GARAGE TALKS: Field Notes from Detroit

GARAGE TALKS is a news series of talks, panels, gatherings hosted by the Troy Innovation Garage that will explore issues of community, urbanism and design in Troy and the greater Capital Region. The inaugural event will be a talk by New York Times journalist Reif Larsen entitled “The 21st-Century City: Habitats of Contact” about his experience reporting a story on Detroit’s current urban renaissance. Following the talk, a panel of local city organizers will discuss some of the lessons from the Motor City and potential parallels to initiatives underway in Troy.

“The 21st-Century City: Habitats of Contact”

How do we activate 20th-century industrial infrastructure into 21st-century playgrounds of creativity and innovation? How do we reimagine abandoned spaces into dynamic cultural marketplaces? How do we bring people out of their cars and onto sidewalks, into parks, markets, incubators, plazas, waterfronts, museums and studios? Using the case study of Detroit, we’ll look at some of the ways the Motor City has overcome its challenges and evolved into one of the more exciting urban centers in America. Link to NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/20/travel/detroit-michigan-downtown.html

Joining us on the discussion will be TAPs Executive Director along with with a few talented folks in Troy:

-Heidi Knoblauch, owner of Plumb Oyster Bar, CEO of Receipt HQ and soon to be chair of city Industrial Development Agency -Liz Reiss, CEO, The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy-based arts, education and cultural center -Emily Menn, Managing Partner of DHR Properties and owner of 10 residential buildings around Downtown Troy -Jeff Mirel, Executive VP of The Rosenblum Companies and founder of Albany Barn -Ryan Silva, President of NYS Economic Development Council and former aide to Governor Cuomo, as well as long time Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce staff member -Mayor Madden will be swinging by to say hello