DBusiness Daily Update: Concetti Reimagines Abandoned Building to Bring Housing to Detroit Community, and More

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
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Restoration of The Murray used original material whenever possible. // Courtesy of Concetti
Restoration of The Murray used original material whenever possible. // Courtesy of Concetti

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.

Concetti Reimagines Abandoned Building to Bring Housing to Detroit Community

Concetti, a Detroit-founded interior design strategy studio, along with other Detroit-based partners is providing the Detroit community with a multi-family 12-unit building that pays homage to the interior’s historic character while honoring the neighborhood’s residents.

The Murray, located in southwest Detroit and built around 1916 during the Art Deco movement, stood vacant for nearly 20 years following its life as a seven-unit complex.

“This project focused on keeping and enhancing the authenticity of the historic building, to not only restore its rightful place as a community landmark, but to create a safe and functional space for Detroit families to live,” says Rachel Nelson, CEO and principal designer at Concetti.

“Through Concetti’s three-phase strategic process, we focused on the people who would live in the building and how they would utilize it, while also prioritizing (developer W. Emery)  Matthews’ values. Our human-centric approach allowed us to create a contemporary interior aesthetic that appeals to the current market while showcasing the community’s spirit and resilience.”

The newly renovated building features exposed brick and blue and green colorways seamlessly blended between floors, with custom wallpaper sourced by Detroit Wallpaper Co. The kitchen backsplash tile honors the pattern repetition within Hispanic culture and 1915 era designs.

Original hardwood floors were kept wherever possible and similar materials were sourced for any necessary replacements. The building’s original molding was painted a stark black and reused to emphasize the details of the existing millwork. All strategic design decisions were made to reflect the Art Deco time period and honor the community’s demographic.

State of Michigan Announces Grants for Three Mobility Pilot Programs

The state of Michigan announced that three companies will receive $260,000 in total funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to test and deploy mobility projects across the state.

With these grants, Michigan will enable new mobility solutions that help address challenges related to school bus emissions, decaying mobility infrastructure and last-mile deliveries, all while reducing on-road miles, emissions, traffic, accidents, and noise.

In partnership with key startups, local, state and federal officials, three companies — Evenergi ($30,000), HiPer Fiber ($115,000), and Workhorse Group Inc. ($115,000) — will receive funding to address mobility challenges across the state.

Evenergi will transition internal combustion engine school bus fleets to zero-emission vehicles with its BetterFleet program in Lansing and Grand Rapids. HiPer Fiber will manufacture advanced steep fibers with the goal of helping maintain bridges and eliminating decaying infrastructure in St. Clair Township. Workhorse Group will sustainably connect communities and demonstrate new commercial pathways for on-demand and last-mile drone deliveries in west Michigan.

“We are pleased to support this latest round of grant recipients because they will play key roles in Michigan’s comprehensive approach to mobility solutions development beyond the individual automobile,” says Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer for the state. “The continued success of the MMFP grant program is critical to our mission of deploying the next generation of safe, efficient and sustainable mobility technologies that address the unique challenges of Michigan’s diverse population.”

For more information, visit here.

FOX 2 Detroit Partners with Woodward Sports Network for Gameday Broadcasts

FOX 2 Detroit in Southfield and Woodward Sports Network announced a strategic partnership for FOX 2 to start airing weekly broadcast segments during Sunday morning’s Lions GameDay Live featuring Woodward Sports Network and its talent lineup.

This new segment will offer in-depth insight leading into game time. FOX 2 will also start streaming Woodward Sports Network’s number one show, Ermanni and Edwards, live Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on FOX2Detroit.com and the FOX 2 mobile app.

The partnership will also include guest appearances by many of Woodward Sports Networks’ talent on FOX 2’s Sports segments throughout weekly programming and appearances on FOX 2 Sports Works. In addition, social media posts and clips from Woodward Sports will be featured on FOX 2’s platforms.

“Streaming media is a space we’re excited about, and Woodward Sports Network will surely be a great partner,” says Greg Easterly, senior vice president and general manager of FOX 2 Detroit. “Putting Ermanni & Edwards on our FOX 2 programming stream is a no-brainer and will be a compelling addition to our afternoon lineup.”

Dan Miller of FOX 2 expanded, “We’re always excited to bring in voices from around the sports landscape in Detroit and it’s awesome to be able to partner with Woodward Sports and their talented crew.”

Canterbury Village in Lake Orion Begins Holiday Festivities Nov. 18

Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, a designated Michigan historical landmark that is home to more than a dozen specialty shops, event space, and host to year-round attractions and entertainment for Oakland County families since 1993, announced its 2022 holiday season event line-up.

The family-friendly festivities begin on Nov. 18 with the Canterbury Village Tree Lighting, and continue throughout November and December with Canterbury Cocoa Crawl, Holiday Stroll, Cookie Crawl, Elf Weekend, Grinch Weekend, and Frosty Weekend.

