VILLAGES CATALYST BLOCK

Building upon momentum along Detroit’s East Jefferson Avenue, this placemaking project supports emerging businesses, development opportunities, and cultural activities on the commercial block along East Jefferson between Seminole and Iroquois. This collaborative project included a series of workshops and events throughout 2014 that investigated this block as a model for sustainable economic development along the East Jefferson corridor, highlighting the potential of historic homes repurposed for creative commercial uses. The project focuses on urban design and real estate development strategies for the focus block and celebrates local cultural assets. A culminating cultural placemaking event activated the underutilized properties, showcasing commercial opportunities and celebrating local designers, makers and performers. The event also supported installations by local artists and a hybrid bench/fence developed by DCDC.

Detroit Collaborative Design Center, 2014

Role: Project Manager & Designer

Partners: Jefferson East Inc, The Villages CDC, The Collective, National Endowment for the Arts