Visual Impact Systems Helps “Life Remodeled,” Pro Bono, With Second Six-Day Project Around Anchor Detroit
Last week, we spent the entire week (September 29-October 4, 2025) in Detroit to help Life Remodeled with their “Six Day Project,” where more than 5,200 incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community partners came together to beautify the community surrounding their current “Opportunity Hub” in the Denby neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, “Anchor Detroit,” and to advance their mission of revitalization that lasts.
[ VIDEO: Life Remodeled 2025 Project Recap – Volunteers Cleaning Up Blight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACFwiU5uBAw ]
In just six days, the volunteers—from 140 volunteer groups—accomplished the following:
– 270 City Blocks ‘Beautified’
– 960 Cubic Yards Of Trash and 1,200 Cubic Yards Of Brush ‘Cleared’
(That is about 1,080 pickup truckloads of debris, or a 12″ x 12″ pile that would be 11 MILES long!)
– 373 Tires ‘Recycled’
(Which, stacked up on top of one another, would make them 3X TALLER than the Statue of Liberty!)
– Thousands Of Meaningful ‘Connections’ Created
Broke down barriers and built friendships between neighbors, volunteers, and community members from every background—proving that we are much stronger when we are united!
The hard work, can-do spirit, enthusiasm, and love for the City of Detroit within each of the Life Remodeled volunteers turned six days of service into something that will make a ‘difference’ for years to come. The following website shows what the fantastic volunteers did during the Six Day Project:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2025/albums
After the dust settled—and the last lawn mower was put away until next year—many in the neighborhood gathered for a “Community Fair” to thank all the volunteers for their hard work and have a fun event filled with connection and shared pride in all that was achieved.
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. Life Remodeled also gave away LED lightbulbs and mum plants to the neighbors.
The six days of Life Remodeled’s project are an incredible example of what can be accomplished when people work together. The “Six Day Project” is just a part of the overall investment they are making throughout the rest of the year in their new soon-to-open eastside “Opportunity Hub”—“Anchor Detroit”—which they cannot wait to open for the surrounding community and build on the momentum and transformation they just finished in their first ‘hub’, the “Durfee Innovation Society” (DIS). [ More info: https://liferemodeled.org/dis/ ]
Life Remodeled believes Detroiters have all the talent they need, but many do not have access to all the opportunities they deserve. Therefore, they repurpose old public school properties into one-stop “Opportunity Hubs” so entire communities can thrive. They then 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 each year. Life Remodeled also helps its nonprofit tenant partners collaborate and create far greater life transformations together than was previously possible alone.
[ VIDEO: Life Remodeled Is Repurposing Closed Public Schools – CBS Mornings “Rebuilding America” Series:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFTDbZBd_2g ]
One of the young adults at the Durfee Innovation Society, Keyvon Thomas, was asked what he would say to the people who created it. He responded, “I just want to thank them ‘cuz a lot of the stuff that I’m doing now wouldn’t be possible without going to the DIS… My future looks very bright, very bright.”
Yep, that is exactly the reason Life Remodeled does what they do!
TRANSFORMATION ‘OPPORTUNITY’
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.
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. A Life Remodeled representative 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.”
Now, 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 Phase 1 completed 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 after-school youth programs, workforce development programs, and health and wellness resources to the Denby community.
[ WEBSITE: Life Remodeled’s New ‘Opportunity Hub’, “Anchor Detroit”:
https://liferemodeled.org/anchordetroit/ ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Front Aerial View ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Proposed Development – Amenities ]
[ FYI: For MANY more details about how the project came about, view last year’s Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/repurposing-for-opportunity-v308/ ]
‘THINGS’ ALREADY HAPPENING
In 2023, the Fox Theatre underwent a ‘maintenance’ program to improve its seating, and 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 previous 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 seat backs, 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.”
A WORK IN ‘PROGRESS’
In November 2024, Life Remodeled was thrilled to share that major construction had officially begun at Anchor Detroit, transforming the 7.55-acre site of the former historic Dominican High School on Detroit’s east side.
This project marked the launch of Life Remodeled’s SECOND “Opportunity Hub,” designed to provide health and wellness programs, workforce development, youth initiatives, arts and culture, and essential community resources for the Denby neighborhood.
Led by the expert team at Dixon Construction, Phase 1 of construction will focus on critical infrastructure upgrades, laying the foundation for a vibrant community space. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in December 2025.
Key improvements include:
– New boiler system for improved energy efficiency
– Brand-new elevator to enhance accessibility
– Roof replacement for long-term durability
– Revamped parking lot for better convenience and safety
– White-boxing of tenant suites to prepare for future partners
[ GRAPHIC: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Work In Progress Banner ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – Work Progressing – October 2025 ]
‘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 5,200 volunteers mobilized 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 after-school programs, workforce development, health & wellness, arts and 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.
2025 “SIX DAY PROJECT”
The “Six Day Project” removed blight and beautified a 2-1/2 square mile area around the new Anchor Detroit building.
