Cody Rouge & Warrendale Youth-Centric Neighborhood Framework

WITH HECTOR URBAN DESIGN

Youth engagement and collaborative design for an inclusive planning process.

The Cody Rouge & Warrendale Youth-Centric Neighborhood Framework outlines a shared vision for neighborhoods on Detroit’s west side, shaped by the voices of residents, organizations, and youth. With over one-third of the area’s 36,000 residents under the age of 18, the framework focuses on addressing challenges like aging housing, underdeveloped parks, and disinvested commercial corridors to create safer, more vibrant communities for all. Led by HECTOR Urban Design, The Work Department collaborated as part of a multidisciplinary planning team to engage residents, youth, and organizations in shaping this vision.

Group of middle and high school students stand in a gym around a large black and white map that is colored in some places.

Our efforts focused on amplifying youth voices, building leadership, and fostering meaningful community collaboration:

  • Youth Engagement: We co-facilitated a student gathering with participants from eight schools, where young residents shared their visions for the neighborhood and explored ideas through creative activities, including a mapping project.

  • Building Leadership: We supported nine Neighborhood Framework Investigators—teenagers who developed leadership skills by engaging with residents and leaders, asking questions, and seeking to understand community needs. Through workshops, interviews, and site visits, they gathered valuable insights and informed recommendations for safer streets, better housing, and stronger community resources. Their active involvement ensured their perspectives were central to the framework, making the process both hands-on and an opportunity for skill-building for all participants.

  • Community Collaboration: We facilitated a public kick-off event, designed to be interactive and welcoming for all. The event featured creative posters by students reimagining the neighborhood, interactive displays highlighting the community’s strengths and opportunities, and community input workbooks for gathering resident feedback. Youth investigators also shared visual storytelling through photography, capturing the event’s energy. These materials, along with group discussions and feedback stations, fostered collaboration and ensured diverse community voices shaped the framework’s vision.

This collaborative process has led to over $15 million in investments, including safer streets, enhanced parks, and small business support. The framework was recognized with the 2023 National Planning Award for Planning Excellence and continues to drive inclusive growth for the area.

For more information, visit codyrougeandwarrendaleplan.org.

PROJECT PARTNERS

HECTOR urban design, project lead; Centric Design Studio; Hinge Collective; Marc Norman; Michael Marshall Design; Tiny WPA; The Work Department; University of Orange, Cody Rouge & Warrendale Organizational Steering Committee and Youth Council; with clients City of Detroit Planning & Development Department and Cody Rouge Initiative

NEIGHBORHOOD FRAMEWORK INVESTIGATORS

Alexcia Stoner, Khadijah Harris, LaKendra Reynolds-Smith, Lillie Reynolds-Smith, Marnesha Davenport, Skylah Pounds, Rodney Bridges, Taylin Hodges, and Yusef Sabour 

Drawing of a map showing streets, houses, and other buildings.
Black teenage girl stands in front of poster featuring project highlights.