Urban universities are poised to play a key role in the nation’s economic evolution. Not only will they produce the next generation of scientists, engineers, teachers, doctors and artists, but their academic and research expertise also will create and develop 21st century products, industries and services. Taking their expertise beyond the classroom and lab, urban universities have discovered new ways to leverage their capacity to encourage retail and real estate developments to revitalize their cities and the surrounding suburbs.
Wayne State is leading the charge in Southeast Michigan as we transform Detroit’s economy from its previous manufacturing base. High-tech teaching and research facilities stand on sites where once there were dilapidated buildings or barren lots. New residential facilities have been built in Midtown. Businesses and retail outlets have opened, lending a lively 24/7 ambience to areas that once were deserted when the work day ended.
Many challenges still exist as universities and communities look to reinvent the economic milieu that sustains them both. In this day-long symposium, Wayne State University and the Urban Land Institute (Detroit District Council) will examine the building blocks of successful collaborations. Learn how universities across the country have formed effective alliances to spur business growth. Strategize with experienced professionals on ways to strengthen commercial development and create economic opportunity. Network with leading developers, architects and community development specialists whose work has left a lasting imprint on our cities.
Agenda:
8:00a – 8:30 a .m. Breakfast and Symposium Registration
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Jim Bieri, Co-Chair, ULI Detroit
Andrea Roumell Dickson, Executive Vice President, Wayne State University
8:45-9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks from Albert B. Ratner, Co-Chairman of the Board, Forest City Enterprises, Inc. Cleveland, OH
9:15-9:45 a.m. The University as Urban Engine: Best Practice and Lessons from the US:
David Perry, Director of the Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago
9:45-10:30 a.m. Keynote Address:
Success on the Front-Line: The University of Akron and University Park Alliance: Dr. Luis Proenza, President, The University of Akron
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45-11:15 a .m. University City Partnerships: Making It Happen
Moderator, Robert Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group, Birmingham, MI
Fred Pierce, Pierce Education Properties, San Diego, CA
Roberta Jorgensen, FAIA, Rossetti Architects, Newport Beach, CA
11:15 – 12:30 Building on Strengths – Wayne State, The City and the Future
Moderator, Robert Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group, Birmingham, MI
- Detroit – A City in Transition:
- Mr. George Jackson , President, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
WSU – The Story, So Far
- James Sears, Associate Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Management, Wayne State University
- Dr. Eric Hill, Lord, Aeck and Sargeant, Ann Arbor, MI
- Midtown – Putting pieces into play
Susan Mosey, President, University Cultural Center Association
McGregor Memorial Conference Center
12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:45-12:50 p.m. Introduction, Dr. Jay Noren, President, Wayne State University
12:50-1:30 p.m. John Austin, Executive Director, The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan
The New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan is an innovative philanthropic effort that will help restore southeast Michigan to a position of leadership in the new global economy. Ten national, regional and local foundations have committed $100 million to this unprecedented eight-year initiative.
1:30p – 3:30 p Optional afternoon tours of Midtown, and TechTown, the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park
This program is recommended for Commercial developers, architects, urban planners and university faculty and staff.
Cost is $75 per person, and is open to members and non-members.
Students please contact Shannon Sclafani at Detroit@uli.orgfor event scholarship opportunity.