence Evans or Edmunds provided by these documents is priceless: employment records, the performance schedule of musicians, and attendance records. Of great importance is the stage, which was salvaged and restored. The preservation work was completed in 2016.
The Detroit Sound Conservancy finalized the purchase of 5021 Tireman in Detroit in 2019. It had been shuttered since 2003. It was a long process, aided with the help of many along the way: Rachel Riley, Director of Arts & Culture for the City of Detroit, City Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, urban planner Lauren Hood, Saundra Little of Quinn Evans + Preservation Detroit all served as advisors for this project. MHPN wrote letters to help them obtain the property, and the Cardinal Foundation— a youth outreach program founded by Ron Cannon, helped with volunteer efforts.
The Detroit Sound Conservancy finalized the purchase of 5021 Tireman in Detroit in 2019. It had been shuttered since 2003. It was a long process, aided with the help of many along the way: Rachel Riley, Director of Arts & Culture for the City of Detroit, City Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, urban planner Lauren Hood, Saundra Little of Quinn Evans + Preservation Detroit all served as advisors for this project. MHPN wrote letters to help them obtain the property, and the Cardinal Foundation— a youth outreach program founded by Ron Cannon, helped with volunteer efforts.
Looking Forward
The conservancy hopes to occupy the space in 2022, with an anticipated grand opening slated for 2023. The Blue Bird will become a community, cultural + education space. Future plans for the property include a the creation of a meeting place for everyone to use and enjoy. Residents of the neighborhood, the city and state— and beyond, are welcome in the space. Highlights include an outdoor patio for live jazz, a preservation hub where visitors can convene. Instructors can use the space to meet with kids for learning, arts and music activities.
What's Next
To support the work and ongoing preservation efforts of the DSC, visit the Detroit Sound Conservancy. The organization is always looking for volunteers + assistance with rehab work. The DSC is also working to establish a partnership with the Motown Museum to coordinate a repository to host archives.
Michigan Historic Preservation Network
This is part of a series of Michigan Historic Preservation Network webinars that will continue through 2021. MHPN's webinars are open for registration. Click here to learn more.
