Hamtramck : Features

Building a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) economy is widely seen as a pathway to prosperity. So what would it take to make Southeast Michigan a STEM Hub? Dr. Tonya Matthews, CEO of the Michigan Science Center, has a few ideas, starting with putting people first.

In a culture so consumed by digital devices and virtual experiences, how can the natural world compete for students' attention? We talk with David Sobel, architect of place-based education, to find out.

This Saturday, Hamtramck art space Public Pool is celebrating five years of solo and group shows, music and dance performances, panel discussions, and readings. The anniversary show is called "I Only Want to See You Underneath" and features the work of Public Pool co-founder Tim Hailey.

Chris Grindem argues that Detroit's leaders must engage with a specific group of Millennials, the city's emerging leaders, and their vision of a new American Dream. Why? Because they are convinced Detroit is in a unique, once-in-a-lifetime position to help define the future of American cities.

In three short years, four young chefs have gone from "almost famous" to big-time celebrities in the local and national culinary scenes.

The Motor City Mapping project captured vital information on the condition of each of Detroit's 375,000+ parcels. It may have also created a template for citywide collaboration.

To help inform Detroiters looking to acquire vacant land, The Greening of Detroit, Michigan Community Resources, and the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights have collaborated in developing a series of workshops called "Land Forum."

It's no secret that young professionals have gravitated to Detroit's urban center in recent years, but what happens when they start having kids? Nina Misuraca Ignaczak spoke with some families who have made the commitment to stay and raise their kids in the city.

Record Store Day, a celebration of independent record stores, is happening Saturday, April 19. In preparation, record head Glen Morren tells us about a few of his favorite spots to buy vinyl in Detroit.

Matthew Lewis, Model D's new managing editor, muses about the past, present, and future of the publication.

This is Walter Wasacz's last issue as managing editor of Model D. He waxes sentimental about his predecessors, talks about what's next for him professionally and even declares the coming season "a summer of love."    

Many immigrants and refugees in Southeast Michigan left professional careers behind when they left their native countries. Global Detroit tells us about Upwardly Global, a program that helps immigrants adapt professional skills learned abroad to the workplace in Metro Detroit.

Our eternally youthful Detroit correspondent revisits his skinny, 25-year-old self, and name checks Dennis Archer and Spike Lee to help sort out what's next for the city. Take it away, Sir James Boyle.

Creative transformations are happening in the neighborhood immediately north of Hamtramck, where groups like Power House Productions and the Hinterlands are joining art with community life. Matthew Piper gets experienced at the Play House on Moran St. 

Street photographer Bill Rauhauser, 95, has spent decades documenting Detroit and its people. Glen Morren sat down with Rauhauser and others to explore this legend's living legacy.