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Open air spring evening at Corktown's Mercury Bar - Photo Marvin Shaouni
Open air spring evening at Corktown's Mercury Bar - Photo Marvin Shaouni | Show Photo

Near East Side : Featured Stories

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City kids: Community partnerships, creative classes

More than 4,000 Detroit kids each year get the benefit of a strong arts education thanks to the College for Creative Studies. Amy Kuras goes into the classroom to see students excited about learning. Marvin Shaouni gets the pictures.

UIX: Ann Perrault and Avalon Bakery

Ann Perrault is co-owner of the pioneering Avalon International Breads, which built success by using the motto "Eat Well, Do Good" and by practicing fundamentally sound business. Tunde Wey reports from W. Willis St. 

Creative life is how you make it

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.

UIX projects: Detroit Asian Youth (DAY)

This multicultural group educates youth about national and local Asian-American history using community projects to help them understand the connection between Detroit and their heritage.

Guide to feathering an urban nest

Getting the right look for our new HQ was important. So we went with old new stuff. Or is it the other way around? Let Claire Nelson tell us how we furnished our new pad and what it takes for you to do the same.

Marching party: Zoom in on the company putting a face on America's parade

The creative team behind the curtain of the Parade Company makes America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit one of the best holiday street parties in the world, bar none. Marvin Shaouni created this essay in 2010, but it's timeless. Encore, please. 

Trans and triumphant: Local activist leads from the margins

From his youth in a violent Detroit neighborhood, to his isolation as a black college student in a white environment, Ryan Oliver has struggled to define himself and his masculinity. It's a challenge that's been even more daunting because Oliver is biologically female.

Model D TV: LGBT leader of color Ryan Oliver

Using passion ignited by his college sociology professor to advocate on behalf of the invisible transgendered community, Ryan Oliver's transformation into an LGBT leader has been hard fought -- and impressively won.

Vote Today: Revise Detroit City Charter, say 'Yes' to Proposal C

The two-year charter revision process has been one of the most open and transparent efforts Detroit has ever seen, writes Vince Keenan. Now it's time to cast your vote on Proposal C.

Where the auction is: Q&A with surreal estate innovator Jerry Paffendorf

Jerry Paffendorf is an idea man. Not the typical idea man with grand ambitions and little execution who thinks his ideas would be great for other people. Paffendorf actually turns his dreams into reality. Jon Zemke asks all the right questions.

Grand Rapids crew brings West Michigan love to the D

A busload of people came from the other side of the state to check out high-octane activity that included ArtX, Rust Belt to Artist Belt conference and Detroit Restaurant Week. Did our colleagues from sister pub Rapid Growth have fun? Did they ever.

Talking about a more global Detroit: Model D Speaker Series in review

A crowd of about 75 people packed Hamtramck Public Library to listen to a panel talk about the importance of making Detroit a more welcoming place for immigrants. News editor Ashley Woods brings back some highlights from this hard-hitting discussion.

Taking root: Just in time for growing season, we begin series on urban farming in the D

Earthwork's Patrick Crouch is a busy guy, serving on food policy councils and collaborating with other players in Detroit's growing agricultural networks and projects. But not too busy to write about developments here getting attention around the world. Welcome aboard, friend.


How we all benefit from film incentives: An industry insider weighs in

Former Model D managing photographer Dave Krieger has been busy working on one film set after another the past few years. He makes an appeal to the governor and the state legislature to keep the lights, cameras and action rolling.

Art into action: Design collaborators building community one power house at a time

Gritty futurists Gina Reichert and Mitch Cope are picking up speed -- and fellow travelers and builders -- in their art-meets-neighborhood reinvention project on the Detroit-Hamtramck border. Kelli B. Kavanaugh reports on what's next in the aftermath of worldwide pub for their famous "$100 House."  

Ripple effect: Dutch artists create, stimulate in Detroit's wide-open spaces

Who better to agitate and navigate Detroit's transition from past manufacturing titan to a future of endless creative endeavor then members of a neo-utopian research team from the Netherlands? Writer Dennis Archambault sees ideas turn to action before his eyes in this report.

