We gain great satisfaction in providing pro bono work to non-profits in our community. It gives us an opportunity to “pay it forward,” and use our skills and expertise to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. The following are some of the non-profit organizations we have worked with in the past.

LIFE REMODELED

2010
In late 2010, we were contacted by a new non-profit, “Life Remodeled,” that wanted to capture the story behind the building of a home in a surrounding community. Similar to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” in that it builds a house in 6 days, and “gives” it away to a deserving family on the seventh day, they were planning to do much more than that. It was also going ‘beautify’ the entire surrounding neighborhood, and fix up neighbor’s houses, too. The family was going to go through financial training and psychological counseling to help them ‘keep’ the house.

 

2011
So, in 2011, we spent some time the month before the ‘build week’ filming interviews the family members, capturing their counseling sessions, and following them to special activities Life Remodeled arranged for them (restaurants; doctor’s visit; hair styling appointment; birthday party; and weekend stay at a hotel with an indoor water park). Then we spent 10-12 hours a day during the ‘build week’ filming everything that was happening, since they were working 24 hours-per-day. We then spent a few hours daily for the next month, helping a team to edit a 45-minute “Reality TV” show pilot. The following is a video of selected ‘snippets’ of the pilot that premiered in an Emagine theater in June 2011.

“Reality TV” show premier trailer:

 

2012
In 2012, we provided media relations and video and photographic services to capture the four projects they completed. We also helped create “playbooks” (detailed “how-to” instructions for each area of the project) that they provided to the leaders of each project to guide them to a successful project.

PONTIAC, MICHIGAN:

HAZEL PARK, MICHIGAN:

FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN:

REDFORD, MICHIGAN:

 

2013
In 2013, we created an overview flyer, Powerpoint presentation, t-shirt artwork, press releases, signage, photographically captured the entire ‘build week’, and filmed the “reveal” telling the family they were selected to receive the house.

Although Life Remodeled only did this one project this year, it became the largest volunteer effort in one week in recent Detroit history—over 5,200 volunteers build a brand-new house, beautified 65 city blocks, renovated 36 neighborhood homes, and boarding up 253 vacant houses—again, all in six days! They received the “Spirit of Detroit” award from the Mayor for their efforts.

We coordinated a half-dozen professional photographers to capture the ‘build week’. Click the following link to see the over 5,000 pictures that were taken:

Life Remodeled: All 2013 Project Pictures
Click here to see the “reveal”

“PECHA-KUCHA” PRESENTATION ABOUT LIFE REMODELED
In addition to the work we recently completed for the “Detroit 2013” build, our President, Mark Besh, gave a “20 x 20″ presentation at the Volume #13 Pecha-Kucha Night in Detroit. It was about the previous five ‘builds’ we helped Life Remodeled with (i.e. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 2.0″).

[ Note: The format for Pecha-Kucha is 20 slides automatically changing every 20 seconds! (no ‘do-overs’ or ‘dawdling’ allowed!) ]. Click on the image below to see the presentation.

CLICK HERE TO SEE “PECHA-KUCHA” PRESENTATION ABOUT “LIFE REMODELED”

 

2014
In 2014, Life Remodeled wanted to try to ‘affect’ more people than just a single neighborhood, so they decided to ‘remodel’ a High School!

We were responsible for some of the media relations, the design and production of promotional materials, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel headers, the posting TV and radio media coverage, and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Life Remodeled’s goals were to build four “special” rooms at Cody High School, renovate 20 student houses (new roofs, new siding, replacing windows and stairs, etc.), board up 100 vacant houses, and “beautify” 100 city blocks (remove blight, trim trees, cut grass, plant flowers, etc.)—all in SIX DAYS! At their “seventh day” celebration, they noted that they exceeded all of their goals: More ‘renovations’ were done inside Cody than planned; they remodeled 25 student houses; boarded up 254 vacant houses; demolished three dangerous houses, and beautified 303 city blocks! This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 10,500 volunteers—the largest volunteer effort in recent Detroit history. They were also surprised with a $300,000 check to complete the new football field!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 7,000 photos we and a dozen professional photographers we coordinated took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

[ Life Remodeled: All 2014 Project Pictures ].

CODY HIGH SCHOOL – ENTRANCE (Before/After)

NEW “S.T.E.M.” ROOM AT CODY

NEW MOCK COURTROOM IN CODY

NEW MEDICAL LAB IN CODY

NEW HOME EC ROOM IN CODY

NEW TEACHERS LOUNGE IN CODY

NEW SMART PROJECTORS AT CODY

NEW GARDEN AT CODY

WINDOW REPAIRS AT CODY

ROOF REPAIRS AT CODY

NEW FOOTBALL FIELD AT CODY

THREE DANGEROUS HOUSES DEMOLISHED ACROSS FROM CODY

GRAFFITI REMOVED FROM BUILDINGS AROUND CODY

25 STUDENT HOUSES REMODELED

254 ‘BOARD UPS’ OF VACANT HOUSES

NEW MURAL AT HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

‘CLEAN UP’ AT HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

MANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ‘BEAUTIFIED’

NEW MURAL IN STEIN PLAYGROUND

303 CITY BLOCKS OF ‘BLIGHT’ REMOVED

 

In addition to coordinating over a dozen professional photographers to capture the ‘build week’, we designed and produced a variety of promotional materials, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel headers, and Powerpoint presentations:

 

The following links are for more information about the Cody-Rouge project in Detroit, Michigan:

VIDEOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a trailer video of what they planned at Cody High School in 2014:

FYI: There was also a full-length documentary created, “Cody High: A Life Remodeled Project” It skillfully portrays the powerful stories of community members directly involved, and how their lives are being shaped as beacons of hope within the great city of Detroit. View the trailer below:

 

2015
In 2015, we spent an entire week (August 3-9, 2015) in Detroit—specifically in the Osborn High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “makeover” of Osborn High School and the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of a promotional brochure and flyer, signage, banners, room plaques, appreciation certificates, t-shirt graphics, social media channel headers, the posting of TV and radio media coverage, capturing the project photographically, and filming interviews of volunteers (for the “Super Service Challenge”). Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Major Renovations at Osborn High School
(Roof; Gym; Cafeteria; Special rooms; Landscaping)
– 472 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 302 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 21 Student Houses Remodeled
– Beautification, Mural, and New Playscapes at Pulaski Elementary-Middle School
– 230 Planter Boxes along “Safe Routes” to Schools

The following are selected photos that represent the over 6,000 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers we brought together, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

OSBORN HIGH SCHOOL – ENTRANCE (Before/After)

NEW ROOF ON OSBORN SCHOOL

EXPANDED MAIN OFFICE IN OSBORN

NEW “iLAB” IN OSBORN

NEW COLLEGE PREP ROOM IN OSBORN

EXPANSION OF CAFETERIA IN OSBORN

NEW PARENT RESOURCE ROOM IN OSBORN

COURTYARD RENOVATION AT OSBORN

NEW GYM FLOOR/BLEACHERS IN OSBORN

NEW WALL MURAL FOR OSBORN GYM

472 DANGEROUS VACANT HOUSES BOARDED UP

302 CITY BLOCKS OF ‘BLIGHT’ REMOVED

21 STUDENT HOMES REMODELED

NEW PLAYSCAPES AT PULASKI

NEW PLAYGROUND MURAL AT PULASKI

INTERIOR CLEANUP/PAINTING IN PULASKI SCHOOL

“SAFE ROUTE” PLANTERS

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

The following links are for more information about the Osborn project in Detroit, Michigan:

PHOTOS
VIDEOS (Day Recaps)
MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE
Here’s a summary video about what was accomplished in the Osborn neighborhood in 2015:

Here’s the documentary that was done about what was accomplished in the Osborn neighborhood in 2015:

 

2016
In 2016, we spent an entire week (August 1-6, 2016) in Detroit—specifically in the Denby High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically, and filming interviews of volunteers ( for the “Super Service Challenge” ). Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Built a new park, adjacent to Denby High School
(Performance pavilion; Basketball courts; Volleyball courts; Pickleball court; Putting green; Horseshoes; Garden beds; Amenities; Landscaping)
– 362 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 303 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 80 Student Houses Repaired/Remodeled
– Art Mural on Community Recreation Center Building
– 125 Planter Boxes along “Safe Routes” to Schools

