Featured Stories

Thanks for listening, Michigan!

Model D staff Tuesday, May 14, 2013

People across the state have helped the Prosperity Agenda radio show on Detroit news/talk 760 WJR win international acclaim.

Detroit

Detroit by district: It starts with a village

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Community leaders and neighborhood advocates like Stephanie Johnson-Cobb, manager of community involvement and safety at Focus: HOPE, are digging in for Detroit's future. Matthew Lewis meets her in part two of our report on new voting districts.

Building Communities, Detroit, Transformational change, Urban Leadership

University Commons - Palmer Park

Mike Kelley's last homecoming

Nicole Rupersburg Tuesday, May 14, 2013

International art star Mike Kelley's final work is a gift to Detroit and the region that inspired and informed his career, from Destroy All Monsters in the 1970s to the end of his life in Los Angeles. Requiem by Nicole Rupersburg.

Architecture, Arts, Detroit, Museums, Placemaking, Sense of Place

Midtown

Opinion: Detroit needs a strong city council

Matthew Clayson & Bradford Frost Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Detroit residents must focus on the council by district races closely this summer and fall. Get to know the candidates. Be sure to vote. Bring neighborhood empowerment into the governing process, say Matthew Clayson and Bradford Frost.

Detroit, Transformational change, Urban Leadership

UIX: Erik Nordin and Detroit Design Center

Tunde Wey Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Nordin brothers -- Erik and Israel -- began Detroit Design Center in 2000. At their sprawling work space at Livernois and Michigan, the two designers have created indoor and outdoor pieces in various locations. Tunde Wey has the rest of the story.

Arts, Detroit, Social innovation

Green City Diaries: Conserving water, improving neighborhood life

Matthew Piper Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Detroit residents are finding ways to go blue -- meaning, they are learning about the practical environmental benefits of freshwater infrastructure by creating rain gardens and other water-based landscapes. Matthew Piper dives in to get the story.

Blue/Green Infrastructure, Detroit, Sustainability

Now's the time: Let's get hitched in the city

Noelle Lothamer Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Nontraditional, creative events inspired by a passion for place and personal expression. That appears to be the current trend when it comes to weddings in Detroit. As it should be, says our expert on urban nuptials, Noelle Lothamer.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Sense of Place, Social innovation

Our guide to planning your wedding in Detroit

Noelle Lothamer Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Planning one of the biggest days of your life can be daunting, but it can also be a lot of fun if you have good resources. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your search for the perfect Detroit wedding spot.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Sense of Place, Social innovation

UIX: Haji Flemings and Brand Camp University

Tunde Wey Tuesday, May 07, 2013

An entrepreneur who helps other entrepreneurs and small business owners, Haji Flemings launched the multi-faceted resource program called Brand Camp University to do exactly that. Tunde Wey makes the introductions.

Detroit, Social innovation

Opinion: Vote, for Detroit

By Ellen C. Schneider & Kimberly Ross Clayson Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Newcomers and longtime Detroiters need to engage the city on a deeper level. That is: participate in the future of Detroit by voting. Guest commentators Ellen C. Schneider and Kimberly Ross Clayson make the argument for an active electorate.

Detroit

What I've learned during Michigan's fight on home foreclosure

Mary Townley Tuesday, April 30, 2013

MSHDA is partnering with the state’s religious leaders and faith communities to help homeowners avoid foreclosure with a program that addresses each homeowner’s unique situation.

Detroit by district: Beginning a new series on emerging neighborhood leadership

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, April 30, 2013

This first feature in our series explores the Northeast Detroit caucus, aka Council District 3, where Matthew Lewis finds the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance and Matrix Human Services working to improve the quality of community life.

Building Communities, Detroit, Urban Leadership

East Side

Freshwater Metropolis in words and pictures: More than a concept

Matthew Lewis and Doug Coombe Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Now here's a two-for-one treat for our growing blue/green Detroit infrastructure readership: a springtime feature by project editor Matthew Lewis on rain gardens and an equally springy slideshow by photographer Doug Coombe.

Blue/Green Infrastructure, Detroit, Reuse / Rebuild

East Riverfront, Midtown, The Villages

UIX: Jason Hall and Detroit Bike City

Tunde Wey Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Jason Hall is one of the founders of Detroit Bike City, an annual expo held at Cobo Center that gathers bicycle riders, conceptualists, makers, tinkerers and general enthusiasts to explore all to do with cycling.

Building Communities, Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Social innovation

Detroit Revitalization Fellow: Owiso Makuku

Jay Walljasper Tuesday, April 30, 2013

With experience in the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corps, and in various jobs in New York, Boston and Burlington, Vermont, Owiso Makuku comes ready to make a difference in Detroit. Jay Walljasper shows us why.

Choosing Michigan, Detroit, Wayne State University

New Center