Welcome to another episode of the Innovative Real Estate Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Zackery Belanger, the visionary founder of the acoustic studio Umbel. Zack brings a wealth of unique educational and hands-on experience to the table, reshaping how we think about the relationship between physical structures and the soundscapes they create.

We dive deep into the fascinating world of architectural acoustics, exploring everything from the historical origins of the field to modern-day applications like the use of recycled foam for superior sound design at Detroit’s own El Club. Zack breaks down the complex elements of architecture, the truth about how materials like glass interact with sound, and practical methods for reducing sound travel in your own home. We also explore the importance of testing systems post-construction and how relentless curiosity drives true innovation in building design.

Episode Highlights:

• Zack Belanger’s work with Umbel. 
• The intersection of architecture and sound.
• Designing El Club’s superior acoustics with recycled foam.
• The truth about glass as an acoustic absorber.
• Actionable methods for reducing sound travel at home.
• Why testing systems post-construction is a game-changer.

View the full Show Notes for Episode 81.

To learn more about Umbel, head over to their website, and connect with Zack on LinkedIn:
Check out Acoustic Ornament HERE. 

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Welcome to our brand new mini-series called Duke it Out with DeShawn Wilson of Duke Investments where we sit down with our Development Associate, DeShawn! This series is dedicated to expanding on conversations DeShawn runs into through meeting with Detroit contractors, investors, and innovators. In this first installment, we are diving into the process of developing on Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) properties. 

We cover the complete development process from initial property selection through final certificate of occupancy, including key challenges like high property taxes, first right of lien requirements, and the importance of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones for tax benefits. We also explain why the role of architects is so important in the development process.

Episode Highlights:

• Purchasing parcels from the DLBA.
• Neighborhood Enterprise Zones (NEZ).
• Navigating Detroit property taxes.
• Important due diligence steps. 
• Specific considerations for Veterans.

View the full Show Notes for episode 80.

To learn more about Duke Investments, head over to their website, and connect with DeShawn on Instagram.

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

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In the Season 2 premiere of Innovative Real Estate, the Three Squared team explores Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s ambitious initiative to deliver 1,000 new single-family homes across the city over the next four years. Drawing from firsthand experience developing housing projects in Detroit, we dive into the realities of navigating permitting, infrastructure, land development, tax incentives, and affordable housing initiatives within the city’s evolving development landscape. We also reflect on the broader impact of architecture, planning, and development in shaping sustainable communities throughout Detroit.

Episode Highlights:

• Mayor Mary Sheffield’s housing initiatives
• Detroit’s plan to build 1,000 single-family homes
• The reality of Detroit’s permitting process
• Why “builder-ready plans” aren’t the full solution
• Infrastructure, taxes, and utility challenges developers face
• The importance of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones (NEZ)
• Affordable housing funding and the Housing Trust Fund
• Multifamily housing vs. long-term neighborhood growth
• How architecture and development can strengthen communities

View the full show notes for Episode 79 HERE.

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back a very special guest, J.T. King, the founder of Royal Developments. J.T. joins us to discuss the recently completed Innovative Housing Showcase in Fort Wayne, a groundbreaking project that highlights four cutting-edge building typologies. 

Throughout the conversation, J.T. shares his experience of simultaneously managing the development of four unique projects, and he offers insight into the collaborative efforts that made the showcase a reality. He also talks about the incredible support from the city of Fort Wayne and how building the right team played a central role in the project’s success.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Recap of the Innovative Housing Showcase 
• Why good relationships with your municipality matter 
• Implementing economy of scale with new building typologies 
• The next project for the Royal Developments team

Link to full show notes 

Learn more about J.T. and the work he and Royal Developments are doing at the links below:
Website
Instagram 

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If you have been following along for a while then you know TSI's very own Director of Design, Breck Crandell has been on a journey of building his own home here in the city of Detroit.

In this episode Breck shares his thoughts about the journey a month post completion.

Breck shares insights into what it was like to not only design, but to also build his own home, what lessons he learned from the process, and most importantly, how this experience has made him a better architect.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Total timeline and cost to build 
• Favorite memories from the build 
• How does this home change housing options in Detroit? 
• What it was like having Mayor Duggan tour the home? 
• Who would benefit most from this type of design? 

