A rear-of-building blaze at the Covergirls property on Detroit's east side has been ruled arson, and neighbors say that decision only hardens their resolve to block plans to reopen the venue as a strip club. The fire sparked in the back of the renovated storefront around 5 a.m. today, leaving obvious damage. Residents point out that the site sits just feet from homes, Martin Evers Church and Wayne Elementary School, and say that tight squeeze is exactly why they are fighting the club's return.
The Detroit Fire Department told Local 4 that its Fire Investigation Division determined the blaze was intentionally set and that the case remains under investigation, according to ClickOnDetroit. The outlet reports the fire began in the rear alley around 5 a.m., but officials have not released any information on suspects or motive. All of that unfolded while a "grand opening coming soon" banner still hung on the storefront, and organizers ramped up rallies outside.
Neighbors gathered in front of the building earlier this month, where Haverhill Block Club president Keisha Brooks warned about potential violence and Pastor Alonzo Bell noted that the club is "almost attached" to a nearby apartment complex, ClickOnDetroit reported. Attorney Cyril Hall, who represents the owner, told the station that the owner "has a license to open and do business" and does not intend to break any laws, adding that the venue planned to open "very soon." Protesters counter that when the club operated before, it brought quality of life problems, and they say they want a different kind of business on that corner.
Zoning Fight Moves Into City Hall
Councilmember Latisha Johnson has formally asked the City Planning Commission to look at down-zoning 10631 Whittier Ave, the parcel listed in city records as the Covergirls site. She argues the use clashes with neighborhood plans and sits too close to an elementary school, according to a City of Detroit memorandum. That memo notes the property currently holds a certificate of compliance from BSEED and is classified as a Cabaret D adult cabaret, which means it can legally reopen unless the zoning changes, per the City of Detroit. The request was sent to the Planning and Economic Development committee earlier this year, creating a formal path for residents to push for a land use change.
What Happens Next
The Planning Commission's review, and any vote on down-zoning, could take weeks, which gives neighbors time to lobby city officials and pack public hearings. Local reporting and city meeting notes show council members have asked staff to identify ways to change the property's designation, according to BridgeDetroit. For now, residents are planning more rallies and public comment while the Fire Investigation Division continues its work.
Neighbors who say they have spent years trying to attract family-friendly businesses to the Whittier corridor argue the arson ruling has turned a simmering dispute into a very public showdown. The final outcome will depend on the fire investigation, any administrative moves by BSEED and the Planning Commission's deliberations, and both sides say they plan to be in the room at City Hall when those decisions come up.
