Development
Detroit Is Rising — And We're Building It
Mar 12, 2024
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Michael Rivait

Detroit's resurgence is one of the most compelling urban comeback stories in America. Over the past decade, the city has seen billions of dollars pour into its neighborhoods — from the restoration of iconic landmarks like the Book Tower and the J.L. Hudson site, to new residential developments stretching from Brush Park to the East Riverfront. Major employers have planted their flags downtown, all four professional sports teams call the city home, and a new generation of entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals are choosing Detroit as the place to build their lives. The momentum is real, it's sustained, and it's only accelerating.
At the heart of any great city's revival is housing — and that's exactly where Design Build Detroit has focused for over 30 years. Detroit's growth has created an undeniable demand for quality, design-forward living spaces that the existing housing stock simply cannot meet. We identified this gap early, and we've spent decades perfecting the model to fill it. By targeting historic, underutilized buildings in Detroit's most promising corridors — from Milwaukee Junction to Midtown to downtown — we convert forgotten structures into boutique loft communities that serve the city's growing population of ambitious urban residents.
What sets us apart is how we build. Design Build Detroit is a fully vertically integrated firm, meaning we handle acquisition, design, construction, and property management entirely in-house. We don't outsource the hard parts. Our team brings deep neighborhood knowledge, long-standing relationships with local trades and suppliers, and a genuine commitment to the communities we develop in. This approach keeps costs controlled, timelines tight, and quality uncompromising — delivering better outcomes for residents, investors, and the city alike.
Detroit has always had great bones. Stunning architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient spirit that no amount of hardship has been able to extinguish. Our role is to honor that legacy while helping build what comes next. Every building we restore is a statement of belief in this city — that Detroit's best days aren't behind it, they're being built right now. We're proud to be part of that story, and we're just getting started.
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