“From our millions of twinkling lights, to delectable sweet treats, professional carolers, beloved holiday costumed characters, warming fire pits, visits with Santa Claus, and so much more, Canterbury Village is Oakland County’s holiday headquarters for memory-making family fun,” says Keith Aldridge, owner of Canterbury Village. “We are eager to celebrate the magic of the season with activities and attractions for guests of all ages throughout November and December.”

This year’s holiday stroll will feature a collaboration between Canterbury Village and the local nonprofit, Bottomless Toy Chest to collect toys for kids in need this season. A drop box will be located on-site.

Additional information on all of the following events is available at CanterburyVillage.com.

The Canterbury Village Tree Lighting will take place Nov. 18 from 5p.m.-8 p.m. The 45-foot dancing Christmas tree will be set aglow at 6 p.m., with pre-activities including entertainment, live carolers, s’mores, hot cocoa and hot cider stations, outdoor fire pits, holiday shopping throughout the Village, and more. The event is free to attend, but the community is encouraged to bring donations of boxed breakfast cereals to support The Village Food Pantry.

The Canterbury Cocoa Crawl is on Nov. 19 and 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Guests can experience and enjoy the quaint ambiance of Canterbury Village while visiting shops and boutiques throughout the property.  Each shop will feature its own unique, hand-crafted cocoa creation for guests to sample, including some special cocoa cocktails for adults to enjoy.  The shops will compete for “Best Cocoa Award,” selected by attendee votes.

Tickets for Cocoa Crawl, which takes place rain, snow, or shine, are $2 per person and can be purchased at the door. Children under two, active military members and veterans are free. Guests are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable items to benefit The Village Food Pantry.

The Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll has many dates, including Nov. 23, 25-27, and Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22, and 23, opening at 5 p.m. The spirit of the season glows bright with more than one million festive lights and a light show spectacular, choreographed to classic holiday songs and the sounds of professional carolers.

Live Christmas performances, recreations of favorite holiday scenes and visits with Frosty, Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, Jack Frost, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more will perform. Santa Claus will be on-hand for visits and his personal mailbox also will be available to accept letters from children to be delivered directly to the North Pole.

Tickets for Holiday Stroll, which takes place rain, snow, or shine, are $14.99 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Children under two, active military members, and veterans are free.  Parking is $5. Purchase tickets at CanterburyVillage.com.

Holiday Markets and the Canterbury Cookie Crawl will take place Nov. 25-27 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 26-27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., respectively.

Explore and stroll through the small shops at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion. Boutique clothing and accessories, artisan jewelry, gourmet foods, and Michigan Made designed items will be for sale.

Guests of all ages can also indulge their sweet tooth at the second annual Canterbury Cookie Crawl on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees are invited to visit various participating Canterbury Village shops to sample Christmas cookies and vote for the “best cookie” award winner.

Tickets for Cookie Crawl, which takes place rain, snow, or shine, are $2 per person and can be purchased at the door. Children under two, active military members and veterans are free.

Lawrence Tech Physics Professor Wins Inaugural Doc Brown Young Investigator Award

Bhubanjyoti Bhattacharya, associate professor of physics at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, has been named the inaugural winner of the new Doc Brown Young Investigator Award by the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society (APS).

The presentation was made at the APS section’s recent fall meeting, which was hosted at Lawrence Tech.

The award recognizes a young investigator who is an APS member in their first six years of appointment as a senior lecturer, tenure-track faculty, or tenured faculty, who have at least one publication or conference presentation with undergraduate co-authors from their present institution.

Bhattacharya’s research focuses on what’s known as the baryon asymmetry puzzle — the fact that while there should be equal amounts of matter and antimatter in the universe according to the standard model of particle physics, the universe we see has a lot of matter and very little antimatter.

The research takes the form of creating models to explain the difference, and ruling them out when they don’t work, narrowing the field of possible explanations. His research, which actively engages undergraduate students, has been supported by a $135,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Bhattacharya has co-authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed scientific papers.

“He’s done exemplary work with undergraduates there (at LTU) and has contributed mightily to the life of the section in multiple ways, both in bringing students to the section and in administrative work to elicit excitement in the section. I am delighted to count him as a dear colleague,” says Michael Crescimanno, committee chair for APS Eastern Great Lakes section.

The award is named for Robert Brown, distinguished university professor and institute professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Brown’s career spans more than 50 years making contributions to fundamental physics, including collaborating for more than 30 years with high-tech companies.

The Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society, established in 1938, brings together physicists, other scientists and engineers from industry, government, and academia for topical symposia twice a year. Students and science teachers are particularly encouraged to attend and present papers at these symposia.

Grand Valley Announces New Employment Program for Student Veterans

President Philomena V. Mantella of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, near Grand Rapids announced the creation of the Veterans Advance: Progressive Work-Based Learning program to ensure students who are veterans are recognized for the experience they bring.