[ GRAPHIC: Life Remodeled – “Anchor Detroit” Project – 2025 Six Day Project – Area Map ]
So, from September 29th through October 4th—for six days—Life Remodeled brought over 5,200 volunteers—from 140 ‘groups’—to the neighborhood, and they did the following:
– 270 City Blocks Beautified
– 960 Cubic Yards Of Trash and 1,200 Cubic Yards Of Brush Cleared
(That’s about 1,080 pickup truckloads of debris, or a 12″ x 12″ pile that is 11 MILES long!)
– 373 Tires Recycled
(Which, stacked up on top of one another, would make them 3X TALLER than the Statue of Liberty!)
[ FYI: 2025 Six Day Project Recap Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACFwiU5uBAw ]
[ FYI: Photos Of The Volunteers Working:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2025/albums/ ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Welcome Banner ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Partners ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Buses Transport Volunteers Into Neighborhood ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – All Groups Were Briefed ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – An ‘Army’ Of Volunteers ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Blight ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Alleys ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Alleys ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cutting Overgrown Empty Lots ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Being Efficient, Cutting A Lot Of Grass All At One Time ;^D ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Garbage ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Cleaning Up Junk ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Removing Dead Trees ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Removing Mounds Of Trash ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Removing Many Old Tires ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Filled Many Dumpsters ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Absopure Provided The Hydration For Over 5,200 Volunteers ]
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.
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 – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Many Inflatables ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Lots Of Fun ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Fun Rides ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Face Painting ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Lots Of Food ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Hot Drinks ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Free Giveaways ]
[ PHOTO: Life Remodeled – 2025 Six Day Project – Community Fair – Thanks You’s To Detroit Police For Patrolling All Week ]
Here is a video recapping the Community Fair:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BfeuVca-hg
[ FYI: A few months before the Six Day Project and its Community Fair at Life Remodeled’s new Opportunity Hub, “Anchor Detroit,” they did a “Field Day” and a “Community Fair” at their first Opportunity Hub, the “Durfee Innovation Society”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYWmKCqGMxc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsKVv9fe3bY ]
A ‘BIG’ THANK YOU
The following is a portion of the transcript of the video (below) of President/CEO Diallo Smith and Philanthropy Director Brooke Adams thanking everyone for a great Six Day Project:
DIALLO: “Wow, what an incredible Six Day Project that we had last week, guys. It was so incredible to see 5,000 volunteers out there, including yourself, cleaning up hundreds of blocks of blight and really making our Detroit neighborhoods shine.”
BROOKE: “It was seeing people of all ages, races, backgrounds, coming together and working on a common goal, proving we’re all more alike than we are different.”
DIALLO: “That’s right, Brooke. We did this thing together. You guys showed up with rakes. You guys showed up with these handy-dandy gloves. But, most importantly, you guys showed up with the biggest accessory of all, that big, gleaming, beautiful smile, and putting in some determination and sweat equity to make our Detroit neighborhoods better, one block at a time.”
BROOKE: “Thank you for your time, your heart, and your energy. We didn’t just transform a neighborhood. We strengthened the city in more ways than you could ever know.”
DIALLO: “So listen, you’re going to hear more results and more stories of impact around the Six Day Project, but for right now, I just want to say a big Thank You for your time and your heart.”
[ VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7Js146E4zQ ]
[ FYI: 2025 Six Day Project Recap Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACFwiU5uBAw ]
[ FYI: Photos Of The Volunteers Working:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2025/albums/ ]
[ FYI: Six Day Project 2025 Celebration Breakfast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUEuNktiWr4
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 2025: (in alphabetical order):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr53X-iSPPk
[ 2025 Six Day Project Sponsor – Bank Of America ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhgAhsbPXHI
[ 2025 Six Day Project Sponsor – Cummins ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLFwLr6cXW8
[ 2025 Six Day Project Sponsor – General Motors ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI5LO6YVCE4
[ 2025 Six Day Project Sponsor – Enterprise Mobility ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d47oSwrqIOs
[ 2025 Six Day Project Sponsor – Rocket Community Fund ]
Without these extraordinarily generous ‘partners’, Life Remodeled’s aspirations to help the Denby community with an Opportunity Hub would not have been realized.
MEDIA COVERAGE OF 2025 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxFJCdJuovg
[ WDIV – “Life Remodeled Hosts 15th Annual Six Day Project” ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awqtTIZs9l4
[ Fox2 News – “Life Remodeled 2025 Six Day Project” ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQtkKLLmtM
[ CBS News Detroit – “Life Remodeled 2025 Six Day Project” ]
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 ]
Since 2014, Life Remodeled has invested $73 million into four Detroit communities (Cody-Rouge, Osborn, Denby, and Central) with five ‘projects’. They have beautified 2,922 blocks, boarded up 2,062 dangerous houses, and engaged 92,903 volunteers.
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 5,100 pics of the volunteers and what they did on the Six-Day Project here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2025/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.