Detroit’s Vacant Lots Get a Buzz Cut: Barbers and Landscape Contractors Team Up to Transform the City’s Landscape

by Jasmine August 27, 2022

written by Jasmine August 27, 2022

Detroit’s Vacant Lots Get a Buzz Cut: Barbers and Landscape Contractors Team Up

The Buzz: A Novel Approach to Vacant Lot Revitalization

Detroit’s vast expanse of vacant lots has long been a challenge for the city. But a new project, funded by the Knight Cities Challenge, is taking an innovative approach to transforming these underutilized spaces. “The Buzz” pairs local barbers and landscape contractors to bring a touch of artistry and community pride to Detroit’s vacant lots.

Barbershop Roots and Landscape Vision

The inspiration for “The Buzz” lies in the vibrant barbershop culture of Detroit, where barbers are not just hair stylists but also community connectors and artists. Erin Kelly, program manager at Detroit Future City, recognized the potential for barbers’ design skills to translate into landscape design.

“Barbers have a vision and customize it to make it appealing to that particular person,” says Dorothy Grigsby, owner of Shep’s, one of Detroit’s oldest barbershops. “Those design ethics will carry right over to the manicuring of lawns and shrubs.”

Collaboration and Community Involvement

The Buzz project brings together barbers and landscape contractors through a series of workshops and collaboration sessions. They share their expertise, brainstorm ideas, and work together to create unique designs for vacant lots.

“This partnership could be used to introduce a sense of localness and neighborhood-based expression,” says Kelly. “We aim to showcase the talent and the ideas that already exist in Detroit.”

Transforming Vacant Lots into Community Spaces

The project aims to not only beautify vacant lots but also transform them into functional and inviting community spaces. By incorporating local designs and engaging the community in the process, “The Buzz” hopes to foster a sense of ownership and pride in these spaces.

“People need to take ownership of the landscape,” says Nina Bassuk, a professor at Cornell University’s Urban Horticulture Institute. “It’s going to take everyone to understand how we better manage our land in Detroit.”

Addressing Civic Challenges

“The Buzz” is part of a broader effort to address the civic challenges facing Detroit. By revitalizing vacant lots, the project aims to improve the city’s overall appearance, boost property values, and create opportunities for community engagement.

“Land is one of the biggest potential liabilities in Detroit, but it’s also one of our biggest potential assets,” says Kelly. “We need to find innovative ways to manage our land and make it a source of pride for our city.”

Embracing Change and Local Talent

The project highlights the importance of embracing change and utilizing the talents of the local community to address urban challenges.

“In order to keep up with the new trends, you have to be able to change,” says Grigsby. “The Buzz project showcases the creativity and resilience of Detroiters.”

Final Vacant Lot Mowing Pageant

The culmination of “The Buzz” project will be a “vacant lot mowing pageant” in September, where the final designs will be presented to the broader community. The event will celebrate the collaboration between barbers and landscape contractors and highlight the transformative power of vacant lot revitalization.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.