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Two RenCen Towers to be demolished? Inside a new distillery, and more around Metro Detroit
Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Have a watch: Today: We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding. Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring me...
What do Detroiters really think? New survey sheds light on top concerns, voter engagement, and more
Crime and safety, blight and vacancy, housing affordability are the top 3 issues, say Detroiters
What will it take to grow Michigan? (ft. Hilary Doe)
As long as we’ve done this show, growing Michigan, and getting it into gear to be competitive against the rest of the country has been a topic. Honestly, it sometimes feels like I'm screaming down into the void as someone who is usually pushing for things to be better. Because as much as we love our city, region and state, there's much to be proud of… There is work to do. There has been for years. After all, Michigan is second to last in the nation for attracting people from other states. Mix...
PODCAST: Local TV (and news) is changing a lot. Let's talk about why (ft. Matt Friedman)
"If you want to watch, to listen, to read something that has value to you, be prepared to pay for it." - Matt Friedman
Detroit Can Handle It
(now, let's think even bigger)
Who's next for governor and mayor? Political apathy and more ft. Sam Robinson
Special guest Sam Robinson, reporter for Axios Detroit, joined Norris and Jer at the Daily Detroit studio and we talked about what's going on around town with politics and a little development. The rundown: 02:22 - What do some of these future local and state campaigns look like? For Michigan Governor and for Detroit Mayor? 10:29 - Norris gets into why he thinks Gretchen Whitmer's gubernatorial campaign was successful. 13:03 - Why don't more Black Detroiters vote progressively? 16:47 - Gene...
Inside the new Adelina with Chef Fabio Viviani & friends
There's a bunch of new spots opening in Detroit ahead of the NFL Draft, and one of the latest - and capturing the most buzz - is Adelina on Woodward Avenue. Across from the massive Hudson's site tower and a block from Campus Martius Park, it's location is second to none. But also adding to the mix is celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, who you might know from Top Chef or his many other restaurants. In a special conversation in the restaurant, Jer sat down with Fabio and Chefs Marco Dalla Fontana and...
Sustainable meat and meals in Metro Detroit (ft. Ping Ho and Sarah Welch of Marrow)
Can sustainable, short food chains work in Metro Detroit, Michigan and America? Many know Marrow as one of Detroit's best restaurants in the city's West Village neighborhood; but owner Ping Ho and Chef Sarah Welch have big plans ahead. They include a sustainable meat market in Eastern Market (as well as a Birmingham location) - and helping build out supply chains and practices that focus on local and quality. In an interesting conversation the the Daily Detroit studio at Techtown, the pair sit...
Black Tech Saturdays and Growing Detroit's Social Media
Black Tech Saturdays is making quite the splash in bridging digital divides and being a platform to lift up Detroit in technology. Plus, it’s a total vibe. Far different (in a good way) than what you’re used to for “tech events.” Joining me on the show is Alex and Johnnie Turnage, co-founders – as well as Ethan Lloyd, Social Media Manager for the city of Detroit and he runs the city of Detroit’s social media accounts that have been growing quickly and engaging residents. It’s cheesy to...
The Introvert Economy // Michigan Central hotel // Olga's Westland closes
Four Daily Detroit contributors around one table? The dream is realized at the new studio in TechTown. Norris Howard, Shianne Nocerini, Devon O’Reilly and Jer talk three of today’s stories that impact Metro Detroit. 00:51 – There’s a hotel proposed for the top of the Michigan Central project in Corktown on the old train station. Is that the best use? Will it be a great way to show off the city? 06:32 – We wax nostalgic about Olga’s, who abruptly closed their Westland location after more...
On the future of Metro Detroit's suburban transit (ft. Tiffany Gunter, SMART)
Although a lot of attention is paid to buses and transit in the city of Detroit, the reality is the vast majority of people in Metro Detroit do not live within the city limits. Although some do, many of their trips to get around don’t involve the city at all. They’re served by SMART – The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation – and any conversation about transit and linking southeast Michigan together involves their work. In this conversation with Tiffany Gunter, Depu...
Lessons learned running a bar in Detroit since 2005
What does it take to run a bar and restaurant? When Owen Burke and his business partner Tony Piraino first ran a bar called Pulse in 2005, the building they were leasing got demolished by the city for future progress. So they changed concepts, got a hold of a historic building in Greektown, and opened Firebird Tavern in 2013. A decade in one concept is quite the accomplishment in their industry. And recently, they expanded with a second location in Troy, Michigan. In this honest con...