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 10,700 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 4,800 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

SKINNER PARK (Before/After)

 

SKINNER PARK PAVILION

 

SKINNER PARK AMENITIES

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (362 HOUSES)

 

REMOVAL OF ‘BLIGHT’ (303 CITY BLOCKS)

 

STUDENT HOUSES REMODELED (80)

 

ART MURAL AT RECREATION CENTER

 

“SAFE ROUTE” PLANTERS (125)

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

The following links are for more information about the Denby project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
VOLUNTEER INTERVIEW VIDEOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Denby neighborhood in 2016:

 

2017
In 2017, we spent an entire week (July 31-August 5, 2017) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Began renovating and repurposing the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School building (adjacent to Central High School) into a ‘community center’ they are calling the “Durfee Innovation Society”
– 534 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 367 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 53 Student Houses Repaired/Remodeled
– Continuing to develop meaningful and sustainable partnerships to advance community investment after project completion

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 11,000 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 7,500 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (534)

 

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT (367 CITY BLOCKS)

 

HOMES REPAIRED (53)

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

The following links are for more information about the Central project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Central neighborhood in 2017:

 

2018
In 2018, we spent an entire week (October 1-October 6, 2018) in Detroit again—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’. Life Remodeled is continuing with this project, which they started in 2017—and also plan to work in the neighborhood for at least two more years.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Continued to renovate and repurpose the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School building (adjacent to Central High School) into a ‘community center’ they are calling the “Durfee Innovation Society”
– 396 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 316 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 102 Alleyways cleared
– Planted more than 700 trees, shrubs, and perennials
– Built 2 community gardens and upgraded 4 more
– Installed 20 “Little Free Libraries” along Safe Routes
– Designated the safest routes to Durfee and Central schools with artwork
– Installed 3 new bus shelters
– Installed 5 grills and picnic tables at neighborhood parks
– Installed 2 sets of bleachers for the Central High School softball field
– Added neighborhood signage
– Significantly improved Central High School’s football facilities and equipment (renovated the press box that had been vandalized, repaired the home bleachers and handicap ramps, installed a new scoreboard, and helped get new uniforms and equipment for the team and headsets for the coaches)
– Continuing to develop meaningful and sustainable partnerships to advance community investment after project completion

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 10,000 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 6,400 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (396)

 

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT (316 CITY BLOCKS)

 

PLANTING VEGETATION

 

ALLEYWAYS CLEARED (102)

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

The following links are for more information about the Central project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Central neighborhood in 2017:

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2019
We spent an entire week (August 5-10, 2019) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood, and “repurpose” the previous Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now the “Durfee Innovation Society). We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.
Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments, that went beyond just blight removal:

– Cleared 257 blighted alleyways – Every one of them within a four-square-mile area surrounding the Durfee Innovation Society
– Many houses were boarded up to ensure the neighborhood’s safety
– Hosted a Youth Mentoring Summer Camp for 125 K-8 students
– Hosted a Basketball Camp for 37 middle and high school students led by the nationally renowned organization The Family
– Over 3,000 kids attended Family Fun Days with their families and enjoyed activities, entertainment (including a “Detroit Youth Choir” concert), carnival games, and the largest bounce house in the world
– Many projects were completed inside the Durfee Innovation Society – HVAC ducting; air conditioning unit ‘enclosures; lighting; painting; tiling; wood trimming; and general cleaning

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 9,700 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

If you are interested, there are over 6,250 photos that we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’
(click here to view)

If you or your company are interested in more details about this project, visit the Life Remodeled web site: http://liferemodeled.com/

To see how we have been associated with Life Remodeled (from their very beginning), click this link: Visual Impact’s Pro Bono Work
DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT

ALLEYWAYS CLEARED

NEW ROOFS

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP

BASKETBALL CAMP

FAMILY FUN DAYS

DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR

MISCELLANEOUS

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

The following links are for more information about the Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here are a few videos about the 2019 project:

 

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2020
We spent an entire week (October 5-10, 2020) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood, and “repurpose” the previous Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now the “Durfee Innovation Society). We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming were done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

In response to COVID-19, we had to change the way we organized our 2020 Six Day Project.

Life Remodeled has been organizing Six-Day Projects for 10 straight years, and every single one has been unique and powerful—and even though, because of social distancing, this project week was ALSO exception: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to mobilize 2,021 awesome volunteers to remove the blight on 71 blocks, make improvements to the Durfee Innovation Society, and revitalize a broken-down playscape.

Ninety-nine percent of their volunteers said that their pandemic safety measures helped them feel safe from COVID-19 while volunteering. During a time in our country’s history when we are experiencing extreme polarization, 99% of their volunteers also said they felt a greater sense of connectedness with others during the project.

Not only is blight psychologically damaging to children and families who have to look at it, but it plays a significant factor in crime rates. Because the City of Detroit had to make substantial budget cuts in 2020, the blight removal effort from Life Remodeled’s passionate and hard-working volunteers was ven MORE NEEDED and much appreciated by Mayor Duggan.

Thanks to Patronicity, the MEDC, and the 43 donors who helped crowdfund this campaign, they raised $21,558 in less than 24 hours to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies to bring a playscape back to life again. A crew of amazing volunteers from FCA completed the renovation in only four days, and the Life Remodeled Community Advisory Council and students from Durfee Elementary dedicated it as the “John R. Lewis Playscape.”

If you are interested, there are over 5,600 photos that we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’
(click here to view)

If you or your company are interested in more details about this project, visit the Life Remodeled website: http://liferemodeled.org/

To see how we have been associated with Life Remodeled (from their very beginning), click this link: Visual Impact’s Pro Bono Work

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
Here are some ‘creative’ pics our photographers took during the week to capture the amazing work the volunteers did.

[ I was ‘caught’ out in the field capturing the fabulous volunteers ]

 

The following links are for more information about the Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
NEWS and MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here is a video that FOX 2 News (Detroit) did about the 2020 project:

[ Note: There are also other videos of the 2020 project on Life Remodeled’s YouTube Channel ]

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2021
We spent an entire week (October 4-9, 2021) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood, and “repurpose” the previous Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now the “Durfee Innovation Society“). We were responsible for a variety of graphic design and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Their 2021 “Six-Day Project“ focused on clearing blight from the front yards of vacant properties and ‘deforesting’ alleys within a specific 150 block area within the four square miles of neighborhoods surrounding the Durfee Innovation Society (next to Central High School). All of this happened with an army of 3,822 volunteers from 173 businesses, churches, and other organizations.

Detroit once housed more than 1.8 million people. However, now with only 650,000 residents, there are a lot of vacant lands—thousands of acres of overgrown brush and weeds making certain areas not only visually depressing but are also more dangerous.

The City of Detroit’s blight removal program is second to none, however, it is just not possible for vacant properties to be maintained weekly at this time in our city’s history. They need the help of volunteers to continue investing in the neighborhoods surrounding the one-stop-shop of opportunity (the “Durfee Innovation Society”) that Life Remodeled has created.

In addition to beautifying the neighborhood, the Six-Day Project brings people from all walks of life to work together, helping them better understand each other. This was verified by a survey of volunteers after last year’s (2020) Project: 99% of volunteers felt a greater sense of ‘connectedness during the Project. We are very honored to help, pro bono, this awesome nonprofit organization!

If you are interested, there are over 5,000 photos that we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’
(click here to view)

If you or your company are interested in more details about this project, visit the Life Remodeled website: http://liferemodeled.org/

To see how we have been associated with Life Remodeled (from their very beginning), click this link: Visual Impact’s Pro Bono Work

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
Here are some ‘creative’ pics our photographers took during the week to capture the amazing work the volunteers did.

[ 300 ‘mature’ trees (4′-5′ high) were given away to the residents in the neighborhood to plant in front of their houses by “The Greening of Detroit” the weekend before the Six-Day Project. ]

 

[ I was ‘caught’ out in the field capturing the fabulous volunteers ]

 

[ Click here to see the 5,000+ images that were taken during the Six-Day Project week. ]

 

The following links are for more information about the Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
NEWS and MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here is a video that WXYZ (Detroit) did about Life Remodeled:

Take a tour of the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS):

How does the Durfee Innovation Society ‘measure up’? Well, click here for some statistics.

