Design Core Detroit Releases Area-specific Real Estate Development Book

Design Core Detroit has released a book that provides tools and resources for real estate development. The book is designed to inspire a stronger and more harmonious relationship among real estate developers, designers, and communities impacted by development projects.

“Design Guide for Real Estate Development” provides small-scale developers with tools and expertise larger developers have long utilized. The project was made possible through support from JPMorgan Chase.

The guide includes case studies, exercises, and infographics and breaks down the steps to initiate, develop, and manage relationships with professional designers and other collaborators. Developers will learn how design can help them address each part of the real estate development process while cultivating neighborhoods that are resilient and economically and environmentally sustainable.

“The ‘Design Guide for Real Estate Development’ and accompanying programming allows us to share these principles with those leading development in neighborhoods,” says Bonnie Fahoome, director of business programs for Design Core Detroit. “By providing developers with the tools to create thoughtful, effective, and inclusive spaces, we hope to support the longevity of projects that also improve quality of life for all Detroiters.”

September is Detroit Month of Design.

“Equitable development and housing for all Detroit residents is incredibly important for our city,” says September Hargrove, head of global philanthropy for Detroit at JPMorgan Chase. “We’re pleased to support Design Core Detroit in their efforts to create more inclusive practices around development and design. Together, we can all work to rebuild a more inclusive economy that works for more people.”

Copies of the guide will be distributed to developers through key partner organizations, including Blocks Urban Land Institute, Capital Impact’s Equitable Development program, Better Buildings Better Blocks, past Motor City match awardees, and others.

Input from an industry advisory council, service vendors, and more than 100 stakeholders allowed Design Core Detroit to produce industry-specific content for Detroit developers.

Design Core Detroit, part of the College for Creative Studies, champions design-driven businesses and their role in strengthening Detroit’s economy. It is the steward of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation.