Features

Development News A rendering of a Heat in the Street vendor stand

‘Stands and Pods’: Downtown Northville finds way to keep outdoor social district warm come winter

Heat in the Street will keep city streets closed to cars and social district The Twist open to people in downtown Northville.

Development News A development concept from the Maxfield Training Center RFQ

Multi-family residential development approaches selection process in downtown Farmington

“Building housing provides people the opportunity to live downtown, for those that want to live, work, shop, and play downtown. It also serves as transitional land use from the neighborhoods to the historic district to the commercial district downtown,” Kevin Christiansen says.

Feature Story Historic Tales of Macomb County

Excerpt: Local author pens book on Macomb County’s history

As a freelance writer and reporter in Macomb County over the last three decades, deciding to write a book about interesting people from the county’s past seemed a normal segue for this storyteller.

Feature Story Jazz on the Ave. in City Hall Park.

Dearborn looks toward the future of its City Hall Park

A new effort by the Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities' (DDDAs) is aiming to redesign the park to be even more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

Special Report The long view of downtown Allen Park

Allen Park, the 'jewel' of downriver

Allen Park's downtown district has secured its place as an eclectic and vibrant area that welcomes residents and visitors alike with a warmth and charm that can only be found within a community that has taken bold steps to re-invent the way it wants to be seen.  Under the leadership of Jennifer Kibby, Executive Director of its Downtown Development Authority, entrepreneurs have decided to make their mark in big and bold ways to create a downtown that has an identity based on charm and sophistication. 

Feature Story Soul of Detroit

Bringing some Detroit soul food and music to Macomb: Q&A with restaurant owner Maurice Ford

Maurice Ford and his wife, Talisha, had just opened their new restaurant and music venue in Sterling Heights before COVID-19 hit. Now the couple are figuring out how to balance reopening with rehiring. 

Development News Space Command

Industry, government leaders push Sterling Heights' bid for space command

If Sterling Heights' city leaders have their way, Macomb will be home to the new United States Space Command Headquarters. Congress members, county executives, and city officials met this week to push support for the bid.

Development News Sabbath5

Coffee roaster and cafe opens in downtown Clawson

“We bought a small home coffee roaster when we were in our first apartment and set off the fire alarms. We started giving it away to friends, started going to farmers markets. Everything we did was based around coffee,” Trevor Graham says. “We always had the dream of one day owning a coffee shop.”

Development News Gifts-of-quarantine

‘Finding joy in chaos’: Artist debuts new exhibition at downtown Farmington art gallery

The title of the exhibition, Gifts of Quarantine, reflects Stropoli’s attitude in creating the series over the course of a muted year. The content of the painting themselves juxtapose the dark with the light.

Feature Story Social distancing in effect at the Farmington Farmers Market

Farmington Farmers Market celebrates one million customers, on track to break attendance record

“We were on the fence about doing anything but it’s such a significant milestone. Do we have to yield to everything the pandemic has thrown our way or can we acknowledge this moment?“ asks market manager Walt Gajewski.

Development News Meijer

Sterling Heights launches holiday assistance program as food pantries face COVID-19 strain

Sterling Heights is looking to streamline holiday assistance programs in the city this year, to meet food pantry and family assistance needs in the face of COVID-19 limitations. 

Development News artspace

Michigan arts and cultural organizations receive nearly $10M in grants from state arts organization

“During these tough times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant, and the value of our programs is not only recognized, but can contribute to ongoing efforts support vibrancy in our communities throughout the state,” says MCACA director Alison Watson.

Innovation News Women of color in STEM

Women of color in STEM award recognizes Sterling Heights innovator

The annual Women of Color STEM Conference was held virtually this year, but it didn't stop the recognition of movers and shakers in the field. Several Fiat Chrysler Automobile employees were awarded, including Sterling Heights assembly plant's Saretta Wallace.

Feature Story John Favazza at Jack's Italian Bakery Melvindale. Photo by David Lewinski.

Melvindale's eclectic small businesses make most of a small city with big heart

Melvindale's slogan, "The Little City With a BIG Heart." It's a small city with a lot going on.

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Feature Story Franklin Cider Mill. Courtesy photo.

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Feature Story Filming Arthur in downtown Farmington

Meet the artist behind Arthur the Raven, a stop-motion animation series in downtown Farmington

Meet Leila Mullison, the artist responsible for Arthur the Raven. Mullison’s stop-motion vignettes of Arthur are being featured in Downtown Farmington throughout the month of October as part of the city’s Grand Raven festival.

Development News LTU Campus. Photo via Creative Commons.

LTU receives grant from high-profile video game developer for new tech lab

The $50,000 grant will be used to build an Unreal laboratory with high performance computers. There will be dedicated virtual reality and augmented reality access to support core courses, recertification efforts, and summer camps.

Development News Photo courtesy Neumann-Smith Architects.

Dearborn approves new multi-modal transportation plan

“This multi-modal transportation plan will guide us as we make decisions now and into the future about the best ways for people to navigate through our city, take advantage of economic opportunities, and connect to the region,’’ says Mayor O’Reilly.

Innovation News Shipt, Macomb, Seniors, Grocery delivery, COVID-19

Macomb seniors to receive free grocery delivery membership as flu season looms

Senior citizens throughout Macomb County will soon have access to free grocery delivery membership, in an effort to keep residents safer during COVID-19 restrictions. 

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.