Michigan Chronicle breaks ground in historic Paradise Valley

New Michigan Chronicle Headquarters
New Michigan Chronicle Headquarters

The Michigan Chronicle and its parent company, Real Times Media, hosted a dedication and groundbreaking ceremony officially marking the start of construction of their new corporate headquarters located at 1452 Randolph on Wednesday, July 29, at 11:30 am. The new site will serve as the headquarters for Real Times Media, which currently has offices in six states. State and local dignitaries, community and business leaders are expected to attend.

“The Michigan Chronicle has been an integral part of the Detroit community for almost 80 years so it is only natural that we center our operations in the heart of the resurgence of Detroit,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle.

Vacated by Dell Pryor Gallery several years ago, the property was recently purchased by Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a group of African American investors who are committed to the revitalization of Detroit.

A historically designated site, the building will be returned to its original splendor. Once renovations are complete, the new address will be home to an in-house studio which will allow the company to continue its expansion into the production of original video content for its Web properties as well as for its sister publications under the Real Times Media umbrella.

Real Times Media has aggressively expanded its presence into the digital space in the last two years and created a greater online presence. With popular brands like PraiseConnect.com and its daily newsletter, The Digital Daily, it will need the extra space to build an in-house studio in which to produce video content and to house a growing staff.

“The move to Paradise Valley marks a new chapter for Real Times Media and the Michigan Chronicle,” said Jackson. “As we continue to evolve to fit the needs of new generations, we are expanding our focus to address the digital realities of today. Our move to Paradise Valley embodies this renewed spirit. Even today, the area harkens back to its roots as a bustling African American business and entertainment mecca and it’s exactly where our company needs to be.”

Paradise Valley was a predominantly African American area in downtown Detroit known as a hotbed for entertainment and artistic activity with movie houses and some of the first jazz clubs established in the north during late ’30s and ’40s. Ironically, the Michigan Chronicle first opened its doors in 1936 on Antoine Street located in the bustling business and entertainment district of Paradise Valley. “We are happy to return to the same area in which the Michigan Chronicle had its humble beginnings. The Michigan Chronicle has come full circle. I am sure we will feel right at home,” said Jackson.

Real Times Media is a multimedia company comprised of Internet properties, newspapers, niche publishing, marketing services, archive licensing and premier events. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Memphis and Pittsburgh, Real Times is the leading provider of original print content for African American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information.

The Real Times Media family of companies includes the nation’s largest African-American owned and operated newspaper organizations: the Atlanta Daily World, Chicago Defender, Michigan Chronicle, New Pittsburgh Courier and Who’s Who Publishing company.

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