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Purchased by Jerjuan Howard in 2024, a property vacant for decades was renovated, gained a mural and new logo, and now functions as a community-focused bookstore, with an opening that gathered about 400 people
A building abandoned for over 25 years in Detroit was transformed into the Howard Family Bookstore, opened in April after being purchased by Jerjuan Howard in 2024. The once dilapidated property underwent renovations, modernizations, a new logo, and a mural, with the proposal to become a community space focused on access to books.
Building abandoned for decades gains new function in the neighborhood
The building remained vacant for more than two decades before being restored. When acquired, it showed clear signs of abandonment, with aged bricks and the absence of windows and doors.
The transformation led the property to a new phase. In addition to structural renovations and modernizations, the building now displays the bookstore’s identity and a large mural painted on one of its sides.
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Jerjuan Howard bought property linked to his own childhood
The building’s history is directly linked to Jerjuan Howard. He grew up just a few blocks away and passed by the location every day on his way home from school.
The bookstore states that where others saw decay, Howard saw potential. The proposal was to transform a once forgotten space into a gathering and reading point for residents.
Bookstore in Detroit Wants to Prioritize Community, Not Profit
Howard told CBS News Detroit that his hope is for the store to be community-centered, rather than profit-driven.
The opening gathered about 400 people, a number he highlighted as a sign of local interest.
For Howard, having accessible books available within a short distance can encourage residents to read more. He hopes the bookstore will inspire the community to “pick up those books” and start reading.
Space Seeks to Rewrite the Neighborhood’s Narrative
The Howard Family Bookstore states that the space was created to “rewrite the narrative” and show what is possible when someone decides to invest in the place where they grew up.
The central message of the project is to recover a forgotten property and return it to the community with a new function, linked to education, socializing, and access to reading.
This article was prepared based on information from the Howard Family Bookstore and CBS News Detroit, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