In-depth: America's first wireless electric charging road
The first wireless electric charging road in the United States – where, with the right equipment, you can drive on it and charge while moving – has opened in Detroit’s Corktown. Using technology by Electreon and deployed at Michigan Central, it seems only appropriate for this first quarter mile to be here. Me and Norris Howard discuss the technology, the implications, the possibilities, the challenges and more in this single-topic episode of your Daily Detroit. We’re not sure if this w...
Putting The "City" Back In The Motor City By Supporting Small Developers w/ Brian Mulloy
Our deep-dive conversation is with Brian Mulloy. He’s doing small-scale development in the city of Detroit through his Ballet Real Estate, but with a focus on building restoration and urban spaces. His transformation of a building at Bagley and Trumbull (and subsequent development of a property few thought could be built on it behind it) not only has caught attention for its looks but the amount of hassle he had to go through to get it done. So how can Detroit support smaller devel...
The Latest
Rethink High School With the XQ Super School Bus July 7-9
If you’re of the opinion that American schools must adapt to the modern age we live in, you’re not alone. What’s more, you can find out just how schools can do that with XQ: The Super School Project. July 7-9, the XQ Super School Bus will be in Detroit July 7-9. The Super School Project was created by Russlynn Ali, former assistant secretary of civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education, and Laurene Powell Jobs, president of Emerson Collective. From their experience in the field of educa...
Proposed Third And Grand Project In New Center To Have Public Hearing July 14
The same developer – Peter Cummings – that brought in the Whole Foods to the Midtown neighborhood also has his hands in a few other projects. One of those is Third and Grand – at, well, the intersection of Third Avenue and West Grand Boulevard. Here’s a rundown on the vitals of the project, announced initially in February and aiming for a groundbreaking later this year with completion in 2018. * Close to the new Q-Line * 231 apartment building * 73% studios at 500 square feet or on...
The Motor City Is Looking At Kicking Cars Off Two Major Roads For Two Days Of Street Fun
We might be in the middle of summer right now, but there are already things to put in your calendar for this fall. The number one thing on the list is Open Streets Detroit. The Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Energy Foundation are working together to bring the international event to Detroit. Open Streets Detroit will close Michigan Avenue from downtown to approximately the Michigan Central Station and a portion of West Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit to all motorized vehicles. In th...
Find The Fun In These Five Downtown Detroit Parks This Summer
Need an inexpensive, family-friendly way to entertain the kids this summer? Check out the 2016 Quicken Loans Summer in the Park lineup. It’s got plenty of free events in downtown Detroit’s five historic parks – Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus, and Paradise Valley’s Beatrice Buck Park. Some of the highlights of Summer in the Parks include a performance by American Authors, Rhythm & Stage, Faygo Movie Night in the D, and Dot & Ziggy Kidz Show. On July 22, Indie rock...
“Rhythm & Stage” Brings the Theatre to Grand Circus Park All Summer Long
Love the theatre but can’t seem to make it there? This summer, check out Grand Circus Park for an experience unlike any other. Rhythm & Stage, a unique theatrical and cultural live stage series, will return on Thursdays in July and August with high-caliber theatre and opera acts. Performances will include acts like “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare,” the abridged version performed by Outvisible Theatre Company and a season preview from the Michigan Opera Theatre. Each evening of out...
Cranbrook Grad Student Makes Tracks With Art At Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Brandon Bullard’s grandmother drove a Mercedes. His grandfather drove a Mercedes. His mother drove one, too. So when it came time for Bullard to produce a piece of art as part of his graduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art it seemed only natural to create something for the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Experiencing Perspectives program. The Colorado native first “played” the project in his head to come up with just the right formula for his original fiber art piece. The answer was to u...
Novi Getting $15 Million In Investment, 85 New Jobs
The city of Novi is getting a new North American business headquarters. Daifuku North America Holding Company plans to construct a new headquarters building in the city of Novi to benefit from “the competitive engineering talent market and robust automotive industry” in Southeast Michigan. The project is expected to generate more than $15 million in capital investment and create 85 new jobs. They will receive a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the M...
Nike Offering $5,000 Community Grant In Detroit, Applications Due July 15
Part of what’s different than a regular retail store about the recently opened Nike store in Detroit is that it’s a “Community Store,” and we’re starting to see exactly what that means. Detroit was the first of six Community Stores across the country to launch Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF) grants for local organizations that give youth early, positive experiences in sport and physical activity and strengthen communities. In total, $40,000 in annual grants of $5,000 each are being offered...
Detroit Experience Factory Kicking Off Third Annual Bar And Restaurant Challenge
There’s a lot to do in Detroit if you know where to look. If you read Daily Detroit on the regular, we’re always sharing something to do, another place to check out or experience. One group of people that has been dedicated for years (under different names in previous iterations) to getting people to explore Detroit is the folks at the Detroit Experience Factory (DXF). So when we heard they’re doing their third annual bar and restaurant challenge, we had to share it along For background, the...
Detroit's Party, Fun And Dining Scene In 10 Numbers
So what’s the state of Metro Detroit’s fun scene? It’s obviously getting more press, but where does it stand as far how many establishments, what dinner costs, and where we rank against other cities? The answers might surprise you. 1. Who’s The Biggest Booze Buyer? Punch Bowl Social, who spent $515,840 with the state of Michigan to purchase for resale in 2015. So despite the snarky claims in some corners of the Internet about how it sucks, somebody must like it as it’s by far and away the...
Your City 5: Things To Do In Detroit For The Week Of July 1-3
Hello Fourth of July weekend! This weekend will be filled with cookouts, city firework displays, and parades but there are still some other things happening around town. Remember to be safe this weekend! Be careful if you plan on lighting off fireworks – the state has been considering a ban on fireworks due to the dry conditions and your community may have one. Without further ado, here is this weekends City 5 – so if you’re staying in town you don’t have to crash someone’s birthday party on...
Jack Nicklaus Coming To Metro Detroit For Benefit Tournament, Cornerstone Announces New Education Initiative
Cornerstone Schools is looking to expand their reach. At a press event Thursday they announced numerous items that they plan on fulfilling this year, their 25th anniversary. The group of schools has been part of a study for the past two years that looked at how they could extend a new platform to broaden and strengthen it’s vision and mission. The goal is to help as many students as possible in the city of Detroit. The new program is called the Cornerstone Education Group (CEG). The group pl...
In The Motor City New Cars Are The Least Affordable, Says Survey
This is the Motor City. Of course, we’re home to lots of cars, right? We, after all, put the nation on wheels? Well, sure. But can Detroiters actually afford those cars anymore? A recent survey by Bankrate.com puts the city of Detroit at the bottom of the nation for being able to afford a new car. The lower a city appears on the list, the more difficult it would be for the typical car buyer to come up with the money for what Kelley Blue Book said was the average price for a new car or light...
Our/Detroit Rolls Out New Summer Cocktail Menu
There is a new summer cocktail menu at Our/Detroit Vodka. The Southwest Detroit located micro-distillery has added local twists to the mixed drinks, like the Pineapple Fennel Shrub and Mint Rhubarb. Our/Detroit rotates the drink menu each season, in order to keep the ingredients as local as possible. The drinks have a unique Detroit flavor to them. Our/Detroit partially distills and hand bottles at the Detroit location. “The summer cocktail menu is light and fresh,” said Catherine Kelly, a p...
Paradise Valley Cultural And Entertainment District Is Getting A $52 Million Facelift
Things are going to look a little different in the Paradise Valley and Entertainment District. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) approved a plan to redevelop nine properties in a historically significant pocket of downtown with a $52.4 million investment in new construction and renovations. The project includes the simultaneous redevelopment of five existing buildings and four surface lots. It will feature commercial and retail space, residential units, restaurants, entertainment venues...
2nd & Charles Opening Second Location In Utica
There will be a new store opening in Utica at the end of July. 2nd & Charles will be opening the second location in Michigan in the Utica Park Place shopping center. If you have never heard of 2nd & Charles, here is the run down. They buy and sell new and used books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, video games, game systems, vinyl records, comic books, electronics, toys, and collectibles. If you want to sell your stuff to 2nd & Charles you can redeem it for cash or store credit. Think of it as an updated...
Star Trek, Quicken Loans Team Up For New Commercials (With Video)
Detroit-based Quicken Loans on Wednesday announced a partnership with Paramount Pictures in advance of the theatrical release of “STAR TREK BEYOND,” set to open in U.S. theaters July 22. “STAR TREK BEYOND,” is the next installment in the Star Trek franchise, created by Gene Roddenberry and reintroduced by J.J. Abrams in 2009. This new movie will be directed by Justin Lin (from “The Fast and the Furious” franchise). In “Beyond,” the Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted s...
Foursquare Names Mercury Best Burger Joint In Michigan, Sugar House Top 50 Cocktail Bar In US
Two nods for establishments in the Corktown neighborhood from Foursquare, an app that highlights the best things around town across the country as highlighted by users. Mercury Burger Bar and the Sugar House bar, at Michigan and 14th, are across the street from each other – almost a symbiotic relationship where you could grab dinner and then head over for a craft cocktail. The ranking was based on the reviews and feedback of Foursquare users. Mercury Burger Bar got highlighted as the best...