Gordon Young

About the Author

Gordon Young is a Detroit-based writer and journalist whose work delves into the heart of America's urban decay and resilience. Born and raised in the Motor City, he has spent decades chronicling its transformation from a thriving industrial powerhouse to a symbol of post-industrial struggle and rebirth. In his acclaimed memoir Teardown: Memoir of a Vanishing City, Young offers an intimate, unflinching portrait of Detroit's neighborhoods, blending personal anecdotes with sharp social commentary on abandonment, gentrification, and the human cost of economic decline. A former contributor to outlets like The Atlantic and The New York Times, Young's writing bridges memoir and investigative journalism, illuminating the stories of overlooked communities with empathy and insight. He continues to advocate for equitable urban renewal through his ongoing projects and public speaking.