We the People of Detroit's Office is more than just a building; it's a symbol of community resilience and revitalization. This Green Stormwater Infrastructure project, dedicated to serving the neighbors, connecting the community, and demonstrating sustainable practices, has transformed our office space, located in the Old English Village community in Detroit, into a thriving hub for learning, celebration, and environmental stewardship.
Our Mission
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project is not just about infrastructure. It is a holistic initiative with three primary goals:
To Serve the Neighbors: The water retention system being constructed will significantly reduce flooding not only for the WPD property but also for adjacent homes. The design provides a designated area for floodwater to accumulate and disperse, mitigating the severe flooding that has plagued this community.
To Connect the Community: WPD envisions the space as a hub for our youth leaders and team members to engage, learn, and celebrate. With both outdoor and indoor spaces available, the site will host a variety of community activities, including celebrations, workshops, and classes.
To Demonstrate Water Retention & Building Remediation Methods: The project showcases multiple scalable and innovative water retention methods. This includes rain gardens, rain chains, and permeable paving, all designed to manage floodwater while enhancing the space's beauty and functionality. The outdoor classroom will also demonstrate how vacant buildings can be repurposed and rehabilitated rather than demolished, reducing environmental waste.
The Journey to Completion
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project has been years in the making:
Summer 2021: WPD intentionally purchased the Grayton property to create a dedicated workspace for the organization, strengthening its connection with the local community.
Summer 2022: Design discussions and preliminary site surveys began, laying the foundation for a thoughtful and impactful project.
Summer 2023: WPD’s design team, supported by external partners, developed a detailed plan, selecting Uniquely Unique as the lead contractor.
October 2023: Phase 01 construction kicks off, focusing on site preparation, garage relocation, and initial indoor finishes for the classroom.
May 2024: Phase 02 begins, introducing rain gardens, landscaping, decking, and the final touches to the outdoor classroom.
June 2024: Phase 02 of the project was completed and the space was unveiled to the community, ready to serve its diverse needs.
Phase 01: Key Design Concepts
The design of the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project draws inspiration from nature, and the 7 Buckets (Pillars) of Water from our youth program, incorporating thoughtful finishes that connect the space to its surroundings. The indoor-outdoor flexibility of the space allows it to adapt to various needs, from workshops to celebrations, making it a central location for learning and community-building.
Connection to Nature: With a focus on natural materials and finishes, the design aligns with water retention goals, blending aesthetics with functionality.
Multi-Purpose: Whether hosting a classroom or a community gathering, the space is built to accommodate different uses, ensuring maximum flexibility and impact.
A Space for Learning: The primary aim is to create an environment where the community can learn about water retention, environmental sustainability, and building rehabilitation through workshops and demonstrations.
Benefits of Building Rehabilitation
Rehabilitating the garage rather than demolishing it has far-reaching environmental and community benefits.
Reduced Waste: Rehabilitation helps reduce the 40% of solid waste that comes from demolition projects, keeping valuable materials out of landfills.
Conserve Energy: Rehabilitation typically requires less energy than new construction, presenting more opportunities to incorporate renewable energy sources.
Phase 02: Water Retention Methods
In Phase 02, the project incorporated multiple water retention and flood mitigation strategies:
Rain Garden: Prevents flooding, filters pollutants, and creates habitats for wildlife like birds and butterflies.
Permeable Paving: Allows water to filter through the ground rather than contributing to runoff, reducing the strain on Detroit's sewer systems.
Trench Drain: In case of heavy rainfall, the trench drain channels overflow water to the sewer system, preventing flood damage.
Underground Collection: A network of gravel and soil filters water, helping it naturally re-enter the environment.
Rain Chain: Directs water off the roof in a visually appealing way, celebrating water while controlling its flow.
Final Touches: Community Involvement
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project would not be possible without the help of volunteers and supporters. To celebrate the completion of the project, volunteers gathered to install essential elements like the rain garden, arts and crafts storage for the outdoor classroom, and even a refrigerator stand for community events.
The success of this project lies in the collective effort of community members, team members, and generous partners. WPD is proud to contribute to the long-term resilience and vibrancy of our beloved community through this initiative, ensuring that the impact is felt for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project comes to completion in 2024, WPD remains dedicated to its mission of serving Detroit's citizens. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to address challenges, celebrate victories, and build a more sustainable future.
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