Paul W Smith interview with Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert:

CW50 feature about Life Remodeled’s”Lean on We” campaign:

Summary video of the 2021 Siv-Day Project:

[ Note: There are also other videos of the 2021 project on Life Remodeled’s YouTube Channel ]

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2022
We spent an entire week (October 3-8, 2022) in Detroit—specifically in the Cooley High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned week-long project to “remodel” the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for some graphic design and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Their 2022 “Six-Day Project“ focused on clearing blight from vacant properties and beautifying many of the homes in over 300 city blocks around the school. All of this happened with an army of 6,000 volunteers from businesses, churches, and other nonprofit organizations.

COOLEY HIGH SCHOOL/NEIGHBORHOOD
In December 2020, Life Remodeled publicly announced their intent to transform the Cooley High School into their next “Opportunity Hub.” After nearly two years of listening and sharing, they have heard clearly what many Cooley residents desire to be done with the High School. After that, they received invitations from hundreds of Cooley residents and alumni—indicating strong unity in the community—who are ready for Life Remodeled to join the Cooley Community in a ‘partnership’.

Life Remodeled received survey responses and petition signatures from more than 1,000 Cooley residents and alumni, and more than 30 letters of support from key Cooley community leaders and several of Detroit’s most influential civic leaders, who say they are ready for Life Remodeled to begin the repurposing Additionally, Life Remodeled has signed Letter Of Intent agreements with nine dynamic organizations who have committed to leasing more than 80% of the building and deliver impactful opportunities directly requested by Cooley community members.

So, on November 10, 2021, they announced their ‘official’ desire and proposed a detailed plan to develop Cooley High School with nearly 150 Cooley community members, alumni, and Life Remodeled partners from Durfee/Central, Cody, Osborn, and Denby communities present.

[ VIDEO: Public Presentation of Life Remodeled’s Plans for Cooley High School ]

Life Remodeled’s goal is to ‘TRANSFORM’ Cooley High School into an “Opportunity Hub” for Detroiters of ALL ages. It would be similar to their current Durfee Innovation Society, but would be adapted to the ideas, hopes, and dreams of Cooley community residents and alumni.

[ Life Remodeled’s Proposed ‘Transformation’ of Cooley High School ]

Additionally, Life Remodeled desires to provide five years of neighborhood beautification, blight removal and free home repairs. (As Life Remodeled has done in projects prior to Central/Durfee, the home repairs include the choice of a new roof, new windows, or new furnace.)

The thing is, Cooley High School has been sitting vacant and rotting since 2010. The windows and much of the copper have been ripped out, there was a fire that decimated the auditorium, and there are substantial active roof leaks that are on the verge of destroying the very foundation of this building beyond repair if they are not repaired soon.

Now, even though all of this—and much more—is true, the ‘legacy’ of Cooley High School does not have to be over. Life Remodeled wants to have an opportunity to put this facility to use—in ways community members want—before it IS too late!

EXHIBITING ‘EARNESTNESS’
To ‘prove’ how serious Life Remodeled is in serving the Cooley community and its residents, they had their annual “Six Day Project” in the neighborhood October 3-8, 2022. They had 6,000 volunteers—consciously limited to 1,000 per day—to help with blight removal and beautification.

In addition to the ‘normal’ activities—mowing and trimming overgrown brush and weeds on vacant properties—they provided free lawn care services for Cooley community residents. (Specifically, they mowed over 400 lawns of seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities). This greatly increased the level of interaction between community residents, Life Remodeled staff, and their volunteers who live outside the Cooley community.

To add some exciting elements to make it the most interactive Six Day Project they had ever done, they provided a limited number of homes near Cooley High School with increased services to upgrade their curb appeal, which included removing unwanted bushes, and painting house numbers on curbs.

One VERY unique thing they did—something Life Remodeled had never done before—was to put a freshly-potted mum plant on each porch of the houses in the areas where the beautifications were happening in. There were OVER 2,000 plants provided to the neighborhood and a few churches.

MUM PLANT DELIVERIES

[ Mum Pot Creation ]

[ Mums Donor ]

[ Mums Delivery Team ]

[ Mums Deliveries ]

[ Mums Deliveries ]

AMAZON DONATION
The $150,000 donation that Amazon made will support youth programming at the Durfee Innovation Society and support community programs and events for Detroit neighborhood organizations. These neighborhood organizations include:

– University District Community Association
– Calvary Community Association
– College Park Community Association
– Oakland Boulevard Community District
– Core Cities Neighborhood
– Patty Turner Community Partner
– STV 313 Neighborhood Safety
– Happy Homes Community Association
– Palmer Woods Association

Ian Conyers, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon, said that “Life Remodeled has been dedicated to strengthening our communities block by block. Amazon believes Life Remodeled has created a scalable revitalization strategy, and we are proud to support their efforts hand in hand with donations to Detroit block clubs and neighborhood-focused organizations.”

In addition to the generous donation, Amazon’s representatives will also install 100 “Ring” doorbells on residents’ houses—closest to Cooley High School—that desire to have them. (Mayor Mike Duggan stopped by the first home to get a device, the Coyle Avenue residence of Francis Rowland.)

AMAZON “RING” INSTALLATIONS

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation – Detroit Mayor Duggan With Resident ]

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation – First Home ]

Krystine Walker’s home was one of the 100 installations that happened. Walker said the majority of her neighbors on Lauder Street already have the device, so she is happy to finally have one too.

“This is cool, because I couldn’t figure out how to do it myself, so I sent it back. “I was going to get one… I couldn’t figure out the drilling, so this is awesome everyone else seems to have one.”

[ Amazon Ring Installation in Krystine Walker’s house by Katrina Jadzinski, a volunteer from Thornton & Grooms ]

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation ]

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation ]

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation ]

[ Amazon “Ring” Installation ]

The Life Remodeled team believes the donated Ring devices will help bring peace of mind and support neighborhood safety in the Cooley community.

Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled said that “Blighted vacant properties are visually depressing eyesores, and they can also contribute to unsafe pathways for students walking to school and other neighborhood safety concerns. Installing the Ring doorbells was an idea presented to us by community members, and we are glad to be able to provide this benefit to the community with Amazon’s help.”

The property development company Schostak Brothers & Company also donated a generous $100,000 in honor of their company’s 100-year anniversary. Many of their employees also were out in the neighborhood clearing blight and beautifying the area.

SUBSTANTIAL DONOR

[ Message from CEO Bobby Schostak ]

[ David Schostak and team participating in the beautification ]

Chris Lambert emphasized that “I’m convinced our 2022 Six Day Project last week was our best yet!” He gave three reasons why:

1) We received strong positive feedback from more community members than ever before.

2) Our long-term volunteers who’ve served on the Life Remodeled Six Day Project regularly since 2014 repeatedly told me the Cooley community was the most engaged and embracing Detroit community in which they’ve volunteered.

3) Ms. Frances Roland has lived in the Cooley community for more than half a century, and she used to regularly walk the Cooley High School track for exercise. Last week we cleared a massive amount of brush from the property, and on Day 2 of the project, we witnessed Ms. Roland walking around the gravel Cooley track. She proudly proclaimed this was the first time she’s graced this path in 12 years because now she finally feels safe again.

VOLUNTEER ACTION

[ I was caught out in the ‘field’ capturing the wonderful volunteers ]

MEDIA COVERAGE
Lastly, check out some of the media coverage that Life Remodeled received during the Six Day Project in the Cooley neighborhood:

[ Fox 2 News / Life Remodeled in Cooley w/ Ilitch Charities ]

[ Fox 2 News / Life Remodeled Cooley w/ Amazon Ring Doorbells ]

[ WDIV Story / Life Remodeled Cooley Community ]

[ WXYZ Channel 7 Story / Life Remodeled: Cooley Community ]

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are a few examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

[ NOTE: See almost 4,500 pics of the volunteers and what they did on the Six-Day Project here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2022/albums ]

 

PREVIOUS PROJECT
The following links are for more information about the previous project Life Remodeled just finished (Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan):
PHOTOS
NEWS and MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here is a video that WXYZ (Detroit) did about Life Remodeled:

Take a tour of the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS):

How does the Durfee Innovation Society ‘measure up’? Well, click here for some statistics.

