Finalists of “It’s about Place” contest represent Detroit

Let’s Save Michigan recently announced the winners of the “It’s about Place” contest, and two of the finalists are from Detroit.
 
A panel of national placemaking experts chose Detroit’s Canfield Social Yard project as the $2,000 grand prize winner. This project seeks to raise awareness of the west Woodbridge area in Detroit and foster a culture of neighborhood and civic engagement by programming a vacant lot with entertainment and educational events.

“We are beyond excited about winning the Let’s Save Michigan: “It’s about Place” competition,” says Nora Leon of the Canfield Social Yard project.”It’s a tremendous honor and we can’t wait to get our hands dirty and bring Canfield Social Yard to life. We think the project has the potential to become a great asset for the Woodbridge community.” 

The other project, Innovation Square: Detroit was the $500 runner-up. This project will transform an unflattering parking lot in Tech Town into an inviting outdoor space that encourages inter-organization collaboration and community development. Its goal is to generate enough momentum to secure follow-on funding.

Source: Sarah Szurpicki
Writer: Leah Johnson