Abstract:
This thesis investigated how small-scale development strategies could mitigate gentrification while preserving the cultural identity of developing neighborhoods. Previous research included Jim Heid’s “Building Small: A Toolkit for Real Estate Entrepreneurs, Civic Leaders, and Great Communities” and “Detroit Future City” by the Detroit Works Project, which reinforced this thesis by detailing successful strategies for small-scale development and urban revitalization. These works, along with various case studies, informed the methodologies and effectiveness in fostering revitalization while focusing on preserving community identity. The research questions guiding this thesis were: “What development strategies can be used to reduce vacancies in Detroit’s neighborhoods?”, “How can the North End Neighborhood combat gentrification?”, and “Can small-scale development effectively foster authentic revitalization?”. The overall methodology employed included quantitative data collection, including census data to analyze neighborhood demographics, coupled with qualitative research such as a photographic study, resident verbal remarks, and case studies. The analysis also integrated over two years’ worth of community engagement data from the North End neighborhood in Detroit, forming the basis for an intersubjective methodological thesis to inform a community-oriented architectural intervention. This study highlighted the essential role of small-scale development strategies such as community land trusts in safeguarding the cultural identities in Detroit neighborhoods. Amidst the city’s exponential growth, these approaches emerged as vital tools in balancing progress with the preservation of communities, effectively mitigating displacement risks and ensuring inclusive urban renewal. This study was valuable not only to the architectural fabric of the neighborhood but also to the cultural identity and the people of the North End. This thesis hoped to persuade developers to engage with community members and utilize small-scale development strategies to create authentic revitalization.
