Stories

Feature Story A room at Big Bay Point Lighthouse.

New website shows off Michigan's B&Bs to promote industry comeback

Bed and Breakfast lodgings are an important part of Michigan’s economy, with 130 locations bringing in $70.3 million annually. The Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association is highlighting members with a new website.

Feature Story Earl Cureton

Why one woman wants to rename an eastside basketball court for ex-Piston Earl Cureton

When Powell closes her eyes, she sees an indoor court where neighborhood kids can go and play, without being at the mercy of Michigan’s unpredictable weather. regardless of the weather and that can be used for other community events when games are not played. It would be a place where people come together and feel welcome.

Feature Story The Summit at Piety Hill

New condo development in historic Piety Hill is first new housing in nearly 150 years

Piety Hill, located just south of Boston-Edison and north of New Center and Virginia Park, has long been known for its original homes dating back to the late 19th century. The introduction of The Summit aims to rejuvenate the area while respecting its rich history.

Lessons in community redevelopment

Three Michigan communities are enjoying a resurgence. In some ways, the communities -- Corktown in Detroit, Marquette in the Upper Peninsula and Heartside in Grand Rapids -- pursued different paths to success, embracing their unique characteristics. But they also have shared some of the same tools in their redevelopment efforts. 

Development News “These 10 Fellows represent a bright future as we work together to support startups, tackle mobility challenges, and provide transportation solutions for Michiganders across the state,” says Justine Johnson, Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer.

Driving innovation: Corktown tech hub welcomes inaugural cohort of state's Mobility Fellows Program

“These 10 Fellows represent a bright future as we work together to support startups, tackle mobility challenges, and provide transportation solutions for Michiganders across the state,” says Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan.

Feature Story LifeWays Staff

LifeWays peer support and recovery staff inspire clients to 'walk the walk'

LifeWays employs peer support specialists and recovery coaches for clients to work with throughout their recovery journeys. 

Partner Content Detroit Prep is a Pingree Neighborhood school, just outside of the Gratiot Woods neighborhood, made possible by IFF funding.

Growing fruitful neighborhoods: IFF’s commitment to Eastside Detroit

For the past 10 years, IFF has been investing and committed to providing community financial support across Michigan, including Eastside Detroit neighborhoods. Some of their latest projects fill the gap by providing high-quality accessible, affordable childcare at Detroit Prep, and McClellan Early Childhood Center.

Feature Story Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza

Ann Arbor exhibit offers rare peek behind the White House curtain, with photographer Pete Souza

A new Ann Arbor Art Center exhibit from Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza shows tenderness, humor, and tension in a revealing look behind the scenes during the Obama years. 

Development News The award-winning Jason Hargrove Transit Center was first built in 1924 as the Dairy Cattle Building.

From Corktown to 8 Mile: Two major Detroit redevelopment projects receive design awards

“The awards are a wonderful recognition of our hard work and what we see every day at the park; people that are engaged and enjoying the beautiful gardens and settings of this unique, historic park and neighborhood asset,” says Jeff Klein, Deputy Chief of Landscape Architecture City of Detroit General Services Dept.

Feature Story Mapping Detroit occupancy

Mapping Detroit: How does one map occupancy in the city, anyway?

The known crises of low home mortgage origination, large-scale evictions, and property speculation make Detroiters unduly mobile, having to secure housing by various means and face multiple barriers along the way.

Feature Story Detroit Story Fest

Detroit Story Fest is coming October 10. Here's how you can reserve your spot

Kahn Santori Davison, one of Model D and Metromode's most frequent contributors, will be going behind the scenes of why Detroit hip-hop matters not only locally, but across the world.

Feature Story Fathers are important figures in children’s lives

Better fathers mean stronger communitiesNonprofit Journal Project

Stronger fathers mean stronger kids. The Children’s Center in Detroit has a dad-focused program that links fathers to the resources they need and gives them a place to connect, share concerns, and encourage each other to invest more deeply in their children’s lives.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Development News “NW Goldberg Cares provides neighborhood level space activation that meets the needs and wants of their community,” says MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz.

New pocket park planned in NW Goldberg neighborhood to feature retro games and activities

“NW Goldberg Cares provides neighborhood level space activation that meets the needs and wants of their community,” says MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz.

Feature Story Champions of Wayne students with Wayne Memorial High School staff and mentors at the Student Achievement Banquet on June 20, 2024

Visionary Wayne Memorial High School program helps students succeed by paying themNonprofit Journal Project

At Wayne Memorial High School, Champions of Wayne pays students $250 per semester to work with mentors to meet personalized goals.

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Longform Dayton, Jamillyah, and Dallas Palmer outside their new home in Pontiac.

Oakland County's housing affordability problem is growing. How can we solve it?

Leaders in the government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors are coming together to make housing more attainable for all county residents.

Feature Story Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife Dr. Sonia Hasan enjoying "The Art of Dining" exhibit at the DIA.

The Art of Dining: New DIA exhibit a Middle Eastern feast for the senses

Featuring nearly 230 works, this tantalising free exhibit (to Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne residents) illuminates connections between art and cuisine from ancient times to the present day, demonstrating how food transcends cultures, backgrounds, and borders. We take a sneak peek. 

Feature Story Left to Right in the future E. Warren Commercial Kitchen: Brie’Ann Bell, Markets and Activation Coordinator; Joe Rashid, Executive Director; Nate Kepinski, Market Associate; Diana Gomez, Commercial Kitchen Manager and Chef and Owner of Taco Hernandez

E. Warren Farmers Market provides a pathway to growth for small businessesResilient Neighborhoods Feature

A lively farmers market in the E. Warren commercial corridor is intentionally a launch pad for small, neighborhood businesses hoping to grow

Longform People plant trees during a volunteer work day at Palmer Park in Detroit.

Climate change hits Detroit harder than other cities. Here's how parks are working to change that.

Southeast Michigan's parks are working to address climate equity by mitigating climate change's disproportionate effects on already underserved populations.