The program is designed to acknowledge the strong transferable skills veterans have from their service that can be used to advance their civilian career while pursuing a degree at GVSU.

Michigan-based food solutions company SpartanNash, a longtime supporter of veterans and military families as well as a food distributor for the U.S. military, is GVSU’s launch partner for the initial pilot program.

The Veterans Advance program will provide a competitive wage and career progression while veterans are in school, with the help of veteran-inclusive corporate partners. The partners will provide paid professional work experience and a leadership track that runs concurrent with a veteran’s degree plan.

“SpartanNash is proud to join with Grand Valley for Veterans Advance,” says Nicole Zube, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at SpartanNash. “One of SpartanNash’s core behaviors is We Serve, and we look forward to giving back to these veteran heroes. The training and lived experience veterans bring to employers is invaluable. Blending their skills with work-based learning experiences and the educational excellence provided by GVSU is a recipe for building our next generation of leaders.”

Hello West Michigan to Host In-person, Virtual Events to Draw Talent to West Michigan 

On Nov. 17 and Nov. 23, Hello West Michigan and The Right Place will host virtual and in person networking events to attract talent to West Michigan.

The 11th annual event series will be hosted by the organization, regional partners, and local businesses to attract former West Michigan residents back to the region and convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.

The event series is designed around Thanksgiving holiday visits to give former residents the opportunity to connect with employers while they’re home for Thanksgiving. Since there are some who won’t be traveling home for the holiday, Hello West Michigan is offering a virtual option as well.

“ReThink West Michigan has become a Thanksgiving season tradition and we’re excited to be back in person at a new venue,” says Rachel Gray, executive director of Hello West Michigan. “With both virtual and in person events this year, there is ample opportunity for everyone in the community to invite an out-of-towner to the event, even if they’re not traveling home for the holiday.”

The first event of the series is a virtual networking event Nov. 17. During the event, job seekers can chat virtually one-on-one with recruiters from local employers with open positions. Community ambassadors will also be attending to share their West Michigan experience and share their networks with attendees.

The second event will be held in person Nov. 23 and will provide a casual, professional environment to network and discover career opportunities with growing organizations in the region.

Corewell Health is the regional champion sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a regional supporting sponsor. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is a back to Michigan statewide supporting sponsor.

Other participating companies include: PADNOS, Haworth, Specialized Recruiting Group, Attwood Corporation, Rockford Construction, Grand Valley State University, Gordon Food Service, Mercy Health, Meijer, and others.

“As the largest employer in the state, Corewell Health, formerly Spectrum Health, is committed to hiring and investing in some of the brightest and most talented people in the world,” says Nicole McConnell, senior vice president of human resources business partners at Corewell Health West. “Our teams include collaborators, leaders, and innovators who continue to build on one shared mission statement — to improve health, instill humanity, and inspire hope.”

ReThink West Michigan is a part of a larger statewide effort that is the Back to Michigan event series. The Back to Michigan efforts received two awards in Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council in 2021. Seven regions around the state will host a mix of in person and virtual events between Oct. 7 and Nov. 23.

ReThink West Michigan and Back to Michigan events are geared to target people living outside of West Michigan, former residents, locals who are unemployed, or people who recently relocated to attract talent to the area.

The virtual event on Nov. 17, runs from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. To register, click here.

The in-person event on Nov. 23 will be hosted at The Atrium at Uccello’s at 122 Monroe Center St NW in Grand Rapids from 5:30p.m.-8 p.m. To register, click here.

Coalition Supports Bill to End COVID-19-era Housing Rules

Today a broad coalition that includes the Apartment Association of Michigan, Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, the Michigan REALTORs, rental owners and property managers across Michigan, and others, announced support for a bill seeking to end temporary COVID rules.

Right now Michigan’s housing market is experiencing a deepening affordability crisis for renters and homebuyers alike. This crisis was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of which are still rippling through housing costs.

The State Court Administrative Office is seeking to make COVID-era rules permanent, making it harder for people seeking affordable housing and risking more difficulties for the rental and homebuying markets.

“Michigan should always be a place where everyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family,” says John Lindley, president and CEO of the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association.

“In order to make that a reality, more people should have access to affordable and attainable rental and home ownership opportunities — but temporary rules risk that reality by incentivizing tenants to stay in their residences without paying anything, decreasing the available housing pool and increasing costs for others.”

The coalition supports HB 6497 because it balances the rights of tenants and property owners. A return to the pre-COVID status quo is also endorsed by the Michigan District Judges Association.

“The State Court Administrative Office should not upend Michigan’s homebuying and rental housing market by trying to make laws on their own,” says Forrest Wall, CEO of the Apartment Association of Michigan. “Making laws is the role of the Legislature and the Governor. That’s why our broad coalition supports restoration of the normal processes.”