Paul W Smith interview with Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert:

CW50 feature about Life Remodeled’s”Lean on We” campaign:

Summary video of the 2021 Siv-Day Project:

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2023
We spent an entire week (October 2-7, 2023) in Detroit—specifically in the Cooley High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned week-long project to “remodel” the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for some graphic design and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘project week’, and most of the photography was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Their 2023 “Six-Day Project“ focused on clearing blight from vacant properties and beautifying many of the homes in almost 300 city blocks around the school. All of this happened with an army of 4,500 volunteers from businesses, churches, and other nonprofit organizations.

COOLEY HIGH SCHOOL/NEIGHBORHOOD
In December 2020, Life Remodeled publicly announced their intent to transform the Cooley High School into their next “Opportunity Hub.” After nearly two years of listening and sharing, they have heard clearly what many Cooley residents desire to be done with the High School. After that, they received invitations from hundreds of Cooley residents and alumni—indicating strong unity in the community—who are ready for Life Remodeled to join the Cooley Community in a ‘partnership’.

Life Remodeled received survey responses and petition signatures from more than 1,000 Cooley residents and alumni, and more than 30 letters of support from key Cooley community leaders and several of Detroit’s most influential civic leaders, who say they are ready for Life Remodeled to begin the repurposing Additionally, Life Remodeled has signed Letter Of Intent agreements with nine dynamic organizations who have committed to lease more than 80% of the building and deliver impactful opportunities directly requested by Cooley community members.

It was Life Remodeled’s goal to ‘transform’ Cooley High School into an “Opportunity Hub” for Detroiters of ALL ages—just as they had done at their current ‘hub’, the Durfee Innovation Society, but would adapt to the ideas, hopes, and dreams of Cooley community residents and alumni.

[ Life Remodeled’s Proposed ‘Transformation’ of Cooley High School ]

HOWEVER, ‘SADLY’ after months of discussions with the “Detroit Public School Community District” (DPSCD), on March 8, 2023, Life Remodeled’s two offers were unfortunately, and remarkably rejected, despite fervent pleas from neighbors and Cooley alumni. As a result, this formerly grand building will continue to be in a state of decay for the foreseeable future rather than becoming what the School Board’s constituents have enthusiastically stated they have wanted—for more than a decade—to become.

STILL ‘TRANSFORMING’
Even though Life Remodeled had SADLY ‘walked away’ from doing their proposed ‘Hub of Opportunity’ in the Cooley High School neighborhood, they still wanted to bless the neighborhood they had grown to love. So, they honored their commitment to the community and went ahead with the “Six Day Project” they had previously planned for the neighborhood.

So, during the first week of October 2023 (October 2-7), Life Remodeled brought together over 4,300 volunteers from businesses, churches, and other community groups to focus on removing blight on vacant properties, beautify 293 city blocks—that directly affected at least 500 neighborhood homes—and distribute 1,000 Mum plants to homes in the neighborhood.

The Six Day Project primarily focused on a two-square-mile area south of Puritan Avenue, east of Greenfield Road, west of Wyoming Road, and North of Grand River Avenue and Jeffries Service Drive. [ Note: Some volunteer groups also worked on some small ‘projects’ in the city’s Denby neighborhood, on the east side, where Life Remodeled had just announced plans—just a few weeks earlier—to repurpose its second opportunity hub in a former school building. (More about that below.) ]

Chris Lambert, CEO and founder of Life Remodeled, said that “We appreciate the support of so many business and community group volunteers from across Metro Detroit as we celebrate our relationships with neighborhoods who want to benefit from our hubs of opportunity. We are happy to be back one more time in the great Cooley neighborhood. We had hoped to create a permanent hub here and will always value the trust that residents have shown in Life Remodeled.”

The “Presenting Partner” for the project, Amazon, contributed $100,000 toward Life Remodeled’s mission, in addition to sending many volunteers. Ian Conyers, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon, said that “There is no better partner when it comes to wellness and neighborhood revitalization, and Amazon is excited to be partnering with them as the presenting sponsor of the Six Day Project and providing hundreds of volunteers who will be investing their time this week beautifying the Cooley neighborhood.”

Other major corporate support came from companies that had been supporting Life Remodeled for many years: BASF, Cummins, General Motors, Masco, L&L Products, Rocket Mortgage, and Taubman.

The following photos show a few select typical ‘activities’ that happened during Life Remodeled’s 2023 Six Day Project:

[ Life Remodeled’s Six Day Project Partners ]

[ Going Out Into The Neighborhoods ]

[ Getting Instructions ]

[ Removing Trash ]

[ Beautification ]

[ Beautification ]

[ Mowing Large Empty Lots ]

[ Mowing Lawns ]

[ Removing Dangerous Trees ]

[ Distributing Mum Plants ]

[ Detroit Police Kept Volunteers Safe ]

[ Cleaning Up All The Trash ]

[ Over 4,300 Volunteers Did A Great Job ]

[ They Caught Me Taking Pics Of A Volunteer Hydrating (Absopure supplied all the water for the Project.) ]

[ NOTE: To see many more pics of the volunteers, click on the following link to see more than 4,800 pics:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2023/albums ]

WILL NOT ‘GIVE UP’!
Life Remodeled’s mission to provide life-transforming opportunities to children and families in Detroit by creating one-stop-hubs of opportunity designed solely around their priorities remained a ‘focus’ after their rejected final offer for the Cooley High School property—and an opportunity ‘fell into their lap’ just a few months after that!

They announced plans to acquire a 7.55-acre site in the Denby neighborhood on Detroit’s east side, which had been the site of the “Winans Academy of Performing Arts” (previously the home of the “Dominican High School” from 1940 to 2005).

The building, located at 9740 McKinney Street, offers more than 87,000 square feet, including more than 50,000 square feet that will be leased by Life

Remodeled’s nonprofit partners to bring afterschool youth programs, workforce development initiatives and health and wellness resources to the Denby community.

FROM SADNESS TO ‘JOY’!
At their on-site press conference—on July 11, 2023—Life Remodeled’s founder and CEO, Chris Lambert said that “Denby is the ideal location for our first hub on the east side. It is a neighborhood that is engaged, invested and close to the heart and soul of Life Remodeled. In 2016, we partnered with students and community leaders for one year to work toward revitalization together. This new hub will continue that commitment in ways that will make a broader and deeper impact for the long-term.”

[ VIDEO: Life Remodeled Press Conference Announcing Purchase of the Marvin Winans Academy of Performing Arts (11 JUL 23) ]

The thing is, this is kind of a ‘homecoming’, since Life Remodeled partnered with the Denby community in 2016 to bring to life a vision of a park next door to the Denby High School. They worked with Denby High School students to enhance Skinner Park and volunteers removed blight on 303 blocks and boarded up 362 vacant houses.

[ FYI: For more details about the original Six-Day Project Life Remodeled did in the Denby neighborhood, view this previous post: https://visualimpactsystems.com/visual-impact-systems-helps-life-remodeled-pro-bono-denby-project/ ]

Life Remodeled has said that it is eager to serve alongside the Denby community so it will thrive and benefit more Detroiters—as it has in the Durfee Innovation Society—where more than 22,000 residents take part in programs every year. Residents of Denby’s zip code, 48224, are challenged with significant poverty and lack access to opportunities related to educational attainment, job opportunities and health and wellness resources. Collaboratively, Life Remodeled and the Denby community aim to foster an environment that genuinely transforms the lives of Detroit’s children and families through this equitable and sustainable development project.

Lambert said that Life Remodeled is honored to pick up the ‘baton’ and help move the neighborhood forward just like they did in the Central High School neighborhood with the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS): “The Winans reached out to us when they found out about our model and they said, that’s the kind of legacy we want to continue with this building. And so, we were very, very honored to be invited into this incredible space.”

