Vanguard Community Devlopment Corporation
Small Business Incubator Study
Spring 2006

This report was prepared for the Vanguard CDC by the Michigan State University (MSU) Practicum Team. Vanguard CDC serves the Northend neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan with a wide-variety of programs, from youth services to in-fill housing construction. More recently, Vanguard CDC is exploring plans to develop the Milwaukee Junction Small Business Center, which will foster small business development within the Northend Neighborhood.

Julie Car, Lenise Lyons, Sherika Mosley
Christian Murdock, Scott Rodriguez, Jeff Vitton

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Lansing, Michigan General Motors
Verlinden Avenue Site Feasibility Study
Spring 2006

This site feasibility report focuses on the Westside Neighborhood section of the NWLHCI, an area bounded by Oakland Avenue to the north, Olds Avenue to the south, Clare Street to the west, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the east. It provides realistic options for redevelopment of the GM site while considering the impact on the Lansing economy and the needs of surrounding neighborhood residents. It provides site-specific data pertaining to GM plant #6 and the facilities contained on that property. The report also identifies goals and recommendations to assist in the redevelopment of the former industrial site.

Evan Boehm, Andrew DeWitt, Yung-Yee Cha
Brian Graham, Sarah Panken, Michelle Yang

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West Dearborn Business District, Principal Shopping District Feasibility Study Dearborn, MI
Sping 2006

This Principal Shopping District (PSD) Feasibility Study focuses on the area that encompasses the West Dearborn Business District (WDBD) around the main thoroughfare, Michigan Avenue (US -12). The City of Dearborn is interested in establishing a PSD designation for this area and is currently trying to determine which would be the best assessment model to be used and the approximate flow of revenues.

Ryan C. ALbright, Brandon L. Bartoszek, Brain J. Crimmins, Julia A. Darnton, Stephen M. King, Bogdan Neamtu, Kurtis R. Pozsgay, Ruqi Yang

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A Revitalization Study for Three Southwest Lansing Intersections
Spring 2005

This report details the need for revitalization of three Lansing intersections-Holmes/Pleasant Grove, Holmes/Jolly, and Jolly/Waverly in Lansing. Market analysis, property inventory, demographic studies, traffic studies, and community meetings were used to determine the most appropriate course of action to revitalize three declining intersections.

Reggie Jefferson, Kristin Brooks, Dan Grenawitzke, Teddy Daligga

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East Lansing SmartZone: An Analysis of the High-tech Economic Development Potential
Spring 2005

This report summarizes state, regional and national SmartZone trends and examines the potential for an information-technology SmartZone in the City of East Lansing. Based on an IT cluster analysis, recommendations for strategic partnerships and program elements offered three phases.

Katharine Czarnecki, Leonard Minifee, Lori Mullins, Pamela Shinn, Andrea Zeeb

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Dossin Great Lakes Museum Strategic Plan
Spring 2005


This report provides a historical overview of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle, Detroit; a detailed a SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis conducted in 2005; and four case studies of comparable mid-west maritime and historical museums. Recommendations are prioritized by short-term and long-term and amount of investment required.

Kristen Kapelanski, Sandy Beadle, Jason Kyle Peasley, Trevor Anderson, Robert McPherson

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Hagadorn Corridor Study East Lansing, Michigan
Spring 2005

This corridor study was assembled to identify, inventory, and assess current land use, pedestrian friendliness, traffic flow, and roadway design to make recommendations for future development in terms of pedestrian safety, zoning, and capital improvements. Upon completion of the Hagadorn Road Corridor Study, the research, methods, findings and recommendations presented will provide a model to address additional corridors throughout the city.

Kevin Newman, Robin Palmer, Jennifer Rigterink, Rachael Tupica, Thomas Veldman

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