Hubbard Farms Residence (hubbard homestead).
(In progress, intermediate) This triplex in Hubbard Farms is an ongoing project in our work. The emphasis is on green systems and modeling an integrated indoor/outdoor space on a typical city parcel. This historic structure will feature two flats and a loft space, with both front and back gardens focusing on food production and pollinator support. When complete, one unit will be allocated for an artist, one for visiting scholars and researchers who need extended short-term housing, and one for local residents. The units have a strong design focus, centering on architectural salvage and upcycling. The gardens have been developed and while always a living, mutable project, have reached some maturity in terms of food production: the lot features 2 peach trees, 4 berry bushes, a fig tree, 2 apple trees, a pear tree, 2 kiwi vines, 3 grape vines, a mulberry tree and 2 hazelnut bushes.
Springwells Residence (spring house).
(Mature, ongoing) Initially completed in 2017, this single family residence has provided affordable housing for community activist-scholars in alignment with our mission. During the rehab, community service learning opportunities were available to demonstrate “green rehab” techniques, such as blown cellulose insulation, replacing windows and external doors with energy efficient upgrades, and an approach which focused on preservation, deconstruction and salvage re-use as primary methods. This was an ongoing project as the house became more integrated with the adjacent community garden, leveraging gutters and grey water to support irrigation and microecology. During COVID and immediately after, the project flagged with multiple legal and financial challenges; we experimented with different approaches, including a land contract. In 2024, the house returned to our oversight and in 2025, we are completing a more comprehensive rehab and development to repair extensive vandalism damage and elevate the concept to the next level. It currently provides housing for staff and volunteers.
Springwells Garden (spring field).
(Intermediate, ongoing) Adjacent to our residence house, 1/2 block from Patton Park and 3 blocks from Patton Recreation Center, this garden was started as a fruit oasis. We planted pear, peach, plum and cherry, as well as mixed berries. In the right of way, we rooted apple, more cherry, apricot, fig and nectarine trees. The site was one of the original demo sites in Detroit, and therefore there is an assumption that the soil is compromised and may have debris buried. As a result, we have been using a meadow landscape approach for passive soil remediation, focusing on planting native pollinators, clover and supportive plants. Using permaculture principles, the topography is planned to morph into a demonstration use of swales and berms, as well as integrating run-off from surrounding structures as a comprehensive water management strategy. This garden is a semi-private communal space for neighbors on the block as a shared food garden. At the moment, we are engaged in an existential battle with a groundhog.
Chadsey-Condon Residence & Gardens (condon estate).
(Nascent, transferred) This site was the original planned permaculture site with adjacent community house. The two parcels were slated for garden development to engage local youth in growing vegetable and herb centric crops within permaculture methodology. Because of Condon’s abundant green space, it had the most potential for a spillover effect within the community, organizing around multiple sites managed by residents. We established a bee hive and completed a design for the site and renovation. Constraints and requirements in developing the house were revealed over time and thought to be prohibitive, so Crow House moved its focus to the Springwells site. The three parcels were conveyed through a land contract to a low-income buyer. Crow House was pleased to have facilitated this first time home ownership.
(blue ridge homestead).
(Intermediate, in progress) A new single family residence addition to our work is located down south. Its mission is to provide affordable housing for community activist-scholars in alignment with our mission. It is currently being rehabbed with our hallmark “green rehab” techniques, such as blown cellulose insulation, replacing windows and external doors with energy efficient upgrades, and an approach which focuses on preservation, deconstruction and salvage re-use as primary methods. This is our first site with installed solar, which was completed in December 2024, and the conversion to high efficiency appliances for heating/cooling, hot water, etc is part of the comprehensive rehab. As with all of our projects, the land is being consciously cultivated with long term food production and permaculture principles: thus far, 2 berry bushes, apple, plum, pear, cherry and pomegranate trees have been planted, in addition to native pollinators and medicinal herbs. This residence is expected to house a family by end of Spring 2026.
(oak city condo).
(Intermediate, in progress) A new residence addition to our work is located down south. Its mission is to provide affordable housing for community activist-scholars and advisory directors in alignment with our mission. It is currently being rehabbed with our hallmark “green rehab” techniques, emphasizing energy efficient upgrades, natural materials and architectural salvage upcycling as primary methods. This residence is expected to house a family by Jan 2026.