The Peacock Room that left Detroit 100 years ago lives on today in Rachel Lutz’s boutique.

When looking for a name for her business,  Lutz referenced Detroit art collector Charles Lang Freer, who first brought the Peacock Room to Detroit as a part of his art collection.

Now the shop has evolved, making a name for itself with careful curation, styling expertise and intimate knowledge of the stories behind the pieces sold. The New York Times recently included The Peacock Room in a list of 25 favorite stores across the country.

Rachel Lutz joins the show to talk about Detroit history, what’s behind the success of her store and what lays ahead. 

The origins of The Peacock Room

In 1876 and 1877, Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room was completed by artist James McNeill Whistler. 

It was originally a dining room in the London home of Frederick Richards Leyland, a wealthy shipowner from Liverpool, England. The room was to house Leyland’s priceless Chinese blue-and-white porcelain.

But while Leyland was away, the room became a fresh canvas. Whistler covered the ceiling with imitation gold leaf and peacock feathers, gilded the shelving, and painted peacocks across the shutters. 

Leyland became infuriated and the two men feuded over the work and the bill for the rest of their lives. It remained intact in Leyland’s home until his death in 1892.

Enter Charles Lang Freer, a Detroit railroad-car manufacturer and later a student of art. He was an avid collector of Asian and Middle Eastern art works and bought The Peacock Room in its entirety. Freer had it shipped to his home on East Ferry Avenue in 1904. It remained in Detroit until 1919. 

The room currently is on display in its entirety in the Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.

Detroit’s new Peacock Room

Rachel Lutz’ retail store The Peacock Room pays homage to Charles Lang Freer’s vision of collecting and the room Detroit lost. Located in The Park Shelton and Fisher buildings, since 2011, Lutz has curated her spaces like galleries. 

This fall, The Peacock Room Antiques Studio opens in the Park Shelton, which will be an event-driven destination for collecting, education and community.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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The Howard Family Bookstore is a dream realized for Detroit native Jerjuan Howard. He created the non-profit aimed at supporting students with literacy and interpersonal communication skills as a part of his mission to better his community with the next generation at the center.

Howard is also the founder of the Umoja Debate League. In 2025, Jerjuan joined The Metro to talk about 7-2 Day, a yearly celebration his Puritan Ave. neighborhood. While chatting about the celebratory day, Jerjuan talked about his future plans for a bookstore. 

Fast forward a year, Howard Family Bookstore is open.

Howard currently acts as the city of Detroit’s director of Youth Affairs. Due to the position, he took a step back from the day to day operations. The management of the bookstore is handled by Jerjuan’s aunt, Jamie Howard. 

In this conversation, we listen in on a past conversation, learning about his goals. In the latter half, we hear from Jamie and learn more about the importance the shop holds in the community. Jamie says watching her nephew grow into the man he is today is no surprise.

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The City of Highland Park is expanding its camera surveillance coverage of senior housing complexes. 

Police Chief James McMahon says seniors have complained about an increase in drug activity at the facilities. The city is looking to add more live cameras in five locations. 

McMahon says he anticipates new surveillance will be up and running within 60 days. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aprill 28, 2026

Highland Park adds to summer youth programming

Highland Park is also looking at how to serve its youngest residents better. Mayor Glenda McDonald announced extended programming for kids in the city this summer in an effort to keep them off the street. The city is partnering with local churches and the rec center to provide sports, mentorship and education programs. 

McDonald recalled a recent incident where a child was killed in Highland Park. She says she wants to keep kids safe. 

“I started out on a mission to try to put together a group of people with like mind, and wanted to save our children, give them something positive to do, make sure that they are engaged, encouraged and respected by the people in this city,” says McDonald.

Highland Park’s Ernest T Ford Recreational Center will provide sports, open gyms and meals all summer long. Local churches are offering mentorship and structured programming daily. All food and programing are free. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

History of hats

Former hat designer and author Linda Hannah invites fashion and history buffs to explore the history of hats at the Detroit Public Library’s Main Branch Friday.

The event is open to all ages and starts at 4 p.m. 

Learn to cook with Konjo Me

Konjo Me serves Ethiopian food at the Detroit Shipping Company Tuesdays through Sunday. But this month it’s also offering a cooking class.

Attendees will learn to make one authentic vegan dish and a meat dish before sitting down to enjoy that meal.

The class is May 28, but registration is required. Find more info and purchase tickets at konjome.com.

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day and several shops in Southeast Michigan have in-store events. Vault of Midnight in Detroit will be offering 5 free comic books to each visitor from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. There are 40 comic books to choose from.

The store will also have sales tents outside with comics starting at $1 board games, manga and graphic novels. Vault of Midnight is located at 2857 East Grand Boulevard in Detroit.

Green Brain Comics in Dearborn will celebrate Free Comic Book Day with 3 free comics for visitors and an opportunity to earn more with non-perishable food donations to Gleaners Food Bank, donations to Friends for the Animals Metro Detroit or by wearing a costume.

Green Brain’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a special proclamation from Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and end at 6pm. The shop will host several guest creators throughout the day. 

Green Brain is located at 13936 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn.

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