Lambert added that “When the Winans Academy asked us to consider repurposing their building, the Denby Neighborhood Alliance leaders told us loud and clear that they wanted to partner with us to turn this beautiful school building into a hub of opportunity similar to our Durfee Innovation Society. We are inspired and encouraged to move forward.”

The Marvin Winans Academy of Performing Arts, which closed its doors after this past school year, was a kindergarten through eighth grade public charter school with a specialized performing arts curriculum and traditional academic coursework that follows Michigan Department of Education standards. Founded in 1997 by Detroit native, Grammy Award- winning Gospel singer and actor Marvin Winans, the school offers courses in orchestral and contemporary music, voice, dance, drama and art. The school produces a yearly winter and spring concert. Students have traveled and performed nationally and internationally, winning first place at Walt Disney World and Cedar Point Music in the Park competitions. Marvin Winans Academy is located on two campuses—a kindergarten through fifth grade campus and a nearby sixth through eighth campus.

[ PHOTO: Marvin Winans Academy of Performing Arts ]

Lambert said that he is proud of the Winans Academy’s work and the building’s historic roots: “So for us to be able to fall in that tradition of two institutions that were really beacons of hope for academy, athletic and social advancement, and we carry that on now by making those opportunities available, not only for children but for residents of all ages.”

Lambert continued saying, “Our three specialties have always been youth programs, health and human services, and workforce development. And those are actually the top three things that the Denby Neighborhood Alliance said they want in this space.”

The moment was bittersweet for Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church Detroit said that “It is sad because we had plans to be here forever. We’ve been a school for over 25 years and this was a difficult decision to make, but it was necessary. But we still have Rutherford Winans Academy on the west side.”

Now, while the academy kept the building in good condition, Life Remodeled is planning to do a bit of renovation and updating. There is no opening date for the hub yet, but Life Remodeled plans to have the facility reach near full capacity by the end of 2025. The building is more than 87,000 square feet and at least 50,000 square feet is expected to be leased by nonprofit partners.

Plans for the new hub include a significant presence for arts and culture programs, to continue the tradition of the Winans Academy and also to build upon neighborhood priorities for those programs, supporting the development of the Whittier Corridor as a destination for art and technology.

Sandra Turner-Handy, the president of the Denby Neighborhood Alliance, said during the press conference, “Thank you, Life Remodeled for coming back to support the work of transforming our community through raising the quality of life for our residents. The residents and businesses are invested in continuing the amazing work started with Life Remodeled years ago. We are honored to welcome and continue to support through actively working with Life Remodeled in planning and designing what will become a vital and much-needed resource space in our community.”

Pastor Marvin Winans said that “We are happy for the acquaintance of Life Remodeled and excited for what they will add to our community with momentum and focus on children, families, and culture. We are confident the community will welcome them.”

“This is huge for Whittier and for the Denby (Neighborhood) Alliance,” Kenzie Current, a business liaison for the city’s District 4 said during a building tour after the formal press conference ended. “It’s a lot of great things coming this way and I’m excited to have been a part of such a passionate community and business community.”

One of the residents in attendance for the press conference was Norma Danzie, a 69-year-old member of the Denby alliance, who has lived in the community for the past 25 years. Danzie said she worked with Life Remodeled in 2016 and is glad to have them back in the neighborhood: “When they were at Durfee, they remodeled and did all kinds of things with that building. The kids in this neighborhood really need a place that’s close. We don’t have a recreation center in this immediate area and I’m hoping that there’ll be chances for them to get into different activities and keep them busy and occupied.”

Alonzo Marable, 56, who has also worked with Life Remodeled in the past— volunteering with cleanup projects in Cody Rogue, Denby, Osborn, and Durfee, grew up in the neighborhood and graduated from Denby High School. He commented that “I’ve seen the work that they’ve done and I believe in them.”

At the end of the conference, Lambert said that “We want to make sure we get it right, based on the continued feedback we are receiving from the community.” Life Remodeled said that they want to coordinate with the vision for the Denby Neighborhood Alliance: “Serving the community with health, human services, and workforce development.”

The neighborhood hub will be similar to Life Remodeled’s “Durfee Innovation Society” on the west side, offering after-school programs, community resources, and health services. Life Remodeled said that they will also continue the tradition of the Winans Academy by providing arts and culture programming.

Life Remodeled will raise funds via philanthropy to complete the needed work on the building and property, but has not yet finalized financial requirements. This project will create life-transforming access to educational youth programs, workforce development initiatives, health and wellness services, and more.

NOTE: Lippert and MASCO started cleaning up the Winans property during the Six-Day Project in the Cooley High School neighborhood:

MEDIA COVERAGE OF 2023 SIX-DAY PROJECT
Lastly, check out some of the media coverage that Life Remodeled received during the Six-Day Project in the Cooley neighborhood:

[ Life Remodeled 2023 Six-Day Project Kick-off Together w/ Amazon ]

[ Life Remodeled 2023 Six-Day Project / FOX 2 Detroit ]

[ Life Remodeled 2023 Six-Day Project / WDIV Channel 4 ]

[ Life Remodeled 2023 Six-Day Project / WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – Amazon ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – GM ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – BASF ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – Cummins ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – L&L Products ]

[ Six Day Project 2023 – RECAP ]

RECENT NEWS
As part of their commitment to inclusive community engagement, Life Remodeled had a campaign to name the new building, and “Anchor Detroit” was the winner.

Life Remodeled is planning to double the building footprint—to 90,000 square feet—and more than 59,000 square feet of that will be leased by nonprofit partners to bring afterschool youth programs, workforce development initiatives and health and wellness resources to the community. Included in the buildout will be a 26,000 square foot new addition that will feature programming for emerging technology exposure and digital literacy, with a focus on coding and AI education for entire families. Life Remodeled’s CEO, Chris Lambert, said that “Renovating place and space inspires me, because of the thousands of students and community members whose lives will improve significantly as a result of access to transformative opportunities.”

[ Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Rendering ]

Life Remodeled commented that the “Anchor Detroit” name represents the stability, resilience, hope, and strength for the surrounding neighborhoods, while the one-stop ‘hub of opportunity’ will allow Detroiters of all ages to grow and thrive for years to come.

[ Life Remodeled – Anchor Detroit Project – Proposed Construction ]

OUR DESIGN SERVICES
The following are a few examples of the graphic design work we provided for the last Cooley project:

[ NOTE: See more than 4,800 pics of the volunteers and what they did on the Six-Day Project here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2023/albums/ ]

PREVIOUS PROJECT (Central H.S./Durfee)
The following links are for more information about the previous project Life Remodeled just finished (Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan) and continue to develop:
PHOTOS
NEWS and MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here is a video that WXYZ (Detroit) did about Life Remodeled:

Take a tour of the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS):

SO, how does the Durfee Innovation Society ‘measure up’? Well, click here for some statistics.

Paul W Smith interview with Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert:

CW50 feature about Life Remodeled’s”Lean on We” campaign:

Summary video of the 2021 Six-Day Project:

So, if you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

 

2024
We spent an entire week (September 23-28, 2024) in Detroit—specifically in the Denby neighborhood—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned week-long project to “remodel” the surrounding neighborhood to their new “Opportunity Hub” project, “Anchor Detroit.” We were responsible for some graphic design and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘project week’, and most of the photography was done during the week-long ‘campaign’ in the neighborhood.

Their 2024 “Six-Day Project“ focused on clearing blight from vacant properties and beautifying many of the homes around a previous charter school. All of this happened with an army of over 5,000 volunteers (158 volunteer groups) who did the following:

– 283 City Blocks Beautified
– 1,100 Cubic Yards of Trash and 990 Cubic Yards Of Brush Cleared
(That’s about 840 pickup truckloads of debris)
– 353 Tires Recycled
(Which, stacked up on top of one another, would make them almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower!)
– 100 “Ring” Doorbells Donated By Amazon (Many installations happened during the week)

PREVIOUS TO THIS ‘PROJECT’
So, since Life Remodeled’s work in their previous project the “Durfee Innovation Society” in the Central High School neighborhood was essentially done in 2021, they started to look for another vacant school to transform into a ‘community center’. They chose Cooley High School, which had been vacant for over 10 years.

