Neighborhood
Fitzgerald
Project Type
Single Family Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
Date Completed
December 2019
Repurposed Vacant Parcels
200+
Residential
Over 100 houses
We are interested in creating a healthy mix of incomes living in the same neighborhood and enhancing neighborhoods without displacing people.
FitzForward is a quarter square mile revitalization effort in the Fitzgerald neighborhood. It is led by the City of Detroit with Century Partners and the Platform as development partners. Inclusive of over 300 parcels of land, the project addresses every publicly owned vacant lot and house to create a sustainable model for transforming and maintaining these parcels. The removal of blighted structures, beautification of vacant lots, and creation of new homes is intended to stabilize the neighborhood, increase property values, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The City has created a three-part implementation strategy that includes the (1) creation of a neighborhood park and greenway; (2) development of economically self-sustaining, productive landscapes; and (3) rehabilitation of all salvageable, publicly-owned structures and implementation of low-maintenance landscape strategies. Our development efforts are focused on the renovation of about 100 homes and the demolition of over 24 structures. Vacant lot activation is also a focus with a portion of these lots reserved as “homestead properties” – a singular parcel with a house and adjacent land for residents to use to grow food. The project creates opportunities for first time home-buyers to single-family renters and with both market-rate and affordable options.
Stage of Development ?At the foundation of mentorship is a transparency of knowledge and practice. We choose to share our projects as they unfold – through all parts of the development process.
Pre-Development
A developer sees an opportunity in an existing building or vacant land and tests possible ideas for development to determine if they should commit.
Design
The architect, along with engineers and contractors, collaborate with the developer to create a meaningful plan for construction.
Construction
The general contractor physically brings the design of the architect and engineers to life.
Leasing or Sale
The development is promoted to potential tenants who may be interested in leasing or purchasing available units.
Management
A property-management team manages the on-going daily operations of the development and the tenants.
Re-Financing
The owner may choose to re-finance or sell the developed property.
Homestead properties for urban gardeners rendering
Vacant lot developed into a meadow rendering
On Community Engagement: Our team started a nonprofit organization called "Century Forward" to spearhead community engagement efforts and implement a variety of programming in the neighborhood. Some of Century Forward's responsibilities include facilitating employment opportunities for Fitzgerald residents, organizing urban gardening initiatives, and overseeing vacant lot improvements. Key partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, such as Greening of Detroit, Keep Growing Detroit, and a host of neighborhood block clubs and churches, have been vital to our engagement process. With the City of Detroit, we are creating a housing affordability program where a portion of renovated homes will be sold to low-to-moderate income households.
In the Neighborhood: The University of Detroit Mercy, Marygrove College, Avenue of Fashion, University Village, Mercantile Building, Block Party Building
Transit: Bus #039
Location
