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DTE Energy Sponsors Urban Planning Capstone Course to Support Detroit Revitalization

DTE Energy Sponsors Urban Planning Capstone Course to Support Detroit Revitalization 

DTE Energy sponsored the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning Winter 2015 capstone course taught by Paul Fontaine, Program Manager for the Michigan Engaging Community through the Classroom Initiative. The focus of the class was to examine how to connect the area surrounding DTE’s corporate headquarters with development happening downtown, as well as create a plan to improve conditions in the Osborn neighborhood (located near Gratiot Avenue and E. McNichols Street), which is home to schools and community organizations.

Urban Planning students worked closely with students from the College of Engineering and the Law School to approach problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students explored physical planning issues such as corridor and district design, and assessed the cultural, market, and political forces necessary to implement plans tailored to the characteristics of these two project areas.

“DTE Energy is committed to be a force for growth and prosperity in the communities in which we operate and serve, including downtown Detroit. We saw a great opportunity to involve U-M students in this important work,” said Ron May (B.S.E. 73’), Executive Vice President, Major Enterprise Projects at DTE Energy and DTE Energy’s executive sponsor to U-M.

The capstone course will culminate on April 28th, 2015 when the class will present its design projects to course sponsors with the hope that its work will make a contribution to the organizations’ Detroit revitalization efforts.

For more information, please visit the University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center webpage.