Featured Stories

Zipcars bring pay-by-the-hour motoring to the Motor City

NIna Ignaczak Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Living without a car has never been easy in Detroit. But with Zipcar’s recent launch of a fleet of 40 vehicles across the city, the car-free dream just got a little easier. Nina Ignaczak looks at how the program works, Marvin Shaouni shows us visual proof.

Detroit, Sustainability, Transit

Downtown Detroit, Midtown

City kids: Young Detroiters finding a voice

Melinda Clynes Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Supporters of youth advocacy programs say that when youth are a part of the solution they can help transform neighborhoods, schools, and communities -- and stay out of trouble in the mean time. Melinda Clynes makes the case in this report.

City Kids, Detroit

On the Ground: Center of Brightmoor community life

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A neighborhood gathering place built by residents 84 years ago, the Brightmoor Community Center has overcome financial distress to create a collaborative environment at the corner of Lyndon and Burt roads. Matthew Lewis visits and reports.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, On the Ground

UIX: Ritchie Harrison and Jefferson East Inc.

MJ Galbraith Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Ritchie Harrison is the economic development director for Jefferson East Inc., an organization that focuses on the revitalization of neighborhoods along the East Jefferson corridor. MJ Galbraith has the rest of the story for Urban Innovation Exchange.

Building Communities, Detroit, Redevelopment, Social innovation

Jefferson East

Happy Thanksgiving, see you in December

Model D staff Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Eat some great food, drink some great drinks and enjoy the next couple of weeks without us. We'll look for you at the parade or at some cozy craft cocktail party. Be safe, you'll see us again Dec. 3.

Detroit

IdeaLab: A look into the future

Model D staff Tuesday, November 12, 2013

We're excited to partner again with the Revitalization and Business Conference this Friday, Dec. 6. Presented by the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, "IdeaLab" is a fast-paced, two-hour session with a stellar line-up of Detroit innovators.

Arts, Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Move to Detroit, Redevelopment, Small Business, Social innovation, Sustainability

On the Ground: From radical to reverend in Brightmoor

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Focusing efforts on his personal vision for Brightmoor, Rev. Larry Simmons is intent on creating a neighborhood that is "saved, prospering, peaceful, diverse, engaged, and empowered." Matthew Lewis reports on how the pastor's church is involved in neighborhood redevelopment.

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

Detroit's NSO building: Architectural gem rebuilt on social responsibility

Dennis Archambault Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The art deco high rise, once known by its landmark Yellow Pages sign, anchors the eastern end of Hope Village, where Oakman Boulevard crosses the Lodge. Dennis Archambault reports on how the Neighborhood Services Organization transformed more than just a building.

Architecture, Building Communities, Detroit, Redevelopment, Sustainability

Green City Diaries: Fab Lab and the language of nature

Matthew Piper Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Based on fundamental values like caring for the Earth and its people, urban permaculture is here and Detroit looks to be an ideal partner to test how it can work. Matthew Piper shows us where a new, better and self-sustaining future is being built.

Building Communities, Detroit, Green, Social innovation, Sustainability

Green Grocer: Remodeled food stores abound on Detroit's West Side

Nicole Rupersburg Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Like the East Side, which Nicole Rupersburg visited last week, several full-service markets on the other side of town have seen recent upgrades. Marvin Shaouni brought his camera along for this report.

Building Communities, Detroit, Food and Drink, Green, Sustainability

UIX: Greg Willerer and Brother Nature Produce

Amanda Lewan Tuesday, November 12, 2013

An urban farm in Corktown thats sells locally-grown herbs, greens, and produce at local farmers' markets and through their CSA program. You can also find Brother Nature Produce on menus of area restaurants that support the local foods movement.

Building Communities, Detroit, Green, Sense of Place, Sustainability

Corktown

YEA Brightmoor: Detroit kids raising money for entrepreneurial incubator

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Readers can help these student entrepreneurs achieve their goal of raising $50,000 to create a dedicated space to run their businesses, which include the Brightmoor Woodworkers and Brightmoor Bikes and Trailers. Matthew Lewis reports.

Brightmoor, Building Communities, Detroit, Social Networking

Green Grocer: East Side expands with fresh food choices

Nicole Rupersburg Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Some of the city's most impressive full-service markets are on the East Side, where several stores have seen recent upgrades to the exterior, interior and product lines. Nicole Rupersberg goes shopping, Marvin Shaouni brings his camera for this report.

Food and Drink, Shop Local, Small Business

East Side

Opinion: The enlightened path to social entrepreneurship

Tunde Wey Tuesday, November 05, 2013

The mercurial Tunde Wey is a swashbuckler, a poet, a writer for our sister UIX project and a food and drink romantic. We asked him to bliss out over (revolver), the Hamtramck restaurant he co-founded with biz partner Peter Dalinowski.

Building Communities, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Social innovation

Hamtramck

Open City: Exploring innovative investing and funding models

Model D staff Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Join Model D partner Open City and moderator Craig Fahle from WDET 101.9 FM Monday Nov. 18 for a discussion on alternate ways of raising capital for small business. The talk begins at 6 p.m. at Cliff Bell's in downtown Detroit.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Shop Local, Small Business, Social innovation, Social Networking

Downtown Detroit