Eco-village

As one of over 300 shrinking cities in the world, Detroit is ideally situated to become a re-invented city based upon the principals of sustainability.  This project is envisioned as a prototype for both green living in general and promoation of electric vehicles specifically.  The eco-village component is seen as being replicable in its immediate Eastern Market contect and through the city region.  The refueling station is envisioned as a franchise to be expanded throuout Michigan and the country. 

The residentials component of the project is envisioned as a miced-income loft project.  It is sized for approcimately 35 new loft style unit types that range in size from 500 square feet to 1,200 square feet.  The target market is young urban professionals as well as empty nesters that enjoy urban, communal living and believe in a green future.  To that end additional amenitites include community spaces such as a communal kitchen, gathering room, and gardens.  A decked over parking area will include a Nissan electric car that will be provided as part of the lease arrangements for the unit or as part of unit ownership if the project is a condominium project.  It remains to be decided whether the cars will be individually desgnated or be more of a “ride share” concept.  Some commercial space will also be provided on the ground floor facing Gratiot Avenue.  This space will share parking with the refueling station and will allow custormers to charge their vehicles or replace their batteries while shopping.