Featured Stories

From vacant to vibrant: A coalition rises

Jon Zemke Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Educating community activists about the resources and best practices available for improving the quality of life in Detroit neighborhoods is the mission of the Vacant Property Coalition. Jon Zemke talks local empowerment with the group's Janai Gilmore.

Detroit, Reuse / Rebuild, Transformational change

Grandmont Rosedale

Liquid assets: We begin a series on the water that sustains us all

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Did you know we all live in a watershed, are surrounded by over a fifth of the world's freshwater supply and interact, one way or another, with the Great Lakes basin every day? Matthew Lewis shares those factoids and more in our new blue-green infrastructure series.

Blue/Green Infrastructure, Detroit, Sustainability

Green City Diaries: Best of the year that was

Matthew Piper Tuesday, December 18, 2012

'Tis the season for reflection, among everything else. As the first year of the Green City Diaries comes to a close and a second year starts taking shape, writer Matthew Piper deviates from his formula to write a diary entry of his own.

Detroit, Sustainability

Model D's best pictures of 2012

Marvin Shaouni Tuesday, December 18, 2012

When it comes to shooting and illustrating each issue of Model D, we count on the keen eyes of photographer Marvin Shaouni. We say cheers to you, mate, and happily publish the best of your work in 2012.

Creative life is how you make it

Amy Kuras Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Its founder sees the Mt. Elliott Makerspace as nothing short of a place for transforming lives, hoping to break cycles of poverty and racism, and to hand people tools for determining their own future. Amy Kuras has the story.

Arts, Education and training, Transformational change

Near East Side

Have yourself a merry little

Model D staff Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The holiday season is already is in full swing here at Model D, but we're going to take it up a notch the next two weeks with family and friends. Stay warm and cozy and we'll see you back here Jan. 8.

Detroit

Model D goes mobile: Detroit on the move

Model D staff Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Model D's Speaker Series heads to Ann Arbor this Friday for our third IdeaLab collaboration with the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. The first two years were awesome. We expect nothing less this time.

Detroit, Education and training, Entrepreneurs, Small Business

Model D TV: On the avenue with the Detroit Lions

DETROIT LIVES! Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The launch of a new neighborhood retail initiative led by the Detroit Lions and local retail contest Hatch Detroit brought our video team DETROIT LIVES! to the Avenue of Fashion for this special episode of Model D TV.

Upper floor housing rehabs spur neighborhood growth

Natalie Burg Thursday, December 13, 2012

When shopping in your favorite downtown store, ever wonder what's upstairs? For decades, the answer has been "not much" for many Michigan cities. Take a look at how that trend is changing across the state, in communities like Manistee, Portland and Detroit's Eastern Market, where local property owners are redefining downtowns by reviving upper floor residences.

Take our survey

Model D staff Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Throughout the year, we've been doing stories that focus on LGBT issues, immigration, transformational change and civil liberties for all. Take a minute and fill out this survey to tell us what you think.

Civil liberties, Detroit, Immigration, Transformational change

UIX TV: Dave Mancini and Supino Pizzeria

DETROIT LIVES! Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Zagat's just named his business the number one eatery in the Detroit metro area, some achievement for a tiny storefront on Russell St. in Eastern Market. Meet Dave Mancini, the man behind Supino Pizzeria.

Detroit, Dining, Entrepreneurs, Food and Drink, Small Business, Social innovation

Eastern Market

Pragmatic agent of change, Paul Hillegonds

Dennis Archambault Tuesday, December 11, 2012

As a state legislator, Paul Hillegonds gained a reputation for seeking old-fashioned compromise among his peers. Now he's doing the same in Detroit, working with the ACLU of Michigan on racial equity issues. Profile by Dennis Archambault.

Civil liberties, Detroit, Transformational change

Talking energy and environment with the State's Valerie Brader

Veronica Gracia-Wing Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Affordable energy, reliable energy, and protecting our environment were part of the governor's recent 'Ensuring our future' message. Veronica Gracia-Wing digs into the details with the governor's deputy legal council and senior policy advisor.

Alternative Energy, Green, Sustainability

Model D TV: Android Industries and Focus: HOPE

DETROIT LIVES! Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Good partnerships are made by those who can find ways to benefit from collaborative efforts. That is the case with Android Industries and Focus: HOPE. Video report by DETROIT LIVES!

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Video

Talking with cheeky founders of Michigan Needs More Parking

Francis Grunow Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Finding places to park cars, lots of cars, is crazy-serious business for most Detroiters. Chene Park and Minock Park have your back. They believe, and they want Francis Grunow, and you, dear reader, to believe in the ugly-beauty of parking your vehicle(s).

Detroit, Transit