Features

Owner Lori Slager at The Sparrows in Grand Rapids

Small businesses as third places experience growth

Natalie Burg Friday, June 28, 2013

How many places do you have? If you're not sure, here's a recommendation: three. In this special report, we'll discover small businesses throughout Michigan that serve as "third places" for their communities, and are growing because of it.

Woodbridge

Power up Detroit with a little giving

Maud Lyon Friday, June 28, 2013

CultureSource is launching an online, crowd-funding source called power2give. The Eastern Market-based nonprofit arts and culture professional association serves nonprofits across the region. Executive director Maud Lyon tells us what the group is working on now.

Mike Kelley's last homecoming

Nicole Rupersburg Friday, June 28, 2013

International art star Mike Kelley's final work is a gift to Detroit and the region that inspired and informed his career, from Destroy All Monsters in the 1970s to the end of his life in Los Angeles. Requiem by Nicole Rupersburg.

Midtown

Publisher's notebook: The Avenue, a love story

Claire Nelson Friday, June 28, 2013

With the "Light up Livernois" event coming up May 31-June 1, Claire Nelson takes a tuneful stroll down the Avenue of Fashion, shining a light on one of Detroit's most historic retail districts. Conclusion? Cooperation and collaboration point to an even more vibrant future.

Palmer Park / University District

Driving urban vibrancy forward

Nina Ignaczak Friday, June 28, 2013

The first step in creating a Regional Transit Authority for metro Detroit is done. Now the work begins to create a shared vision and a comprehensive plan to make it all happen. Nina Ignaczak talks to the people already rolling up their sleeves.

Go blue, go green

Matthew Lewis Friday, June 28, 2013

Our series on blue-green infrastructure wrapped at a recent speaker series event that featured a panel of experts, business people, and activists who discussed the need for the region to embrace its identity as a Great Lakes metropolis. Project editor Matthew Lewis recaps.

Opinion: Heart of Midtown threatened by widening of I-94

Tommy O'Flynn Friday, June 28, 2013

The expressway would be expanded from six lanes to 10, and a two-lane continuous service drive would be added in each direction. In total, the author points out, I-94 would grow from six lanes to 14 lanes in width.

Midtown

Why good design matters, and who is Jeff Chalmers?

Francis Grunow Friday, June 28, 2013

We know good design values are key to successful retailing. Especially in walkable neighborhoods like the far East Side's Jefferson East community. Francis Grunow takes a stroll with the two homegrown creatives behind the pop-up project.

Hustling harder at Van Dusen Urban Leadership Forum

Meagan Elliott Friday, June 28, 2013

The author attended a two-day design workshop at Ponyride -- a space that she says radiates joy and resourcefulness -- challenged by organizers to come with ideas that go beyond joy and get off the ground. Meagan Elliott breaks it down.

Corktown

Thanks for listening, Michigan!

Model D staff Friday, June 28, 2013

People across the state have helped the Prosperity Agenda radio show on Detroit news/talk 760 WJR win international acclaim.

Say yes, Michigan: Marriage equality now

Matthew Piper Friday, June 28, 2013

While it's becoming clear that support for same-sex marriage is increasing, with Rhode Island, Delaware and Minnesota recently joining nine other states in making it legal, Michigan still has some work to do, says Matthew Piper.

Michigan hosts the architectural & industrial design event of the year

Brian Conway, Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer Friday, June 28, 2013

State Historic Preservation Office launches blockbuster show June 14 at Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills.

City kids: 826michigan expands tutoring, creative writing programs into Detroit

Melinda Clynes Friday, June 28, 2013

The nonprofit has been working with three Detroit schools -- University Prep, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, and Bunche Elementary School -- since February. The program caters to specific student needs at each school. Melinda Clynes reports.

Midtown

Belle Isle to 8 Mile: An insider's guide to ice cream parlors

Andy, Emily and Rob Linn Friday, June 28, 2013

No doubt frozen treats are good year round, but they are especially tasty when the sun and air are hottest. Just in time for the coming summer heat, our authors the Linn sibs show us some of the best places to get your ice cream fix in Detroit.

Green City Diaries: Dig this

Matthew Piper Friday, June 28, 2013

Sustainability advocacy journalist Matthew Piper talks to Detroit urban farming pioneer Patrick Crouch, who never tires of putting his hands into the soil and coming up with all sorts of wriggling organic life. The point? A healthy, naturally balanced ecosystem for all.