Metro Detroit Wayne County City
Garden City
Planned as a garden suburb, and the birthplace of Little Caesars and Kmart
- People (2025 estimate)
- 26,280
- Land area
- 5.9 sq mi · 15.2 km²
- From downtown
- 15.1 miles · 24 km · west
- Incorporated
- 1933
Nothing on our calendar here this week yet.
01 / Why it matters
Why Garden City matters
Garden City took its name seriously: it was planned on the English garden city model, with big lots so every house could have a kitchen garden out back. Most lots have since been carved up, but between some old streets, like Bock and John Hauk, the big lots survive.
This small west-side city is the birthplace of two national brands. On May 8, 1959, Mike and Marian Ilitch opened the very first Little Caesars on Cherry Hill Road (Little Caesar was Marian's pet name for Mike), and on March 1, 1962, the first full-size Kmart opened on Ford Road.
Downtown sits at Ford and Middlebelt, where the gray stone Folker Building served as the first city hall. Every holiday season the Santaland parade rolls through, a tradition now more than 60 parades old, and on a quiet side street stands the house Henry and Clara Ford built as newlyweds.
02 / Known for
What Garden City is known for
The first Little Caesars, from 1959; the original shop moved a short way down Cherry Hill Road in 2018
The first full-size Kmart at 29600 Ford Road, open 1962 to 2017; the building has since been torn down
The Henry Ford Square House, Henry and Clara's first home together, moved here from Dearborn in 1952; it is a private home today
Santaland, the downtown holiday parade with floats and costumed crews
03 / What’s on
What’s on in Garden City
Nothing on our calendar in Garden City right now. Try the neighbors:
04 / Places
2 places on our site in Garden City
05 / What to do
If you’re in Garden City
Santaland Parade
The downtown holiday parade put on by the Downtown Development Authority; the 2026 theme is "An 80s Christmas," so expect neon and big hair.
Official site ↗Garden City Ice Arena
The city ice rink, with open skate, drop-in hockey and learn-to-skate classes.
Official site ↗
06 / History
Garden City through the years
- 1835
In October, John Lathers receives 160 acres under a patent issued in President Andrew Jackson's name; the town grows from there.
- 1927
In June, Garden City becomes a village within Nankin Township, with Arnold Folker as village president.
- 1933
The village becomes a city.
- 1952
Henry and Clara Ford's former home, the Square House, is moved here from Dearborn.
- 1959
On May 8, Mike and Marian Ilitch open the first Little Caesars.
- 1962
On March 1, the first full-size Kmart opens on Ford Road.
07 / Born here
1 people in our lexicon were born here
08 / People
Famous names from here
- Mike Ilitch és Marian Ilitch opened the first Little Caesars here in 1959, the start of the business empire later known for owning the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings
Sources
Population and area are Census Bureau figures (Garden City city).
- 2020 Census, Michigan (PL 94-171)
- Census Bureau population estimates: cities and towns
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_City,_Michigan
- waynecountymi.gov/Government/Departments/Economic-Development/Our-Communities/Garden-City
- legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/resolutionadopted/Senate/htm/2009-SAR-0050.htm
- clickondetroit.com/news/original-little-caesars-pizza-shop-location-closing
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kmart
- wxyz.com/news/region/wayne-county/original-kmart-in-garden-city-among-the-stores-the-company-will-close-in-coming-months
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Ford_Square_House
- macsmotorcitygarage.com/henry-fords-square-house
- santalandparade.com
- gardencitymi.org/ice
- telegramnews.net/story/2021/04/22/lifestyles/this-week-we-focus-on-the-city-of-garden-city/1410.html
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Ilitch
- gardencitymi.org
Change since 2020, per the Census Bureau estimate: −4.1 percent.
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