ULI Global Awards for Excellence: Midtown Detroit

Detroit complete with new development, a focus on density and walkability, and a growing, diverse population.

July 22, 2014

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The Woodward Garden Block is beneficiary of a $30 million redevelopment. (Ara Howrani) — The Woodward Garden Block is beneficiary of a

Midtown Detroit encompasses neighborhoods in a 2.8 square-mile (7.3 sq km) area of the city. — Midtown Detroit encompasses neighborhoods

Developer: Midtown Detroit Inc.
Consultant: U3 Ventures
Partner: Invest Detroit

In the midst of a national story of ruin, Midtown Detroit, a 2.8-square-mile (7.3 sq km) collection of neighborhoods, is emerging as a symbol of a reimagined Detroit complete with new development, a focus on density and walkability, and a growing, diverse population. Deploying a holistic place-based strategy for urban revitalization, Midtown Detroit Inc. (MDI), together with civic, anchor-institution, and philanthropic partners, has invested in capacity building, infrastructure, and public spaces; deployed local living, hiring, and purchasing practices; and established itself as a hub for productive innovation.

More than $3.3 billion has been invested in development since 2003, including the following six projects:

Woodward Garden Block, a $30 million historic redevelopment;

the Sugar Hill Arts District, a $60 million arts district;

the Ellington, a $19 million mixed-use building with a new Whole Foods grocery store;

the Auburn, a $12 million mixed-use project;

the Green Garage, a $1.5 million sustainable business incubator that pools expertise in sustainability, business development, finance, and marketing; and

the Tech Town District Plan for a mixed-use innovation district that is leading the city’s transition from an automotive to an innovation-based economy.

The N’namdi Center for Contemporary art in the Sugar Hill Arts District. Midtown Detroit Inc.)

The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company’s coffee bar in the Woodward Garden Block. (Midtown Detroit Inc.) — The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company’s

Garfield, in the Sugar Hill Arts District, is a rehabilitation of a 1922 building into 20 apartment/loft spaces where artists can live and work. Midtown Detroit Inc.) — Garfield, in the Sugar Hill Arts District, is a

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Daniel Lobo

Daniel Lobo is the Senior Director of Awards, Education and Advisory Group, for the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit education and research institute that focuses on issues of land use, real estate and urban development. The mission of the Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Prior to joining ULI Mr. Lobo was an independent consultant working as project manager for a variety of urban and research initiatives, in particular facilitating open cultural urban interventions internationally, and new media research. Earlier he worked extensively as project manager for the Center for Communities by Design at the American Institute of Architects, and as Urban Designer at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill LLP. He holds a MSc City Design and Social Science from the London School of Economics, and a BA (Honors) from the School of Architecture and Interior Design at London Metropolitan University.