Featured Stories

Opinion: Detroit needs a strong city council

Matthew Clayson & Bradford Frost Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Detroit residents must focus on the council by district races closely this summer and fall. Get to know the candidates. Be sure to vote. Bring neighborhood empowerment into the governing process, say Matthew Clayson and Bradford Frost.

Detroit, Transformational change, Urban Leadership

UIX: Erik Nordin and Detroit Design Center

Tunde Wey Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Nordin brothers -- Erik and Israel -- began Detroit Design Center in 2000. At their sprawling work space at Livernois and Michigan, the two designers have created indoor and outdoor pieces in various locations. Tunde Wey has the rest of the story.

Arts, Detroit, Social innovation

Green City Diaries: Conserving water, improving neighborhood life

Matthew Piper Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Detroit residents are finding ways to go blue -- meaning, they are learning about the practical environmental benefits of freshwater infrastructure by creating rain gardens and other water-based landscapes. Matthew Piper dives in to get the story.

Blue/Green Infrastructure, Detroit, Sustainability

Now's the time: Let's get hitched in the city

Noelle Lothamer Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Nontraditional, creative events inspired by a passion for place and personal expression. That appears to be the current trend when it comes to weddings in Detroit. As it should be, says our expert on urban nuptials, Noelle Lothamer.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Sense of Place, Social innovation

Our guide to planning your wedding in Detroit

Noelle Lothamer Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Planning one of the biggest days of your life can be daunting, but it can also be a lot of fun if you have good resources. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your search for the perfect Detroit wedding spot.

Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Sense of Place, Social innovation

UIX: Haji Flemings and Brand Camp University

Tunde Wey Tuesday, May 07, 2013

An entrepreneur who helps other entrepreneurs and small business owners, Haji Flemings launched the multi-faceted resource program called Brand Camp University to do exactly that. Tunde Wey makes the introductions.

Detroit, Social innovation

Opinion: Vote, for Detroit

By Ellen C. Schneider & Kimberly Ross Clayson Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Newcomers and longtime Detroiters need to engage the city on a deeper level. That is: participate in the future of Detroit by voting. Guest commentators Ellen C. Schneider and Kimberly Ross Clayson make the argument for an active electorate.

Detroit

What I've learned during Michigan's fight on home foreclosure

Mary Townley Tuesday, April 30, 2013

MSHDA is partnering with the state’s religious leaders and faith communities to help homeowners avoid foreclosure with a program that addresses each homeowner’s unique situation.

Detroit by district: Beginning a new series on emerging neighborhood leadership

Matthew Lewis Tuesday, April 30, 2013

This first feature in our series explores the Northeast Detroit caucus, aka Council District 3, where Matthew Lewis finds the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance and Matrix Human Services working to improve the quality of community life.

Building Communities, Detroit, Urban Leadership

East Side

Freshwater Metropolis in words and pictures: More than a concept

Matthew Lewis and Doug Coombe Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Now here's a two-for-one treat for our growing blue/green Detroit infrastructure readership: a springtime feature by project editor Matthew Lewis on rain gardens and an equally springy slideshow by photographer Doug Coombe.

Blue/Green Infrastructure, Detroit, Reuse / Rebuild

East Riverfront, Midtown, The Villages

UIX: Jason Hall and Detroit Bike City

Tunde Wey Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Jason Hall is one of the founders of Detroit Bike City, an annual expo held at Cobo Center that gathers bicycle riders, conceptualists, makers, tinkerers and general enthusiasts to explore all to do with cycling.

Building Communities, Detroit, Entrepreneurs, Social innovation

Detroit Revitalization Fellow: Owiso Makuku

Jay Walljasper Tuesday, April 30, 2013

With experience in the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corps, and in various jobs in New York, Boston and Burlington, Vermont, Owiso Makuku comes ready to make a difference in Detroit. Jay Walljasper shows us why.

Choosing Michigan, Detroit, Wayne State University

New Center

Belle Isle to 8 Mile: An insider's guide to Southwest edibles

Andy, Emily and Rob Linn Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Food reigns supreme in the city's most ethnic neighborhood, where full service restaurants, mercados and taco trucks are plentiful. Here are a few of the best recommended by our authors, the fab Linn siblings. Don't forget the hot sauce.

Building Communities, Detroit, Dining, Food and Drink, Small Business

Southwest Detroit

Detroit Revitalization Fellow: Erin Kelly

Jay Walljasper Tuesday, April 23, 2013

She's studied and worked in major cities in North America, was inspired by the creative scenes in Berlin and landed in Detroit to work for NextEnergy -- and design Detroit's first off leash dog park. Jay Walljasper profiles Erin Kelley.

Building Communities, Detroit, Urban Leadership, Wayne State University

UIX: Meghan McEwen and Honor & Folly

Tunde Wey Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Owner of Honor & Folly, a small-scale, design-focused Corktown-based inn, Meghan McEwen has created a modern space for travelers of a bygone era. It's on one of the city's best blocks, with barbecue, coffee and whiskey a few steps below.

Detroit, Sense of Place

Corktown