Featured Stories

Green City Diaries: 2013 in review

Matthew Piper Tuesday, December 17, 2013

One of the threads running through the eight diary entries we published this year is seeing different people engaged in different passions in all corners of Detroit. Matthew Piper recaps 2013 in sustainability and green living.

Detroit, Green, Sense of Place, Sustainability

Corktown, Midtown, Highland Park, University Commons - Palmer Park, Near East Side

UIX: Kurt Spieles and Spielhaus Toys

Amy Kuras Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Kurt Spieles is the owner of Spielhaus Toys, a 2013 Hatch Detroit finalist now popping up on Woodward through the holidays with sights set on a permanent location in the future. Amy Kuras shows us why the retail spot is meant for kids of all ages.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Shop Local, Small Business, Woodward Avenue

Downtown Detroit

Happy Holidays, from us to you

Model D staff Tuesday, December 17, 2013

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. 7.

Detroit

On the Ground, in words and pictures

Aaron Mondry and Marvin Shaouni Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Meet some people who consider self-sufficiency integral to their lives and choose Brightmoor over a more remote location because of the value they place in community. Slideshow courtesy of Model D photographer Marvin Shaouni.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, On the Ground, Sense of Place

Growing bold ideas for Detroit's future

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 10, 2013

At this year's Idealab at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, six Detroit innovators were invited to Ann Arbor to share radical ideas for the future of the city. Matthew Lewis was there with his notebook, Doug Coombe with his camera.

Detroit, Move to Detroit, Social innovation, Social Networking

UIX: Riet Schumack and Neighbors Building Brightmoor

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Riet Schumack is one of the co-founders of a non-profit organization composed of a group of neighbors dedicated to helping each other to create a beautiful, healthy and sustainable community for themselves and their children. Matthew Lewis reports for UIX.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, On the Ground

Green Grocer: Finding fresh food in greater downtown

Nicole Rupersburg Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Our food shopping tour concludes in Lafayette Park, East Riverfront and Midtown, where Nicole Rupersburg visits markets offering fresh produce, meats, fish and other home cooking staples. Marvin Shaouni puts it all into focus with his camera.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Food and Drink, Green, Shop Local, Sustainability

East Riverfront, Downtown Detroit, Lafayette Park, Midtown

Shop local: Our list of holiday shopping destinations

Nicole Rupersburg Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Only seven days left to get the rest of your holiday shopping on and, thanks to a growing number of creative urban entrepreneurs, your options are increasing. Nicole Rupersburg compiles a list of places you need to go.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Sense of Place, Shop Local, Small Business

Downtown Detroit, New Center, Midtown, Corktown, Hamtramck, Eastern Market

Model D TV: Back on Livernois with the Lions and Hatch Detroit

DETROIT LIVES! Tuesday, December 10, 2013

A neighborhood retail initiative led by the Detroit Lions and Hatch Detroit brings our video team DETROIT LIVES! back to the Avenue of Fashion for this series of Model D TV episodes.

Building Communities, Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Sense of Place, Shop Local, Small Business, Video

Open City recapped: "Loca-what?"

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Cliff Bell's was packed with people interested hearing a panel of experts involved in the world of "Loca-vesting," or sourcing funding locally from companies and individuals located in the same community. Matthew Lewis reports from the crowd.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Small Business, Social innovation

Downtown Detroit

On the Ground: Reinvesting in power of education

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Nearly 20 years ago, 167,000 students were enrolled in Detroit Public Schools. Today, only 49,000 students attend school in the district, leaving over 150 vacant buildings. Matthew Lewis talks to a group working to repurpose one of them into a trade school in Brightmoor.

Architecture, Brightmoor, City Kids, Detroit, Redevelopment, Reuse / Rebuild, Sense of Place, Transformational change

Music is missing link in Detroit recovery

Keith Owens Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Essayist Keith Owens says Detroit needs to polish off its 'international gold standard' as a music city and re-emerge as a creative powerhouse to rival Memphis and New Orleans, at the very least. Let's start by helping to keep local talent in the city, he says.

Arts, Building Communities, Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Nightlife , Performing Arts, Sense of Place, Social innovation

UIX: Joe Rashid and Restore the 'Moor

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Joe Rashid is the Outreach Director for Restore the 'Moor, a community-driven plan being developed by and for community members in Brightmoor. Matthew Lewis introduces the person and the project for the Urban Innovation Exchange.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, Redevelopment, Sense of Place

Speaker Series: What can we learn from Brightmoor?

Model D staff Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Come to the Brightmoor Community Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to learn lessons that can inform what we do in other Detroit communities. The event features a group of panelists made up of engaged residents, neighborhood leaders, and creative thinkers.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, On the Ground, Redevelopment, Sense of Place, Speaker Series, Urban Leadership

Dance Noel Night away at Model D house

Model D staff Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Yes, we're gonna party hard as part of the joyous Noel Night festivities in Midtown this Saturday, Dec. 7. And you're all invited. Come meet some of our staff and contributors, drink and eat a little, then hit our dance floor. Good times in the North Cass Corridor assured.

Arts, Building Communities, Detroit, Nightlife , Performing Arts, Sense of Place, Social Networking

Midtown