WND works to create a model for resident-centered neighborhood development. WND envisions a new future for neighborhood development, one that gives every neighbor a voice in development and programs that work best for their neighborhood. We believe in development plans that allow for a vibrant neighborhood composed of a variety of people of different ages and income levels.
Spring Neighborhood Update Meeting: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Close to 100 people attended our Spring Neighborhood Update meeting where we shared updates about land and housing development happening throughout Woodbridge, passed the mic to members of the local development community, and invited neighbors to sign up for volunteer opportunities such as Porch Concerts, street cleanups, community gardening, and projects aimed at helping our seniors. Click the links below to see materials that were shared at the meeting:
Previous Community Engagement Sessions:
December 3, 2022: “Building a Healthy Neighborhood” session looking specifically at green elements of new construction in Woodbridge and at the 4401 Rosa Parks apartment building in development. Materials and meeting outcomes are here.
Expanding Housing Options in Woodbridge
Project Background
In 2019-2020, Woodbridge Neighborhood Development (WND) and Cinnaire Solutions partnered with a consultant team to thoughtfully plan future uses for two former Detroit Public Schools properties at the western boundary of the neighborhood. The site includes more than 8 acres of vacant land and the former Hancock Middle School building.
Two documents were released in May 2020 at the culmination of a 6-month long community engagement process involving over 150 residents: Woodbridge Neighborhood Development & Design Guidelines (82 pages) and Woodbridge Neighborhood Design Guidelines for Infill Housing (16 pages).
Support for the resident engagement and land planning process was provided by the Kresge Foundation’s KIP:D Initiative. Involvement of residents in the development of the design guidelines was featured in a special exhibit on September 17, 2020 as part of Design Core Detroit’s Month of Design.
Land Planning Study Area
Project Overview
The full nine acres will be developed over the course of several years, with the construction of multiple sites occurring in distinct phases. The goal of the multiyear development plan is to create a vibrant and connected destination within Woodbridge built with variety in design and use. The site subject of the request for proposal (RFP) sits at the nexus of rapidly developing Corktown, Core City, Midtown, New Center, Northwest Goldberg and Southwest Detroit neighborhoods, presenting an attractive and amenity-rich location. WND and Cinnaire sought proposals to bring underrepresented housing options to the area alongside products that respond to the increasing demand for that which currently exists. This includes ownership options, accessible multi-family units, and housing scaled to the needs of those who may currently be underserved. The proposals were to incorporate modern urban design sensibilities building on the history of the area to enhance and features elements typical of a healthy community.
The information below outlines the public engagement events leading to publication of the Guideline documents noted above:
This project set the framework for innovative and community-oriented design intended to...
October and November 2019:
Public Workshop #1 with WCC - Click here to see meeting results.
Hancock Block Dinner - November 10, 2019
Woodbridge Citizens’ Council (regular public meetings) - November 14, 2019, December 12, 2019 and January 9,2020
Pop-up Planning and Pizza! (For parents and school aged kids) - Saturday, November 16, 2019
Designing Woodbridge: A Morning with Coffee, Donuts, and Ideas - Click here to see pictures from this event, view our presentation here. - Saturday, November 23, 2019
Designing Woodbridge: A Blueprint for Future Development - Click here to see pictures from this event, view our presentation here. - Saturday, February 1, 2020