Michigan Expanded Horizons @murpexpandedhorizons2018-blog - Tumblr Blog

Getting a glimpse into the careers of those working in urban planning or related fields in the context of Detroit has been one of my most powerful experiences at U of M so far. While it may seem like a stretch to the outside eye, I see many parallels between the rich culture, history, hometown pride and economic struggles in Detroit and those in my home region of Appalachia. Whether it was working with the dedicated farmers and volunteers at the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in preparation for a fundraiser dinner, getting to spend time with the Detroit Land Bank Authority or spending an afternoon envisioning the future of the riverfront with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the resilience, dedication, creativity and love for the city on the part of those working there was palpable. I left Expanded Horizons inspired by possibilities in the planning field and with a deep admiration, respect and affection for Detroit. - Janney Lockman

#expandedhorizons michmurps detroit appalachia

My favorite experience was going to the Eastern Market Development Corporation, meeting with the staff, and learning about mixed-use development with an industrial emphasis.

-Chris LeFlore

While parts of Detroit are experiencing growth that is heralded around the world, other parts of the city are being bolstered by strong community organizations. Jefferson East, Inc. (JEI) is one such organization that is stepping in to fill a role left vacant by both the local government and traditional market forces. JEI has taken a large role in the physical rehab of the commercial corridor as well as repairing some of the social fabric that has made the Jefferson corridor dynamic in the past. Addressing crime, trash, and blight are steps they have taken to improve the mental perception of the area; as well, JEI is master leasing retail space on the corridor to provide more stability to potential property owners while allowing space, affordable rents, and a market for smaller business owners. Their role in this “third sector” is a great example of how community organizations can reinvigorate an area despite the absence of the traditional, top-down forces of community development.

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Pictured above is Norma G’s restaurant, a Caribbean restaurant that opened in the East Jefferson corridor Fall 2018; with the assistance of Jefferson East, this became the first new restaurant to open in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood in over 30 years.

-David Baker, MURP ‘2020

Detroit. A complex city. Holding on to the remaining tatters substance of its past while reaching out to the promises of tomorrow. Only to leave a large void in-between. A skeleton of what it use to be, unsure what it will be. Making the most of what it does have, the city and its people remain hopeful that there will be a come back.

#Detroit #Motown

Detroit is remaking itself. Communities are resilient and have made art out of blighted homes and neighborhoods. Detroit is alive.

-Rebecca Yae

Rooted in Detroit

As an outsider to Detroit (and Michigan!), I think it’s so important to experience the city from the view of the people who actually live and work there. There is so much academic research being done in Detroit, but without context, this research can be very othering. Talking to people working on the ground and seeing the changes they’re creating was inspiring. One of the things that stuck with me the most was the idea of roots and rootedness in a neighborhood, which came out of the Urban Neighborhoods Initiative meeting. This had me thinking - How do we cultivate roots in a neighborhood? And how do we ensure that revitalization doesn’t lead to gentrification, pushing people out of their neighborhoods? As we move forward, we need to remember to keep these Detroiters and their individual stories at the forefront of the work we do. Without the people, there is no city.

-Sam Henstell

Detroit bleeds and breathes authenticity, a soul of intensity, passion and love. There is no comprehension of this soul until you hear the fire in a true Detroiter’s voice of a thriving city that they will always believe in. It’s often said “Detroit is making a comeback.” Well let me tell you, it never went anywhere, and a true Detroiter will say, “we’re here to stay.” Detroit is a city I love. I am so thankful we spent our Expanded Horizons here; All I could ask for is more time. - Anikka Van Eyl

“ We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us” - Winston Churchill

Observing the growth of Detroit from first discovering it at a low-point during the 2008 recession, to now experiencing the nights, the pockets of life and excitement scattered around different parts of the city has been extraordinary. Amazing to see building efforts around past landmarks and institutions helping continue to write this amazing comeback story.

Flo Mettetal

Say BEAUTIFUL things about Detroit

- Brittany Simmons

A weekend in Detroit had taught me what communities were, are & should be. Thank you Team Expanded Horizons & MURP Cohort for giving me this wonderful experience!

Mrithula Shantha T A

This was my first time actually exploring the city which was an awesome experience. I was able to see so much of the city that I probably would not have seen.

During drinks and design, I was able to get in contact with a contractor that works for Turner Construction. I got a very good lead for a project manager position down in the south.

Bonding with my classmates was also a huge plus of this trip. We got to do a lot of bird riding which expanded my knowledge of the city.

-Nick Schrader

Detroit is really a beautiful city with all those amazing architectures and fancy featured landscapes. I feel so glad to have this opportunity to explore the city with my peers, and meet with different organizations and planners who are devoting themselves to bring back the boom and vitality to communities and neighborhoods. I really like the story of how people of Global Detroit helped to develop their communities. Instead of telling residents what to do and what they need, they literally did research door to door and came up with those workshops and events where residents can learn step by step about how to improve their life, share their hopes and dreams about the community and even create a new way to make profits. People working there also do care about residents’ feelings, whether they were attending those activities in an inclusive environment, which occurs to me that planning is not only about what a vibrant community should be like. It’s also about the way and method which may lead us there, about how we should implement our strategies and achieve our goals.

Here is a fun spot I came across during my way back to hotel after a visit! And a gorgeous architecture.

- Jiawen ‘Cheryl’ Qiao

By Meixin Yuan

Kim Higgins

Art, beautiful images, and lots of great spaces to gather and take in the city. Thank you Expanded Horizons for providing the opportunity for me to learn and grow, but most importantly enjoy the City of Detroit!

By: Rebeca Villegas

the best views from the trip!

pc: Cameron Carley

My horizons were certainly expanded in Detroit

The Expanded Horizons trip was my first time in Detroit and I loved it! I came into this trip with very little understanding of Detroit-its history, its people, its places- and after a few days in the city, I have been given a great introduction to the city, and I know I will return to learn more of its history, people and places.

The sites I visited were vast in their range of work and organizational capacity, giving me all sorts of planning perspectives and approaches. Ranging from Quicken Loans Community Fund, Eastside Community Network, Eastern Market and the Riverfront Conservancy. While all very interesting, the visit to Eastside Community Network (ECN) was the most impactful for me. Getting a chance to hear what ECN is doing, and their approach to community planning was very inspiring. Additionally, it was a privilege to have the chance to talk with their director, Mr. Orlando Bailey, whose engaging and charismatic leadership and emanated throughout the conference room.

I very much enjoyed Expanded Horizons, learning about Detroit, and look forward to strengthing the connections I made.

-David B. DeBoskey

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