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Local Development Firm Makes Impact in Detroit Community

Community engagement through thoughtful urban development in Detroit.

News Summary

Jonathan Hartzell, co-owner of Detroit Rising Development, is reshaping Detroit’s urban landscape through his community-focused approach. By prioritizing local needs and honoring the city’s history, Hartzell’s projects, such as the Detroit Shipping Company, promote cultural pride and sustainability. His initiatives also include supporting local culinary students through a scholarship in memory of a notable chef, showcasing his commitment to community development. As he navigates both large and small projects, Hartzell emphasizes collaboration and adaptability within the evolving marketplace.

Detroit – Detroit Rising Development co-owner Jonathan Hartzell is creating a significant community impact through his hyperlocalized development approach, which focuses on understanding the people and history behind storefronts and vacant lots in the city. Hartzell’s work, including the Detroit Shipping Company, embodies his philosophy of prioritizing local community needs and reinvesting in the cultural fabric of the area.

Hartzell’s background in construction and small business ownership has shaped his perspective on urban development. He founded a painting company called Good Guys Painting shortly after graduating from college, aiming to demonstrate that ethical business practices can coexist with profitability. His development philosophy asserts that each block in Detroit possesses its unique story, which plays a crucial role in influencing development decisions.

One of Hartzell’s notable projects, the Detroit Shipping Company, holds historical significance as the land has been family-owned since the 1930s. This focus on historical context extends to his work in various neighborhoods, including the challenges faced in historically rich areas like Chinatown, where physical history is often lost but invaluable lessons about community development are retained. Hartzell emphasizes the importance of creating authentic spaces that celebrate diverse demographics and cultures, aiming for a development legacy that instills pride among residents.

Hartzell believes that while large development projects are crucial for a balanced urban landscape, small projects can offer long-term impacts that should not be overlooked. He underscores the shared benefits that can arise from collaborations between large developers and local operators, promoting a synergetic development ecosystem. Additionally, he integrates the transformative power of art and storytelling into his projects, as exemplified by the blank spaces designed within the Detroit Shipping Company that are meant to foster artistic expression from local creators.

A commitment to community engagement is further highlighted by the recent initiative to establish a scholarship program in honor of prominent Detroit chef Maxcel Hardy at the Detroit Shipping Company. Hardy, known for his substantial contributions to the city’s culinary scene and recent restaurant openings, unexpectedly passed away, prompting Hartzell to support initiatives that uplift local culinary students from Detroit high schools. A celebratory event in Hardy’s honor is scheduled for April 23, 2024, at the Detroit Shipping Company.

In addition to ongoing projects, Hartzell is currently overseeing the transformation of the Lansing Shuffle food hall, which has faced changes to adapt to evolving community needs. Recently, two restaurants, Irie Smoke Shack and Osteria Vegana, have closed, and Hartzell is actively seeking new concepts to occupy the now vacant spaces. This exemplifies his responsiveness to community dynamics and the marketplace.

Compounding these developments, Hartzell also expressed disappointment regarding the termination of the lease for the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in midtown Detroit due to parking issues. Initially proposed as a 44,000-square-foot building featuring nine screens at an estimated cost of $12 million, the project was seen as a potential asset to the community, aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity in the neighborhood. Currently, Detroit has a limited number of independent movie theater options, with the Detroit Film Theatre and Cinema Detroit being the primary choices for local residents.

As Hartzell continues to develop and adapt various projects throughout Detroit, his integrated approach to community-focused development highlights his dedication to addressing the past while paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.