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73. Revitalizing Detroit: A Developer’s Guide

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

  • A brief dive into Detroit's history and current resurgence. 

  • The importance of a city's master plan. 

  • Community is everything to getting developments approved. 

  • What Detroit offers that other cities don't.

  • Why the midwest is such a unique place to build.

"Make sure you are in alignment with the city’s master plan."


-Leslie Horn (CEO of Three Squared, Inc.)

Show Notes:


  • 0:30 - Introduction to episode 73. 

  • 0:56 - Project highlight of the week: The city of Detroit.

  • 2:44 - Why did Leslie choose to start a business in Detroit and not somewhere else? 

  • 6:13 - How the planning department can determine the success of your development.

  • 8:40 - Why was 2010 a changing moment for Detroit? 

  • 10:00 - Current and future opportunity in Detroit for real estate.

  • 12:50 - How to create anchors for communities. 

  • 14:20 - How developers set the stage for Detroit. 

  • 15:18 - Don’t develop until you know your area. 

  • 19:55 - Working with the community and local firms to get developments built. 

  • 23:00 - Being respectful of the communities you are building in. 

  • 28:17 - You're a developer not from Detroit? Why you need a local firm to get your development going. 

  • 28:42 - What makes the midwest unique for building. 

  • 31:57 - Why a basement might not be the best choice for infill lots. 

  • 33:10 - Creating housing solutions in the city. 

  • 35:33 - As a developer you need to meet a city where it’s at. 

  • 38:50 - How to combat gentrification as a developer. 

  • 39:20 - Concluding thoughts for episode 73.

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