Urban planning + architectural services for community-based projects.
With a social mission and Detroit roots, Phoenix is the brainchild of listening to resident’s ideas and needs.
Our work is two-part:
1) We pursue projects that would benefit from our planning, architecture and policy expertise.
2) We offer public training sessions and charrettes, based on community interest, that are practical, accessible and inclusive.
Hi, I'm Ashleigh.
For the past ten years I've worked as an AICP* certified urban planner and policy specialist, leading projects in multiple metropolitan areas and sharing my expertise with partners to bring projects to life.
In Minnesota, I manage a grant program that funds affordable rental and ownership housing developments and preservation projects.
In Detroit, I continue to contribute to community-led projects and support local advocacy efforts.
*American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Michigan + Minnesota Chapters
Devoted to community-led planning, we keep these core values at HEART.
(H)istory
Every community has a story, shaped by those that live, work and visit there.
(E)xperience
Every citizen is their own life expert with invaluable knowledge.
(A)dvocacy
With commitment, plans and policies can represent community values.
(R)espect
Work can always be done with consideration and thoughtfulness.
(T)rust
Reliability, consistency and honesty are core to relationship building.
Policy Analysis
Past Projects*
*Most projects were developed in partnership with other institutions or team members.
1-Property Research: Zoning Code and Master Plans
Any new land development or improvement requires compliance with a city’s zoning code and master plan.
We develop process maps as a guide through the local development process and provide a summary of local requirements.
This research helps clients easily communicate with local government staff, apply for permits and share project information at community or city council meetings.
2-Policy & Issue Briefs
We summarize academic research findings and highlight important implications for public policy. We also can provide more extensive analysis in collaboration with other institutions.
Community Planning
Past Projects*
- Detroit Multi-family Housing Plan
- Allston-Brighton Mobility Plan
- Allen Creek Greenway
- Resilient Jersey City
- Harvard, IL Plan
- Endeleo Priorities Report
- Calumet Park Priorities Report
- Our Great Rivers
- North Lawndale Plan
- South Holland Plan
- Sugar Run Creek Area Plan
- Pilsen Plan
3-Engagement + Outreach
Effective community engagement requires strategic outreach to gather relevant and useful feedback. Together we can:
- Establish partnerships for community projects
- Schedule and conduct stakeholder interviews, focus groups and public meetings
- Facilitate virtual or in-person meetings and events
- Increase awareness and support through social media platforms and local print/web publications
- Design and distribute flyers, brochures and mailers
4-Comprehensive Plans + Community Profiles
From the neighborhood to regional scale, we work with you at any stage of your project; analyzing existing conditions, visioning, goal setting, establishing policy recommendations, implementation plans, and incorporate urban design guidelines where appropriate.
Land Use + Design
Past Projects*
5-Placemaking
We offer design services and technical assistance to improve the quality of public spaces. Utilizing our participatory design approach, we aim to create community-driven public spaces that all community members can enjoy.
6-Neighborhood Mapping
We utilize ArcGIS and Adobe software to offer visual representations of collected data.
Maps can portray the location of neighborhood assets and amenities, residential and commercial vacancy, land use and zoning designations, property and infrastructure conditions, natural environmental features and demographic characteristics.
7-Market Feasibility Reports
Need a deeper understanding of profit potential? Utilizing ESRI and additional trusted sources of data, market feasibility reports are used to make investment decisions. We identify optimal development sites, provide information on target markets and customer preferences and provide retail service gaps and shopping behavior data.
Come work with us.
Let's bring your project to life.
Phone
(313) 389-6129