Development

Rooted in Community: Meet the local developers emphasizing residents, empowerment

Can developers serve communities in better ways? Can designs make sure residents don't get left out of the city's rapid growth? These Detroit-based developers think so. Here's what they are saying.   

Latest in Development
The Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center is located at 61 Clairmount St. in Detroit.
Permanent supportive housing for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth opens in Detroit’s Piety Hill neighborhood

“Our mission is to create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future,” says Mark Erwin, interim co-executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center.

“McMullen is excited to open a pop up in Detroit, a city much like Oakland, with a rich history and culture, and generally underrepresented in the fashion industry,” Sherri McMullen says.
Fashion and home decor boutique to celebrate grand opening downtown

“McMullen is excited to open a pop up in Detroit, a city much like Oakland, with a rich history and culture, and generally underrepresented in the fashion industry,” Sherri McMullen says.

Issue Media Group relaunches Upper Peninsula publication

Issue Media Group is excited to announce the relaunch of its online, community-informed, digital publication in the Upper Peninsula. UPword will focus on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development, while featuring U.P.-based talent.

Ponce Clay stands on a stretch of real estate he owns in Detroit.
Black Detroit developers reveal secrets to successfully scaling up operations

"Building a strong network, it just can’t be overemphasized, but it also has to be done with intention," says Elizabeth Luther, Capital Impact's Detroit program director. Newer developers often face many obstacles as they step up to bigger projects. Here's a look at some local developers who have made the leap and the lessons they've learned.

The Belt, an activated alley in downtown Detroit.
New pilot program to transform five Detroit alleyways into public art destinations

“The Covid-19 pandemic showed us the importance of safe, accessible green spaces in our neighborhoods,” says Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for the City.

City plan to keep affordable housing options available in Corktown begins: Left Field breaks ground

“Our promise to longtime Detroiters is that they won’t be pushed out by development, and nowhere is intervention needed more right now than in Corktown, which is seeing an unprecedented level of new development,” says Mayor Mike Duggan.

The North Corktown Commons is a place for residents to gather and relax.
These 3 Detroit projects are transforming vacant lots into unique outdoor public spaces

These Detroit groups are taking fields that were once crowded with weeds and reimagining them into special places for neighbors to gather. Here's how they're making it happen.

Phyllis Edwards and Dan Commer at the new pocket park.
Resilient Neighborhoods: This SW Detroit neighborhood will soon have a new pocket park and greenway

These once-neglected Detroit parks are getting a new lease on life — and some neighboring amenities — through a collaboration between local nonprofits and community members.

Tyronza Nesbitt streams a class for Detroit Cycling Studio members.
These Metro Detroit resources can help Black entrepreneurs gain better access to capital

Black-owned businesses often face hurdles accessing capital. Here are some organizations and programs that may be able to help.

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