Building Thriving‑Class Neighborhoods with Life Remodeled

In this episode of Daily Detroit, host Jer Stays welcomes Diallo Smith, President and CEO of Life Remodeled, and Norris Howard to discuss the nonprofit's transformative work in revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods through the repurposing of vacant school buildings into 'opportunity hubs.' Smith highlights the Durfee Innovation Society in the Durfee neighborhood—a 100-year-old school now housing 34 social impact organizations offering education, workforce development, healthcare, and youth services. On the East Side, Life Remodeled is transforming the former Dominican School campus into a cultural and tech hub with a modernized 700-seat theater and a 26,000-square-foot technology wing focused on e-sports and digital education. The conversation underscores a community-driven approach, where residents help design services, and emphasizes the importance of arts, culture, and technology in fostering neighborhood pride and economic mobility. Central to Life Remodeled’s mission is cultivating 'thriving class neighborhoods'—communities where residents are empowered, ambitious, and proud to invite others in. The episode closes with a call to action to visit liferemodeled.org to volunteer or learn more.