Learn more about the Cochrane Home

Learn more about Houm

Link to full show notes

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In this episode, we sit down with Jill Ferrari, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Renovare Development, to explore her journey in real estate development and the unique perspective women bring to the industry. From overcoming the 2007 financial crisis to building social impact equity projects, Jill shares insights on how women can thrive in a male-dominated field and make lasting change in communities.

We discuss the origin of Renovare, how it grew out of Jill’s passion for problem-solving, and how her company is reshaping the way we think about community-driven real estate. Jill also dives into the obstacles she's navigated over the years and how she's been able to stay resilient.

Additionally Jill reflects on the crucial role women play in evaluating the "quality and value of place"—a perspective that Jill believes makes women great real estate developers.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Jill Ferrari's story and why she started Renovare 
• Why do women make great real estate developers
• Advice for breaking into the industry 
• Why we need to invest in social impact projects 

Full show notes

Supplementary links to today's episode:

Renovare Links: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn

Women's Sustainable Development Initiative   

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This past summer TSI's very own Jill Ramirez had the opportunity to travel to Finland and attend a mass timber conference and workshop. 

Mass timber is an innovative and eco friendly building material that has been gaining popularity in Europe that last decade or so and is not starting to be implemented in the United States thanks to collaboration between US and european policymakers, tradespeople, and architects. 

In this episode we sit down with Jill to talk about what she learned during her time in Finland and what were her key takeaways for implementing this alternative building material in a variety of projects. 

Jill also explains the environmental impact of mass timber, and how the process of sourcing the material helps manage forests rather than harm them. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• What is mass timber
• Why the United States started using it sooner
• How it's sourced and the environmental impact
• Mass timber's fire retention 
• What projects make the most sense to use mass timber 

Supplementary Links:

Michigan State Mass Timber 

Sterling Solutions

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In this episode we sit down award winning Detroit native architectural photographer Jason Keen. 

Jason's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with some of the most influential architecture and design firms worldwide, including Library Street Collective Ford, Bedrock, Smithgroup, ROSSETTI, inFORM Studio, Quinn Evans, HED, and more! 

He has also won numerous awards including the 2023 AIA Michigan, Building Award, AIA Grand Rapids, Residential Architecture Award, AIA Michigan, Community Impact Award, along with many others. 

In this episode Jason shares his story of how he got into architectural photography, and how his career led him to being the main photographer for the Michigan Central revitalization project.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Who is Jason Keen and introduction to his work 
• Why is it important to document buildings in a digital world
• What's the difference between a photographer and an architectural photographer
• The process of documenting Michigan Central Station   

Link to full show notes

Jason Keen's website and Instagram 

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If you've been following along for a while then you know that we call Detroit home - a wonderfully city that has had it's fair share of challenging history, and vibrant culture. 

Now the city that we love is having it's renaissance - posing as an ideal landscape for growth and development.

In this episode Leslie shares why she chose Detroit as the home for her business, and how forming a great relationship with the community and planning department was her key to success. 

We also talk about how the city’s landscape transformed dramatically in 2010, creating new avenues for real estate, the current and future opportunities in Detroit, and why it's important to work with local firms if you are an out of town developer. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• A brief dive into Detroit's history and current resurgence. 
• The importance of a city's master plan. 
• Community is everything to getting developments approved. 
• What Detroit offers that other cities don't.
• Why the midwest is such a unique place to build.
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Link to full show notes

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

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General Contractors play a pivotal role in the AEC industry. Not only do they manage the construction of projects, they also act as a liaison between clients and architects, along with many other responsibilities. 

It takes the right kind of person to do this job and do it well, and we are lucky enough to work with a great local Detroit GC - Ty Petrie. 

In this episode we sit down with Ty to talk about the AEC industry from his perspective, and why it matters to build a sense of pride in the work you do. 

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 

• Who is Ty Petrie and how did he become a general contractor. 
• What responsibilities do GC's have. 
•  Challenges with labor, materials, and financing 
• How do we build homes that last longer than their mortgage
• Project highlight of the week: Gateway Industrial 

Full show notes

Ready to move forward with your project? Contact us here and we will put you in contact with the right member of our team.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on new project releases, trainings, and more.