Featured Stories

Urban alleys become pathways to revitalization

Eric Peterson Tuesday, April 22, 2014

From Seattle to Washington D.C., forgotten alleys are being reinvented as people-friendly spaces. Often perceived as dirty and dangerous, alleys are moving beyond garbage and garages, and becoming havens for pedestrians, public art and small businesses.

Detroit, Placemaking, Redevelopment, Sense of Place, Transformational change

Midtown

City Kids: Belle Isle kicks off a kid-friendly spring

Amy Kuras Tuesday, April 22, 2014

For generations, Belle Island has been a fair weather destination for families with kids. This year, improvements to the island and expanded hours at a few of its institutions make it an even better spot for kids to play. Amy Kuras has the scoop.

Building Communities, City Kids, Detroit, Sense of Place, Transformational change

East Riverfront

Detroit's other industry: Food and Agriculture in the Motor City

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Model D launches a new series that will explore a different aspect of Metro Detroit's food and agriculture economy each month -- from food entrepreneurs and farmers to the logistics of food distribution in the region.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Food and Drink, Food Economy, Small Business

Collaborative video project to document a day in the life of Detroit

Matthew Lewis Monday, April 21, 2014

On Saturday, April 26, Detroit's film and video community will embark on a collaborative project documenting a day in the life of the city. Will you join them?

Arts, Building Communities, Detroit, Film, Sense of Place, Video

Satori Shakoor and the power of telling true stories

Dennis Archambault Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Satori Shakoor is a performer who believes that true stories have the power to transform people. Dennis Archambault tells us how Shakoor's stories transform audiences every month at the Charles H. Wright Museum in Midtown.

Arts, Building Communities, Detroit, Museums, Performing Arts

Midtown

A record lover's guide to Detroit

Glen Morren Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Record Store Day, a celebration of independent record stores, is happening Saturday, April 19. In preparation, record head Glen Morren tells us about a few of his favorite spots to buy vinyl in Detroit.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Music, Shop Local, Small Business

Hamtramck, Midtown, Corktown

Rock the red tape: Navigating City Hall

Model D Staff Tuesday, April 15, 2014

On Monday, April 21, a panel will discuss the best ways for entrepreneurs to navigate bureaucracy in City Hall for Open City's final event of the season.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Small Business, Social Networking

Downtown Detroit

Farm stands and veggie vans bring Eastern Market to the people

Amy Kuras Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Amy Kuras of Urban Innovation Exchange explains how Fiona Ruddy of Eastern Market Corp. is working on programs that expand fresh food sales beyond the market district.

Detroit, Dining, Food and Drink, Sustainability

Eastern Market

How Detroit became America's greatest sports city

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Many have heard Detroit referred to as the "City of Champions," yet few know the history behind the nickname. Now a pair of Detroiters are working to revive Detroit's status as a capital of the sporting world.

Building Communities, Detroit, Sense of Place, Sports

Detroit's newest space for growing business ideas

Aaron Mondry Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Aaron Mondry introduces a series about starting a business in Detroit through the lens of the city's newest incubator, Practice Space.

Architecture, Detroit, Education and training, Entrepreneurs, Small Business

Corktown

Brewing beer and breathing life into Corktown's boxcar building

Jon Zemke Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Batch Brewing Co., Detroit's first nanobrewery, has found a home in the former Porter Street Station, a quirky Corktown building with a boxcar attached to it.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Food and Drink, Redevelopment, Small Business

Corktown

Inclusive crowdfunding: Andrea Perkins and Benevolent

Amanda Lewan Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Amanda Lewan of Urban Innovation Exchange writes about how Andrea Perkins and Benevolent Detroit are connecting low-income Detroiters with resources through a unique crowdfunding platform.

Building Communities, Detroit, Fundraising, Social innovation

Designing with Detroiters: DCDC turns 20

Francis Grunow Tuesday, April 01, 2014

To celebrate Detroit Collaborative Design Center's 20th anniversary, Francis Grunow sat down with DCDC staff to discuss the Center's legacy of facilitating participatory design in the city.

Architecture, Building Communities, Detroit, Education and training, Higher Ed, Placemaking, Sense of Place, Sustainability, Transformational change

University Commons - Palmer Park