New investment creates momentum, but existing homeowners often lack funds to make improvements that unlock value. This pilot pairs the redevelopment of the Higginbotham site with a dedicated home-upgrade fund, improving curb appeal, stability, and equity for legacy residents “Beyond the Walls” of the project.
Project Overview
URGE designed a “Beyond the Walls” model for the Higginbotham neighborhood. As the historic school site transforms into new housing and community space, a parallel fund supports exterior home improvements within a 1–2 block radius. The goal is simple. Improve curb appeal and energy efficiency for 40-60 homes in the first phase so existing homeowners see near-term value and long-term stability.
The Challenge
Home value appreciation is heavily tied to visible neighborhood beautification. Without funds for exterior or energy upgrades, equity gains are delayed and the wealth gap widens.
Investment often lands on a single parcel. Nearby homeowners want to benefit but lack capital for basic repairs. Value appreciation follows visible improvements. Without access to funds, equity remains trapped.
This project recognizes that homeownership is a foundation for wealth and targets improvements that accelerate benefits for existing residents around the site.
Our Approach
Create a place-based fund that pairs the Higginbotham redevelopment with targeted home upgrades in a one to two block radius. The goal is to deliver exterior and energy-efficient improvements to 40–60 homes and reach at least 10 percent of residents in the zone.
Seed and scale a neighborhood fund. URGE commits a minimum of $50K and targets a $750K raise with partners. LIVE6 serves as fiduciary and co-program lead.
Tiered, high-impact scopes. Roof, lighting, porch and sidewalk repair, gutters, paint, fences, tree trimming, plus community art and gardens where feasible.
Energy-efficient upgrades first. Lower utility costs and improve comfort for lasting benefit.
Clear homeowner process. Simple request, contractor assessment, scope confirmation, and scheduled work.
- Activate partnership ecosystem LIVE6, LISC, DTE, MSHDA, CDFIs, the City of Detroit, foundations, and local contractors to add resources and delivery capacity.
Pictured: Kim Tandy – District 2 Manager, Teresa Moon – Community Member, Mike Duggan – Former Detroit Mayor.
Community Benefits
Every dollar invested creates measurable household wealth by unlocking trapped equity.
- Visible upgrades at scale. At least 10 percent of residents in the zone receive improvements in the first phase.
Wealth creation for legacy owners. Example modeling shows a $5,000 exterior investment can unlock an estimated $17,485 in previously unrealized equity per home. A 120-home program can create roughly $2.7M in household wealth. Estimated 3.6x multiplier on a $750K fund.
Local jobs and spend. Contractor hiring drives direct work. For every 100 jobs, an estimated 226 indirect jobs are created across the local economy.
Place-keeping with pride. Art garden, play space, and community auditorium uses reinforce identity and invite residents to engage.