However, even after they had worked with community groups in the neighborhood for over three years—performing a Six Day Project in the area in 2022—remarkably, the DPSCD Board rejected all of Life Remodeled’s offers. Despite fervent pleas from neighbors and alumni, the DPSCD Board, without a public vote or discussion, denied their collective efforts to transform Cooley in the ways the community wished.

[ NOTE: Even after the denial from DPSCD, Life Remodeled still completed their second Six Day Project in the Cooley neighborhood in 2023 (Scroll down to “2023”):
https://visualimpactsystems.com/pro-bono-work/ ]

So, after all that effort, Life Remodeled did not have a new project to start in 2024. They then had to start a new search for another opportunity in a different area of Detroit where they could ‘bring to life’ a community’s vision for their neighborhood in a way that was compatible with their expertise and abilities—and an opportunity ‘fell into their lap’ just a few months after they started their search!

They announced plans to acquire a 7.55-acre site in the Denby neighborhood on Detroit’s east side, which had been the site of the “Winans Academy of Performing Arts” (previously the home of the “Dominican High School” from 1940 to 1997).

At their on-site press conference—on July 11, 2023—Life Remodeled’s founder and CEO, Chris Lambert, said, “Denby is the ideal location for our first hub on the east side. It is a neighborhood that is engaged, invested, and close to the heart and soul of Life Remodeled. In 2016, we partnered with students and community leaders for one year to work toward revitalization together. This new hub will continue that commitment in ways that will make a broader and deeper impact for the long-term.”

The thing is, this is kind of a ‘homecoming’ since Life Remodeled partnered with the Denby community in 2016 to bring to life a vision of a park next door to the Denby High School. They worked with Denby High School students to enhance “Skinner Park,” and volunteers removed blight on 303 blocks and boarded up 362 vacant houses.

[ FYI: For more details about the original Six Day Project Life Remodeled did in the Denby neighborhood, view our previous post (Scroll down to “2016”):
https://visualimpactsystems.com/pro-bono-work/ ]

‘REPLICATING’ DIS’s SUCCESS
Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert was asked a few years ago where he would like to put the next Opportunity Hub. Without hesitating, he mentioned the Denby neighborhood:

“Our model is limited. It only works if there is a large vacant school building already there in the community. New construction is not affordable, and there’s a bunch of vacant schools in Detroit that need to be repurposed… Many of you know we invested in this neighborhood in 2016 it is an honor it is a privilege to be back home in the Denby Yorkshire Woods communities.”

So, the new “Opportunity Hub” in the Denby neighborhood will be very similar to Life Remodeled’s DIS on the west side, offering after-school programs, community resources, and health services. However, Life Remodeled also said that they will continue the tradition of the Winans Academy by providing arts and culture programming.

Life Remodeled will raise funds via philanthropy to complete the needed work on the building and property but has not yet finalized its financial requirements. This project will create life-transforming access to educational youth programs, workforce development initiatives, health and wellness services, and more.

[ FYI: Life Remodeled Press Conference Announcing Purchase of the Marvin Winans Academy of Performing Arts (11 JUL 23):
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPE7wYA_sFA ]

At this time, Life Remodeled plans to develop the “Anchor Detroit” project for at least the next few years. While there is no ‘official’ opening date for the ‘Hub’ yet, Life Remodeled has said it plans to have the facility reach near full capacity by the end of 2025. (At least 50,000 square feet—of the building’s 87,000 square feet—is expected to be leased by nonprofit partners, who will offer afterschool youth programs, workforce development initiatives, and health and wellness resources to the community.)

AN OPPORTUNITY TO ‘REPURPOSE’
Just a month after Life Remodeled’s proposal to turn the former Cooley High School into an “Opportunity Hub” was rejected by the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the organization found another home for its project on Detroit’s east side—in the Denby High School neighborhood.

[ PHOTO: Winans Academy of Performing Arts – Logo ]

During Life Remodeled’s on-site press conference (on July 11, 2023) to announce their new multi-year project—the repurposing of the previous Winans Academy of Performing Arts—Sandra Turner-Handy, the president of the Denby Neighborhood Alliance said:

“Thank you, Life Remodeled, for coming back to support the work of transforming our community through raising the quality of life for our residents. The residents and businesses are invested in continuing the amazing work started with Life Remodeled years ago. We are honored to welcome and continue to support through actively working with Life Remodeled in planning and designing what will become a vital and much-needed resource space in our community.”

Life Remodeled’s founder and CEO, Chris Lambert, then said: “Denby is the ideal location for our first hub on the east side. It is a neighborhood that is engaged, invested, and close to the heart and soul of Life Remodeled. In 2016, we partnered with students and community leaders for one year to work toward revitalization together. This new hub will continue that commitment in ways that will make a broader and deeper impact for the long-term.”

The thing is, this is kind of a ‘homecoming’ for Life Remodeled since they partnered with the Denby community in 2016 to bring to life a vision of a park next door to the Denby High School. They worked with Denby High School students to enhance “Skinner Park,” and volunteers removed blight on 303 blocks and boarded up 362 vacant houses.

[ FYI: For more details about the original Six Day Project Life Remodeled did in the Denby neighborhood, view our previous post (Scroll down to “2016”):
https://visualimpactsystems.com/pro-bono-work/ ]

Kenzie Current, a business liaison for the city’s District 4, said, during a building tour after the formal press conference ended: “This is huge for Whittier and for the Denby [Neighborhood] Alliance. It’s a lot of great things coming this way, and I’m excited to have been a part of such a passionate community and business community.”

One of the residents in attendance for the press conference was Norma Danzie, a 69-year-old member of the Denby Neighborhood Alliance who has lived in the community for the past 25 years. Danzie said she had worked with Life Remodeled in 2016 and is glad to have them back in the neighborhood: “When they were at Durfee, they remodeled and did all kinds of things with that building. The kids in this neighborhood really need a place that’s close. We don’t have a recreation center in this immediate area, and I’m hoping that there’ll be chances for them to get into different activities and keep them busy and occupied.”

Alonzo Marable, 56, who also worked with Life Remodeled in the past—volunteering with cleanup projects in Cody Rogue, Denby, Osborn, and Durfee—grew up in the neighborhood, graduated from Denby High School, and opened his business, “Ultimate Party Supply and Rental,” on Whittier Avenue. He commented, “I’ve seen the work that they’ve done, and I believe in them.” Marable hopes the new hub will bring the community back to the way it used to be when he was a child.

At the end of the conference, Lambert said that Life Remodeled will coordinate with the vision for the Denby Neighborhood Alliance and will create an Opportunity Hub that will be similar to Life Remodeled’s “Durfee Innovation Society” on the west side, offering after-school programs, community resources, and health services. Life Remodeled said that they will also continue the tradition of the Winans Academy by providing arts and culture programming in the center.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The 7.55-acre site, located at 9740 McKinney Street, has served the Denby community for decades. The space was the former home of Dominican High School and was in operation from 1940 to 1997. Marvin Winans, a pastor and gospel artist, then moved into the site in 1997 and founded his Academy of Performance Arts.

After the proposal to DPSCD for Cooley High School fell through for Life Remodeled, Winans reached out to Life Remodeled, telling them he had closed his Academy and would be interested in talking to them about repurposing the building. Both parties felt, very quickly, that this would be a great opportunity for both of them, and Life Remodeled then purchased the school.

Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, told his team, “When Pastor Winans reached out and told me the address of this location, immediately, my heart started beating before I even saw what the building looked like because of the address, because of the Denby community.”

This new “Opportunity Hub” will be similar to Life Remodeled’s “Durfee Innovation Society” on the west side, offering after-school programs, community resources, and health services. Brandi Haggins, Vice President of Opportunity Hubs for Life Remodeled, said that they will also continue the tradition of the Winans Academy by providing arts and culture programming: “As we talk to the community, we’re reaching out to different partners to try to recruit them into the building. So, we want to make sure that we’re bringing in what the community actually wants to see.”

