A prominent developer in Detroit is currently working on a number of projects on the east side of the city near Grosse Pointe. Included in the group of possible focus areas are the development of a new housing community on the Detroit River near Grosse Pointe, a second large housing development northwest of Jefferson Avenue, and the redesign of Jefferson Avenue between Alter and Eastlawn. In each instance, the client has expressed a desire to pursue sustainable development as a primary goal.

This project offers a number of opportunities for Landscape Architecture, BEC, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policy and Planning, and Sustainable Systems students. The client is hoping for a truly interdisciplinary team that can investigate a wide variety of issues while preparing a design framework.

Accessibility to groceries and financial services by the community, determining advantages and disadvantages of implementing sustainable programs in an urban environment, and providing community outreach to existing and potential new residents are all potential focus points that can be included within the design framework. The ultimate project statement is still very flexible, and will be determined after a group meeting with the client.