In the fall of 2017, the Little Caesar’s Arena, new home to Detroit’s professional ice hockey and basketball teams will open. The arena is planned to anchor a 50-block “catalytic entertainment district.” This new development, which will include housing and retail amenities, is surrounded by important Detroit landmarks including the Masonic Temple, Cass Park, Cass Tech High School and other historic properties dating back to the early 20th century. The area is also home to a variety of social services agencies dedicated to providing drug and alcohol recovery services as well as housing to the city’s homeless population.
The capstone team assisted a larger community needs assessment effort, led by Detroit-based JFM Consulting, Inc., by completing a preliminary needs assessment report to help guide the development and support of programs, initiatives and efforts to benefit the area’s incumbent population. The preliminary assessment includes analyses of area property and demographic data, area businesses and employment, sidewalk and building use conditions, traffic and parking. Students helped to design, administer and analyze a 31-question stakeholder survey of current and future community needs.