2011 onward / Detroit, MI

During my M. Arch thesis work, I was very interested in how entrepreneurialism can be a catalyst for positive urban development. Entrepreneurs have energy to overcome the difficulties of development, but they don't necessarily have the capital to develop a building right away. What if these entrepreneurs could work together through an umbrella organization to develop an abandoned space/neighborhood? In the summer of 2010, I met Phillip Cooley and together we started incubating the idea of what is now Ponyride. We worked on the concept while looking for a building. In spring of 2011, Phillip bought a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse. We worked together on developing the concept, programming, design and redevelopment strategy. Today, 20+ businesses are housed at Ponyride with a waiting list of future tenants. The building is 85% occupied and construction is ongoing, with the co-working area opening in spring 2014.