Inspired by growing public advocacy and the historic sewer system of Detroit, GRDC will soon launch a pilot program for mass transit within Grandmont Rosedale. Known as the Optimal Grandmont Rosedale Express Alternative Travel, (OGREAT), this program could lead the way for future mass transit systems. The system will utilize the existing infrastructure of sewers…
As we reorganize our lives to protect ourselves and our families during the COVID-19 pandemic, we should also note the importance of community in these uncertain times. The Center for Disease Control notes that this is a good time to “get to know your neighbors”: to use any organizational and communicative resources on hand to…
Michael Stypa grew up in Onekama, Michigan—a small town near Lake Michigan that is roughly 250 miles from Detroit. Before coming to GRDC as an intern in September 2019, Michael had only known Detroit through the (admittedly biased) stories he’d heard back home and a few visits to the city with friends from University of…
For 16 hours each week, Tre Jordan assists Kitty Yarbrough, GRDC’s Community Engagement Manager, with the Community Safety Program initiatives, the Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market, and often helps out wherever needed. Tre reaches out to Grandmont Rosedale residents and business owners to collect their input on community events, and asks for their help with events.…
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation’s new Economic Development Manager is Kiki Louya—a chef and restauranteur who grew up in our very own Rosedale Park. From her beginnings in Rosedale Park (which she aptly describes as a “village”), Kiki’s ambition, skills, and knowledge have propelled her to non-profit organizations in New York, world-class kitchens in Chicago and,…
Over its 30 year history, GRDC has had some amazing AmeriCorps VISTAs (sort of like domestic Peace Corps workers), who have pitched in, worked hard, learned a lot, taught a lot, and then took their experience at GRDC with them to their next adventures. Some have even become staff members at GRDC. Our AmeriCorps VISTAs…
Years ago, Deborah LaViolette’s family was grateful for the Property Tax Exemption Program as it enabled her mother to remain in her home. This past summer, Deborah (on the far right in the photo), was a member of a Neighbor to Neighbor team that went door to door in several communities in and near Grandmont…
Returning visitors and vendors at the Northwest Detroit Famers’ Market have seen a new face helping run the show this year, Market Manager Elyse Wolf. From small details like choosing the music playlist to helping customers and vendors with any issues, Elyse has been an important part of this season’s Market. Elyse, a West Bloomfield…
As many people in Grandmont Rosedale know, Amanda Brewington first came to our community not as a resident, but as the owner of a coffee shop. From its first days as a pop-up, Always Brewing Detroit was much more than a coffee shop, and Amanda was much more than a shop owner. Her ability to…
In 1989 John O’Brien was the first and only employee of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation. John’s basement office at Mercy College was just big enough to hold a desk with a telephone, and a chair. As John remembers, “it did have a window well, and it was free.” From that basement office, GRDC began its…