Haggins said while the Academy kept the building in good condition, Life Remodeled is planning to renovate, add an addition, and add its ‘style’ to the building. There is no opening date for the hub yet, but Life Remodeled plans to have the facility reach near full capacity by the end of 2025. The building is more than 87,000 square feet, and at least 50,000 square feet is expected to be leased by nonprofit partners to bring afterschool youth programs, workforce development programs, and health and wellness resources to the Denby community.

Stepha’N Quicksey, Life Remodeled’s Community Engagement Director, said, “We currently have an Opportunity Hub on the west side of Detroit—the “Durfee Innovation Society”—that we’ve been operating since 2017. We served nearly 30,000 Detroiters there, so we’re very happy to be moving to the east side of Detroit to replicate that model of an Opportunity Hub.”

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Front Aerial View ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Side Aerial View ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Addition ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Amenities ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – New Back Entrance ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – New Front Entrance ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Refurbished Auditorium ]

Sandra Turner-Handy, the president of the Denby Neighborhood Alliance, told CBS Detroit News what “Anchor Detroit” will mean for their community:

[ VIDEO: “CBS Detroit Coverage, Community to Name New Eastside Opportunity Hub” ]

‘NAMING’ NEW OPPORTUNITY HUB
So, the first thing Life Remodeled did to get the community involved—part of its commitment to inclusive community engagement—Life Remodeled established a website to allow those with a vested interest in the nearby area—anyone who lives, learns, works, or worships in the neighborhoods near the future community hub—to select its name. (Life Remodeled also invited alumni of the Winans Academy of Performing Arts and Dominican High School to participate, too.)

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled’s Campaign To Name Their New Opportunity Hub, “Name That Building” ]

After ‘sifting’ through all of the submissions, the following three had the most interest:

– “Anchor Detroit”
Inspired by the iconic anchor in the Denby Tars logo of Denby High School, Anchor Detroit represents stability, resilience, hope, and strength for the Denby neighborhood and the city of Detroit at large.

– “The Whit”
The Whit is short for Whittier Avenue, the street on which Life Remodeled’s new Opportunity Hub is located. Whittier Avenue was named after John Greenleaf Whittier, an advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

– “Whittier Pointe”
Located just a few miles away from the affluent Grosse Pointe community, Whittier Pointe represents pride and hope in a thriving, prosperous future for the Denby community. It also speaks to the potential to foster a stronger relationship between the two communities and promote equity and unity.

Then, after a month, after more than 500 community ‘stakeholders’ participated in this campaign—including students, educators, residents, business owners, and faith leaders—“Anchor Detroit” was, by far, the favorite name for the new Opportunity Hub.

Brandi Haggins, Vice President of Opportunity Hubs for Life Remodeled, said, “We understand that involving the community not only fosters unity but also instills a deep sense of ownership and pride, as residents actively contribute to the positive impact that ‘Anchor Detroit’ will bring to their neighborhood in the coming years.”

So, since Life Remodeled plans the facility to reach near full capacity by the end of 2025, as with all of their previous projects, they started planning a “Six Day Project” to beautify multiple hundreds of blocks surrounding the center and to start cleaning up the building and its surrounding grounds.

“SIX DAY PROJECT”
So, to show the Denby community how ‘serious’ Life Remodeled is about transforming the neighborhood, they—as has been done in all of their previous projects—organized a “Six Day Project” to remove blight and beautify a 2-1/2 square mile area around the new building, and also to start the repurposing of the building, too.

[ GRAPHIC: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Area Map ]

Life Remodeled’s Stepha’N Quicksey said, “We’re coming together to beautify the neighborhoods so that we can contribute to everybody living in a safe, comfortable, clean neighborhood.”

The team behind Life Remodeled plans to ‘touch’ seven of the 20 neighborhoods that surround the Hub with their beautification project. Quicksey continued saying, “We’re going to be removing trees, cutting trees and bushes at vacant lots and vacant homes, as well as mowing grass at those properties.” He added that they will also be removing debris and trash throughout the area.

As Life Remodeled did in their previous Six Day Project in the Cooley High School neighborhood, their partner Amazon will install their “Ring” doorbell devices on 100 homes in the area.

Ian Conyers of Amazon Community Affairs said, “We’re installing Ring devices in honor of Anchor Detroit… to make sure the folks have the opportunity to communicate with each other… and bring the community together.”

One resident, Shirley Bradford, who lives in the area, said before Life Remodeled stepped in to help, some of the vacant properties were a problem. “Paper, debris. You name it, we had it.” But after the Six Day Project was complete, Bradford said she was proud of what the organization was doing. “They’re making it look very, very beautiful.”

So, in the third week of September 2024—for six days—Life Remodeled brought over 5,000 volunteers—from 158 ‘groups’—to the neighborhood, and they did the following:

– 283 City Blocks Beautified
– 1,100 Cubic Yards Of Trash and 990 Cubic Yards Of Brush Cleared
(That’s about 840 pickup truckloads of debris)
– 353 Tires Recycled
(Which, stacked up on top of one another, would make them almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower!)
– 100 “Ring” Doorbells Donated By Amazon (Many installations happened during the Project week.)

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Partners ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – GM Group ]

Someone got me on the bus getting ready to take a photo of the General Motors group…

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Photographer Mark Besh Taking GM Group Pic ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Volunteers Boarding Buses ]

WORK OUT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – An ‘Army’ Of Volunteers ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Blight ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Overgrowth ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Uncovering Sidewalks ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Garbage ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Removing Dangerous Trees ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Junk ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Before And After ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Removing Garbage ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Removing Old Tires ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Filling Many Dumpsters ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Installing “Ring” Doorbells ]

WORK AT THE BUILDING

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Auditorium Exterior ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Exterior Cleanup ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Painting Exterior ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Old Trees ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Remodeling Interior ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Hallways ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Classrooms ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Removing Old Flooring ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Removing Auditorium Seats ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” – Proposed Completion – Aerial View ]

[ VIDEO: Six Day Project Recap Video ]

[ FYI: Photos Of The Volunteers Working:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2024/albums/ ]

‘TRANSFORMATIVE’ INITIATIVE
In the realm of urban revitalization and community development, few initiatives match the intensity and impact of Life Remodeled’s Six Day Project.

The bold and transformative program stands at the intersection of grassroots activism and systematic change, demonstrating how focused, short-term efforts can lead to long-lasting community improvements.

By mobilizing thousands of volunteers and harnessing significant resources, Life Remodeled is expanding the possibilities of community service and urban renewal.

The “Six Day Project” is Life Remodeled’s longest-running initiative designed to rejuvenate neighborhoods through an accelerated, high-impact approach in partnership with neighborhood residents. Over the course of just six days, more than 5,000 volunteers mobilize to clear blight and beautify a specific Detroit neighborhood. By tackling critical needs within the selected community, the project creates substantial physical, social, and economic improvements in a remarkably short time frame.

Key Benefits Of The Six Day Project:

– Rapid Transformation
One of the most compelling benefits of the Six Day Project is its ability to deliver rapid transformation. By concentrating efforts over six intense days, Life Remodeled and its more than 120 partners achieve what might otherwise take months or years to complete. This focused timeframe enables immediate, noticeable improvements, including the beautification of public spaces, the reduction of crime-prone areas and sites affected by illegal dumping, and the enhancement of community facilities.

– Enhanced Community Engagement
The Six Day Project fosters a profound sense of community engagement and ownership. More than 5,000 volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including neighborhood residents, come together to work on projects that directly impact their neighborhoods. This collective effort not only enhances the physical environment but also strengthens community bonds. Residents see tangible results from their neighbors’ efforts, which can inspire continued community involvement and support.

– Economic Stimulus
Beyond the immediate aesthetic and functional improvements throughout the neighborhood, the Six Day Project also stimulates local economies. The Six Day Project takes place in a community where Life Remodeled is also renovating and repurposing a vacant school building into an opportunity hub, which ultimately will serve tens of thousands of Detroiters annually through afterschool programs, workforce development, health & wellness, arts & culture, and technology. The renovation of public spaces can increase property values and attract new investments. By improving the overall environment, the project helps to make the area more appealing to potential businesses and residents, contributing to long-term economic development.

