With the rental occupancy rate hovering around 94%, space can sometimes be hard to come by if you’re looking to move to Midtown.
So while developments are planned and in process, like on John R. and Prentis, Kerry Doman is highlighting the spaces open and ready to move into. Her project, After 5 Detroit, pairs young, talented interns with employers, all within in the city limits.
It turns out that young people across the country are returning in droves to urban centers, and Detroit is no different. With programs like After 5, and financial incentives like Live Midtown, which offers grants to employees at Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, or Henry Ford Health System, the trend is growing even faster.
As of right now, 203 people have been approved for this incentive, but Mosey would like to take it further. “I’d like to see an incentive program like Live Midtown specifically for artists,” she says. Addressing aesthetic issues that might not initially come to mind makes up much of the work she’s done. Lights and trees can sometimes make a world of difference.
After 5's discussion panel: from left Michael Martorelli, Austin Black, Sue Mosey
It’s not just young people, however, who have made the move. “We didn’t expect any families to move into the Park Shelton,” said Mike Martorelli, sales manager, “but we’re up to 15 now. The demand for housing in Midtown is going up.”
The building boasts residential space as well as retail on the ground floor. You can find Leopold’s Books, the Goods Detroit boutique, and even a sushi restaurant.
“We’ve had empty-nesters move into our lofts, too,” says Austin Black, listing agent for Willy’s Overland Lofts. They’re located on Willis and Second Ave., right next to Avalon Breads, Goodwell’s Natural Food Market, and the Spiral Collective.
(more after the video from Youth Neighborhood News below)
The cool thing about the Overland lofts is that they come with your own architect. You’re able to design and customize your living space to fit your lifestyle needs. Demand has been growing here, too. “Despite the economy,” Black says “these past 12 months have been the strongest for me selling real estate.”
Another option is the Studio One Apartments, just a few blocks away, in the center of Midtown. Sharing building space with Utrecht art supplies, Biggby Coffee, a Radio Shack, Starters Bar and Grille, and more, it’s one of the most convenient places to live in the city (particularly for Wayne State students). Additionally, the MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit), N’Namdi gallery, and soon-opening 71 Pop are all across the street.
Studio One Apartment
These are just a few places that After 5 Detroit highlights; rental spaces in Detroit span across the city and price ranges from raw and industrial to high end luxury. MidtownDetroit.com is a great resource for those looking to buy or rent in Midtown specifically.
Once you move into the neighborhoods, however, is when the fun begins and After 5 Detroit steps in…
Kerry Doman built a website to highlight the cultural attractions and night life that the city has to offer. Among networking events, museum exhibitions, gallery openings, and other things of interest to young professionals on the site, you’ll find a common theme.
“The number one thing you’ll find downtown is that the sense of community is so strong,” Doman concludes.
And, if the numbers are any indication, that community is only going to grow larger and stronger as more and more people young, old and in between discover the benefits of city living Detroit-style.
