A group of nonprofits and innovators from cities nationwide gathered in Detroit to tour some of the once-neglected spaces and buildings that have been reimagined into gems of the city.
The gathering was part of Rooted, the High Line Network’s 2024 symposium, which marked the largest gathering of leaders in the field of infrastructure reuse.
The High Line Network is an international coalition of organizations dedicated to building public spaces within their respective communities, and this year, Detroit served as the inspiration. The symposium showcased the city’s leadership in creating community-centered spaces and explored practices for equitable public space development, informed by the High Line Network’s Community First Toolkit research.
Local partner organizations and leaders, including JJ Velez, director of public spaces for Gilbert Family Foundation, were highlighted during the event.
“We were proud to welcome the High Line Network to Detroit and show off the incredible work we’re doing with public, private and nonprofit partners throughout the city,” said Velez. “Our goal is to ensure every Detroit resident has access to safe and inclusive public spaces within a half mile of their home, and one of the best ways to make it happen is by taking a critical look at our existing infrastructure.”
The symposium centered on the theme that successful public spaces must be rooted in their communities.
“What brings us all together is that we’re reusing infrastructure as public spaces,” said Asima Jansveld, chief program and engagement officer of Friends of the High Line. “I could not think of a community more aligned with exploring this theme than the city of Detroit, a city of immense historical and cultural significance, but also of extraordinary resilience.”
The event began Oct. 9 when Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Detroit, delivered a keynote presentation followed by a panel that explored the role of public space in Detroit’s revitalization. Leaders from government, philanthropy and public space management -- including representatives from the Community Foundation for SE Michigan, Gilbert Family Foundation, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership and Detroit Riverfront Conservancy -- provided insights into how strategic investments in public spaces have reshaped the city.
The network toured dozens of public spaces across Detroit during the symposium. Some members found motivation and inspiration for projects they could potentially implement in their own communities.
“We’re really excited about bringing everyone to Detroit because we feel there are so many wonderful examples here, especially of how they have centered community in their spaces,” Jansveld said.
She also expressed enthusiasm about her colleagues touring Detroit’s hidden corners that have been reimagined for community betterment.
“There are over 300 publicly operated public spaces in the city of Detroit,” said Jeanette Pierce, president of the City Institute.
Pierce made it her mission to ensure the group experienced a wide range of public spaces throughout the city.
For inspiration, the group visited notable locations such as the Detroit Riverfront, the Joe Louis Greenway, art parks and more.
“All of the opportunities to really restore our community and heal some of the decisions of the past -- that’s exactly what we’re trying to do in Dallas,” said April Allen, CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation.
The Dallas-based nonprofit is working on a public park on a bridge above a highway in an area previously neglected for years.
“I think just the focus on public space and the number of projects that are underway here is just amazing,” Allen added.
The symposium also fostered discussions about how public-private partnerships are bringing innovative spaces and projects to life.
“What I hope people leave with is that there is a community of people doing the same thing as them,” Jansveld emphasized.
Members of the High Line Network took time to engage with residents and representatives from philanthropic organizations like the Gilbert Family Foundation to discuss how these public spaces positively impact their communities.
Keynote presentations, workshops, panels and networking opportunities took place at Newlab, located in the historic Michigan Central Station -- a prime example of infrastructure reuse. The event featured more than 50 dynamic speakers who shared their expertise and showcased impactful examples of connecting communities to public space.
Participants engaged in numerous site tours that highlighted Detroit’s vibrant communities and public spaces, including:
- A guided kayak tour of Detroit’s historic canals, with a focus on critical issues in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.
- A discovery tour of the newly unveiled Dreamtroit, which transformed a historic Lincoln Motor Company factory into an innovative community hub. It highlights how infrastructure reuse fosters creativity and sustainability.
- Multifaceted learning journeys through East and West Detroit, led by long-term resident guides and grassroots leaders. It connected historical context with current innovations.
- A preview of the early development of the Joe Louis Greenway, which incorporated insights from residents and businesses.
- A bike tour of Detroit’s acclaimed Riverfront and the Dequindre Cut.
The symposium gathered more than 200 thought leaders and subject-matter experts to engage in discussions focused on nonprofit infrastructure reuse projects. Attendees included funders, architects, planners and academics, all with a commitment to building equitable development at all stages.
Through panels, workshops and peer-to-peer sessions, participants explored diverse topics, gaining tangible skills in engagement and operations, a deeper understanding of the value their work could generate, and an expanded peer network dedicated to positive social, environmental, and physical change in their communities.
To learn more about High Line and how it’s reshaping communities, click or tap here.