– Empowerment Through Collaboration
Life Remodeled’s approach to the Six Day Project involves extensive collaboration with local stakeholders, including residents, businesses like Masco, and civic organizations. This inclusive approach ensures the projects address the community’s specific needs and priorities. It empowers residents by involving them in the planning and execution stages, giving them a voice in the transformation process.

– Increased Visibility And Support
The concentrated nature of the Six Day Project draws significant media attention and public interest. This visibility helps raise awareness about the challenges facing the community and the potential solutions. It also attracts additional support from donors, volunteers, and partners who are inspired by the project’s results and are eager to contribute to future initiatives.

– Lasting Impact
While the Six Day Project is a short-term initiative, its impact is long-lasting. The improvements made during the project provide lasting benefits to the community, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment and the strengthened community ties often lead to sustained efforts toward further improvements and ongoing community engagement.

Life Remodeled’s Six Day Project exemplifies how concentrated, collaborative efforts can drive significant change within communities. By mobilizing thousands of volunteers and leveraging diverse resources, this initiative delivers rapid and impactful results that extend beyond the six-day timeframe.

The project not only transforms physical spaces but also strengthens community bonds, stimulates local economies, and empowers residents to take an active role in their development.

COMMUNITY FAIR
To thank all the volunteers for their hard work and invite the community to a fun event, Life Remodeled had a “Community Fair” on the last day of the Six Day Project.

Despite the rain, more than 350 people had a great time on carnival rides, inflatables, and horse rides. There were also video games, a mobile bowling alley trailer, a balloon artist, face painting, and lots of food and music.

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Lots Of Food ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Great Music ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Many Rides ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Indoor Bowling ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Video Games ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Horse Rides ]

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Six Day Project – Community Fair – Balloon Artist ]

[ VIDEO: For more details about the Community Fair after Life Remodeled’s “Six Day Project” at their new “Anchor Detroit” Opportunity Hub, view the following news story by CBS News Detroit ]

[ VIDEO: Just a month before the Six Day Project and its Community Fair at Life Remodeled’s new Opportunity Hub, “Anchor Detroit,” they did their annual Community Fair at their first Opportunity Hub, the “Durfee Innovation Society” ]

WHAT ‘SPONSORS’ SAID
Putting on a large ‘event’ such as the Six Day Project takes a lot of support. Life Remodeled has been blessed by a variety of corporations that have come behind them and have ‘tangibly’ assisted with the successful accomplishment of the Six Day Project, as well as the renovation of the new “Anchor Detroit” building.

The following are the most ‘substantial’ sponsors for 2024:

[ VIDEO: Absopure helped all the volunteers keep hydrated for work more effectively. ]

[ VIDEO: Amazon wants to make sure that folks have the opportunity to connect with what matters: To communicate with each other and to bring the community together. ]

[ VIDEO: BASF said that this was a great opportunity for them to be a good citizen, give back, and show their appreciation to the Denby community. ]

[ VIDEO: Cummins just wants to do their part to make Detroit a little bit nicer, a little
bit cleaner and a little bit safer. ]

[ VIDEO: General Motors just wanted to be part of the Life Remodeled ‘movement’ to help the residents of Detroit and clean up the neighborhood as well. ]

[ VIDEO: L&L Products tries to live out its values by giving back to the community. ]

[ VIDEO: Masco was excited to help transform the former school into a second Community Hub. ]

[ VIDEO: Taubman said since their company is part of the community, it feels great to give back to the community. ]

Without these extraordinarily generous ‘partners’, Life Remodeled’s aspirations to help the Denby community with an Opportunity Hub would not have been realized.

‘THINGS’ ALREADY HAPPENING
As the Fox Theatre undergoes maintenance to improve its seating, its old seats have found a new home—in Life Remodeled’s new “Anchor Detroit” development. Around 800 of the Fox Theater’s seats will be installed in the ‘renovated’ auditorium.

[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Old Fox Theater Seats Donated ]

Life Remodeled’s founder and CEO, Chris Lambert, said, “For this project to now include the seats from an iconic theater—the theater of theaters in Detroit—is really a huge win.” Lambert continued, saying, “New seats can cost up to $1,000. So the donation of the seats—in addition to their storied history—saved the project up to $800,000.”

The Fox Theater seats—which were removed as part of the building’s current round of renovations—were donated by the Ilitch Companies and have already been delivered. They came disassembled in boxes—some of just cushions, some of just seatbacks, and some of just chair legs. They will be professionally assembled and installed in the new space shortly.

The 10,500 square foot auditorium—which has a capacity of 698 people—will eventually house concerts, theatrical performances, graduation ceremonies, and possibly an ‘off-Broadway’ production.

Lambert added, “We’ll be partnering with arts and cultural organizations in Detroit to provide performances of all varieties—performing arts and theatrical events of all different shapes and sizes, with a focus on local Detroit talent, both for youth and adults.”

NOT JUST ‘TALK’
There is always a lot of ‘talk’—but not enough ‘walk’—when it comes to revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods. Detroiters have all the talent they need, but many do not have access to all the opportunities they deserve.

Therefore, Life Remodeled repurposes vacant school buildings into one-stop “Opportunity Hubs” for entire families to thrive. They fill these iconic buildings with the best and brightest nonprofit organizations that provide youth programs, workforce development, and human services to tens of thousands of students and community members. Life Remodeled then helps their nonprofit tenants collaborate and create far greater life transformation together than was previously possible alone. Together, they ensure more of the following:

– Detroit students perform at/above grade level in math and reading
– Families have access to essential health and wellness services
– Community members obtain higher-paying jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency

[ NOTE: For more details about Life Remodeled and their “Opportunity Hubs,” visit their website at LifeRemodeled.org ]

MEDIA COVERAGE OF 2024 SIX-DAY PROJECT
Lastly, check out some of the media coverage that Life Remodeled received during the Six-Day Project in the Denby neighborhood around the new “Anchor Detroit” Opportunity Hub:

Lippert and MASCO started cleaning up the Winans property during the Six-Day Project in the Cooley High School neighborhood (in October 2023):

[ Six Day Project 2023 Sponsor – MASCO ]

[ WXYZ – “Channel 7 / WXYZ: 2024 Life Remodeled Six Day Project” ]

[ WXYZ – “Life Remodeled presents 6-day event for neighborhood beautification on Detroit’s east side” ]

[ CBS News Detroit – “CBS Detroit / 2024 Life Remodeled / Launch Ceremony” ]

[ FOX 2 News – “FOX 2 Detroit / 2024 Life Remodeled / Launch Ceremony” ]

[ CBS News Detroit – “Community Fair / 2024 Anchor Detroit / CBS Detroit” ]

“Winans Academy of Performing Arts getting new life, bringing programs to Detroit”:
https://www.wxyz.com/news/winans-academy-of-performing-arts-getting-new-life-bringing-programs-to-detroit

“Life Remodeled presents 6-day event for neighborhood beautification on Detroit’s east side”:
https://www.wxyz.com/news/life-remodeled-presents-6-day-event-for-neighborhood-beautification-on-detroits-east-side#google_vignette

“Life Remodeled brings its community hub vision to the Denby High neighborhood”:
https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2023/7/11/23791817/detroit-life-remodeled-denby-high-school-cooley-high-school/

“Winans Academy of Performing Arts getting new life, bringing programs to Detroit”:
https://www.wxyz.com/news/winans-academy-of-performing-arts-getting-new-life-bringing-programs-to-detroit

“Fox Theatre seats donated to Denby neighborhood performing arts space”:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/09/09/fox-theatre-seats-donated-to-denby-neighborhood-performing-arts-space/75144822007/

——————

[ Previous 2016 Project in the Denby Neighborhood ]

——————

SO, how does the previous project, the “Durfee Innovation Society” ‘measure up’? Well…

[ “Tour The DIS!” ]

[ “DIS Experience ’22” ]

[ “DIS Fall Kickoff 2024” ]

OUR DESIGN SERVICES
We did some graphic design work before the project—Facebook ads and location maps—and we were responsible for gathering all of the photographer’s photos and organize them on Life Remodeled’s Flickr Page:

[ NOTE: See more than 4,700 pics of the volunteers and what they did on the Six-Day Project here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2024/albums/ ]

MORE INFORMATION
So, if you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED