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.