Five young architects have taken over a derelict home in Detroit and are using it as a full-scale studio for new design ideas.
The five students from the University of Michigan pooled their funding and used part of it to buy a derelict house at auction for $500.
"From the get-go, the designers received some real street lessons in actualizing their concepts within Detroit's challenging framework of devastated neighborhoods. The house had no plumbing, electricity, doors, or windows. While these conditions would cause heart-stopping anxiety in any homeowner, it all came with the territory, according to fellow Catie Newell, who turned these challenges into assets: "Instantly, we had a site, materials, and something extraordinary to respond to." Vacant lots and abandoned homes fallen victim to foreclosure or arson surround the home. It's not likely these homes will be filled with residents anytime soon. This led the group to explore various interventions, challenging traditional single-family home typology."
FULL STORY: Domestic Intervention

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

Five Key Transportation Funding Proposals in Trump’s Budget
The President’s proposed 2026 budget would keep spending roughly the same for transit and rail and eliminate over $5 billion in funding for EV charging infrastructure.

LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat
Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.

Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects
The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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