The Hill Commercial District

The Hill is a historically significant commercial district, notable for its evolution from a private estate and golf course to a thriving business center, and its connection to prominent figures in both business and entertainment. Located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, and also referenced in connection with neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and South Hill, Virginia, “The Hill” represents a unique pattern of development tied to economic shifts and community growth.

History

The origins of The Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms can be traced back to 1808, when the land was part of a strip farm owned by Joseph Ellair . In 1873, businessman John S. Newberry acquired the property for $27,000 (equivalent to approximately $614,000 today) and constructed his summer estate, known as “Lake Terrace” . Twenty years later, Newberry, along with neighbors James McMillan and Joseph Berry, leased a portion of the estate to the Country Club of Detroit, specifically the area between Lake St. Clair and Ridge Road, which served as the back fairways of the club’s golf course .

By the mid-1920s, the landscape of the area began to change dramatically. The golf course was sold, the land was subdivided into smaller parcels, and new streets were established. Grosse Pointe South High School was completed in 1928, further contributing to the area’s transformation . The remaining portion of the Newberry estate was divided in the early 1940s, with a section designated for commercial development, forming the foundation of the upper part of The Hill as it exists today . The Hill’s development in Grosse Pointe Farms was significantly marked by the opening of the Punch and Judy movie theater in January 1930, which signaled the beginning of the area’s growth as a commercial center .

Geography

In Grosse Pointe Farms, The Hill is situated on Kercheval Avenue, extending from Muir Road to Fisher Road . The area is characterized as a small crest of land, hosting a mix of offices, shops, restaurants, and the main branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library . This three-block commercial center has maintained a reputation for hosting elite stores and businesses for over 90 years. The location’s proximity to Lake St. Clair and its historical connection to the Country Club of Detroit contributed to its initial appeal and subsequent development.

The name “The Hill” also applies to a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. The Hill in Pittsburgh overlooks the Golden Triangle, the city’s downtown area . The Hill in St. Louis is characterized by clay deposits that attracted early immigrants . The South Hill Commercial Historic District in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, emerged as a rail town on the Atlantic & Danville Railroad by 1891 .

Culture

The Hill District in Pittsburgh became a significant center for African American culture, particularly in the realm of jazz music. The area was home to renowned jazz musicians such as Lena Horne, Billy Eckstein, and Earl “Fatha” Hines, contributing to its national recognition on the jazz circuit . The influx of Eastern European immigrants into the Pittsburgh Hill District also shaped its cultural landscape as the city grew as an industrial center .

In St. Louis, Missouri, The Hill’s cultural identity is strongly linked to its Italian-American heritage. The neighborhood was initially settled by German and Irish immigrants who worked in the clay mining industry before becoming a hub for Italian immigrants . This immigration pattern led to the establishment of numerous Italian restaurants, markets, and cultural institutions, making The Hill a vibrant center for Italian-American life. While the Grosse Pointe Farms Hill does not have a single dominant cultural group, its commercial character caters to a diverse clientele from the surrounding communities.

Economy

The Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms functions as a local commercial hub, providing retail, dining, and professional services to residents of the Grosse Pointe communities and beyond. For over 90 years, the area has been known for its prestigious businesses and stores . The presence of the Grosse Pointe Public Library also contributes to the area’s economic and intellectual vitality.

The South Hill Commercial Historic District in Virginia benefited from its location as a rail town, fostering economic growth through trade and transportation . The Hill in St. Louis initially experienced economic activity related to clay mining, but later transitioned to a predominantly Italian-American commercial district focused on food and retail . The Pittsburgh Hill District’s economy has evolved alongside the city’s industrial shifts, with a focus on community development and revitalization efforts.

Grosse Pointe Farms Grosse Pointe Public Library Commercial districts of Detroit Michigan history