L.A. investor aims to put families in Detroit homes and money in the bank

Robin Scovill lives in L.A. He's not a Detroiter, but when he started investing in the city, he got a little Detroit in his veins. He's now out to make profits, yes, but he wants to build a better Detroit while he's at it.

Fresh, Fresh, Exciting: Near East Side Dwellers Get Boxes of Green Goodness

The Green Ribbon Collaborative gives us not only an excuse for a Kool & The Gang reference, but also has created a program that's bringing fresh, locally grown foods to neighborhoods lacking in quality grocery retail. We find that fresh and exciting.

Microloans Bring Macro-Benefit to Detroit

When the banks won't answer the door, the smallest of small businesses can go knocking on the doors of Detroit's microloan programs, which are changing the face of the city one coffee shop or high tech start up at a time.

Charter Reform Spells Change for Detroit

They say good things take time, and this will. Revising the city's charter could spell great things for Detroit. But what type of change will come of it, and who will make those decisions? Voters, a lot of that is up to you.

Detroiters Want to Recycle Here

The nonprofit Recycle Here! center is slammed with Detroiters unloading their unwanted paper, plastic and glass, but soon many Detroiters will have a curbside option, too. Green could be very "in" in Detroit in '09. 

Model D 2008 Photos in Review

2008 was a big year for Detroit. Photographer Marvin Shaouni offers a retrospective of his masthead images from the year.  We've got the big stories (Transit. Film. Tiger Stadium. The Book Cadillac.) as well as the smaller stories, (D'Mongo's. A creperie.). All made this a good year to be in the D.Also note: We're taking a break for two weeks for our annual holiday season ciesta. Model D will return Jan. 6.

Maize, Blue and Detroit, Too: U-M Grads Find Promise in City's Future

Grads from Ann Arbor's big U (aka the University of Michigan) are taking a fresh look at Detroit as a destination to start careers or launch various professional and artistic projects. See why the creative revolution might begin right in our backyard. 

Maize, Blue and Detroit, Too: U-M Grads Find Promise in City's Future

Grads from Ann Arbor's big U (aka the University of Michigan) are taking a fresh look at Detroit as a destination to start careers or launch various professional and artistic projects. See why the creative revolution might begin right in our backyard. 

Speaker Series This Week -- Sign Up Now!

Sign up now for the next Model D Speaker Series -- set for May 22 at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. We will revisit the topic of sustainable urbanism with architect Mark Nickita, Chris Bray of the Gratiot Woods neighborhood, and Diane Van Buren Jones of the WARM Training Center, whose efforts helped bring a green audit to the city.

The List: Where to Find Raw Lofts in Detroit

Want to find a real loft in Detroit to rent or own? Here's a list that should help you get started, ranked from raw to finished, and rent to own.

Why Brownfields are Sexy: Clean Water and Air, a Better Economy, a Stronger Detroit

We don't know what your idea of sexy is, but we can't think of anything sexier than promoting development that can benefit the economy, environment and public health, all the while promoting density and making the region attractive to creative new economy types. Now that's hot.


Why Brownfields are Sexy: Clean Water and Air, a Better Economy, a Stronger Detroit

We don't know what your idea of sexy is, but we can't think of anything sexier than promoting development that can benefit the economy, environment and public health, all the while promoting density and making the region attractive to creative new economy types. Now that's hot.

A Greener Gleaners: Old Warehouse to Get a Sustainable Makeover

On the East Side of Detroit, an enormous, 100-year-old warehouse with more than $6,000 a month in electric bills will be a more sustainable, energy-efficient building. Here's how, and why, Gleaners is going green.

Model D TV: Home of the Model T

Model D visits the birthplace of the Model T, and puts it on Model D TV.  Say that three times fast, and watch this clip on Detroit's T-Plex.


McMillin's Detroit: A Veteran Guide Takes Us Through Detroit Then and Now

Detroiter Stewart McMillin knows all the good dirt — try womanizing philanthropists now immortalized, or the O.J. trial of 1925. And he knows the most beautiful spots —walls of stained glass windows and spires that reach to the heavens. The history buff and Indian Village resident leads us on a city tour like no other.

The Real (Estate) Deal

Come on in, the water's not that cold — or, the current state of the Detroit real estate market.

