A wide net could be cast to give credit to all the people who continually collaborate to build a sustainable Detroit. As one of the oldest major cities in the United States, Detroit is a legend of manufacturing and a badge of honor for the American worker. There are many forward minded groups, economic and environmentally conscious corporations and individuals who proclaim Detroit as their home. These new projects are bringing industry back to downtown Detroit and driving entrepreneurs and families to invest in homes and businesses in the neighborhoods of Detroit.
The energy and the loyalty generated toward the mission to rebuild Detroit is fueled with new ideas and new solutions. The movement is for renewal and sustainable Detroit, it’s for lasting value and long-term commitment. The decades of throw away buildings and materials that overflowed landfills are gone. We traveled that road and it nearly wrecked us. The new strategy is re-purposing, re-configuring, re-building and renovating. When a country, a city, a corporation or a family changes direction or recognizes a system needs updating, we don’t tear down and throw away, we recalculate and reaffirm and work together for lasting stability – lasting sustainability. We re-configure, re-plan and revitalize. Every living and working space can be re-imagined.
When home to the Detroit Lions Ford Field’s interior spaces were in the planning stage sustainable building products and energy efficient systems were in the forefront of the design. Marketing Communications Agency, Lowe Campbell Ewald renovated the fifth floor in the old J.L. Hudson warehouse at Ford Field. As they set out to create a space for themselves they wanted to reflect the energy and progressive thinking that is the new sustainable Detroit model. Traditional drywall or fabric cubicles were not part of the vision. Nxtwall demountable walls were chosen for their flexibility, sustainability, and economy as well as their contemporary design aesthetic. Specifically, the transparency of the Nxtwall View center mounted glass wall systems answered the call. The effect is a dynamic and collaborative office environment with conference rooms, receptions areas, and collaborative spaces that can be adjusted for growth and a changing work culture.
“Detroit is attracting creative and entrepreneurial talent from all corners of the globe, and we want to be part of that movement. Our new headquarters will bring our employees together in a idea-inspiring atmosphere where great things can happen for us, our clients and the city. Lowe Campbell Ewald was founded in Detroit nearly 103 years ago – it’s great to be back home and contribute to the city’s revitalization.” — Jim Palmer, CEO.
The new Motor City Model is painted green.
The Detroit Downtown Partnership (DDP) held a stakeholders meeting with Mayor Mike Duggan and emergency manager Kevyn Orr in attendance to share plans for a Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) the DDP is working toward. If approved blighted properties will be addressed with responsibility for maintenance to be shouldered by the property holders and a neighborhood standard met. Mayor Duggan is on track with environmentally considerations by recommending restoration of vacant buildings instead of demolishing whenever possible. Meanwhile, the new City Council with Orr has created a new Lighting Council that will manage the installation of LED lights throughout our desired sustainable Detroit.
We can’t begin to explain the reward we feel that Nxtwall moveable wall systems is playing a part of the downtown Detroit resurgence and downtown revitalization plans throughout the country. U.S. cities are enjoying a resurgence of growth and expansion of new enterprise and urban dwellers. We appreciate when facility managers are focused on sustainability and flexible building products because we know our products will deliver in style, in budget and on time. More projects are in the works across the country and we are spending a good portion of 2014 training our dealers and meeting with our customers in their respective cities. We’re probably already scheduled to be in a city near you. Let us know if we can answer any questions about movable wall systems and how they can decrease waste while increasing flexible sustainable construction practices. If LEED points are your goal Nxtwall re-mountable walls systems can help build your numbers.
We are working for a sustainable Detroit and look forward to future projects in The D
Progress keeps moving America’s great comeback city on. Detroit’s M-1 modern streetcar system is ramping up transit oriented development in downtown Detroit. The rail system will serve the needs of people working and living in the city and will expand the city boundary. Mixed use development along with housing development components will serve commuters needs and attract future residents. M-1 is driving investment and renovation of Woodward to a more sustainable Detroit right now. It’s a new chapter in an American classic where America can flex it’s muscle and proclaim ‘We can do it!”. We want to be part of the journey and say “We helped!”.
Sustainable Detroit Resources and References:
UIX – Transit Oriented Development