Voice from the Deep River

Detroit blues man and radio personality the Rev. Robert Jones has journeyed from the "Lowlands" to the "Deep River."

Model D Speaker Series: Detroit Sells

Who's selling in Detroit? Who's buying? What's hot (and not) in residential retail in the city?The speaker series sign up is closed. We'll be back in March with another hot topic.

Great Groceries

The questioning suburbanite asks the Detroiter, "But where do you shop for groceries?" Here's where.

Buy Detroit, Build Detroit

Avoid the meter maid's boot and save some loot when you shop the city this holiday season.

Growing Detroit Retail

A D.C.-based nonprofit has some shiny new numbers that could mean exciting things for Detroit's retail prospects. Read about it here, and see for yourself at our Speaker Series Nov. 14. Sign up today.

The 3 R's in the D

More Detroiters are learning the three R's — reduce-reuse-recycle — prompting private groups and city officials to look at more options to keep refuse away from the big burn.

Let the Artists Loose

At his Liberal Arts Gallery, Duane Belin lets the artists go to town and hold nothing back. Want to hang thousands of shoes from the roof? No problem.

Redemption Song

The city's African-American churches have a long tradition of building up their neighborhoods with new housing and economic opportunities.

Heidelberg Turns 21

Artist Tyree Guyton talks about his Heidelberg Project, now 21 years in the making, and photographer Dave Krieger looks at the colorful houses and outdoor installations that continue to steer the art world's eyes to Detroit.

Model D TV: Lou Glazer

Lou Glazer is an urban planning theorist who says Michigan must alter the way it thinks about itself if it is to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Inspiration from Within

Live deeply, creative people. Follow your passions and do it in Detroit, where any kind of art scene can be built and sustained, says critic Rebecca Mazzei.

Making Moves on the Near East Side

Detroit's Near Eastside has a long history of community life with resilient people. It is preparing to revive the neighborhood vibe by attracting investment in its future.   

Growing in Detroit

Last week, the Detroit Agricultural Network  sponsored its 10th annual Urban Garden Tour. Photographer Dave Krieger was there with his camera.

Near East Side Story

An urban art project with international cachet, religious centers and residential districts rebuilding — the Detroit's Near East Side beckons the visitor in search of the city's past and future.

Survey: Preparing Talent

Take this United Way survey to gauge how effectively young people in the region are being prepared for the challenges of a knowledge-based economy.

Becoming a City for the World

Charles Landry, author of the books The Creative City and the The Art of City Making, offers his views on what it takes to help urban centers reach their full potential.

Model D TV: Carol Coletta

Carol Coletta of CEOs for Cities spoke recently at our speaker series. See and hear what she has to say about what Detroit can do to create urban density and develop and keep its own talent.

New Beginnings

Detroit's Near East Side is getting primed and ready for revitalization. With a long list of basic assets for urban living, one of the city's oldest districts is worth a serious look.



We Got 100 of 'em

Pictures of Detroit people and places are Model D photographer Dave Krieger's specialty. See 100 of his best in this special edition slideshow.

Take a Regional Transit Survey

With gas prices inching toward $4 a gallon, Detroiters may begin seeking alternate ways to get around town. Take the United Way's Regional Transit Survey and tell us what you think.

Last Call for Model D Speaker Series

Join CEOs For Cities President Carol Coletta and Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future Inc, at Model D's next speaker series event.

Unconventional Wisdom

He's a bestselling author and a scholar who turns logic on its head. Meet "Freak-economist" Steve Levitt, who thrilled hundreds with his theories at a recent talk at WSU, then sat down for a Q&A session with reporters.

Survey: Race Relations

While Metro Detroit has been identified as one of the most racially segregated regions in the nation, our growing diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Metromode, United Way, and New Detroit are interested in your thoughts on race relations in this community.

Partnerships Create a One-Stop Shop

Wouldn’t it be great if there was just one phone number to call to connectto everything you needed to start, grow or move your business into Detroit,into Wayne County, into Southeastern Michigan?  Here’s how.

Rethinking Neighborhood

Neighborhoods are crucial to the redevelopment of regions and cities. Two national experts are in town to share their ideas on what Detroit can do to restore community life and restart the local economy.
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