City Institute

City Institute Formally DXF, City Institute provides a deeper understanding of Detroit. www.thecityinstitute.com

Formally DXF, City Institute provides a deeper understanding of Detroit and shares lessons learned with other communities to help create an equitable and thriving future for all. Services include in-person and virtual tours, Learning Journeys, workshops, keynotes, and consulting.

2024 Top Tour: Community Engagement Exchange Program participants. For the third time, we took 200 young leaders (ages 2...
02/07/2025

2024 Top Tour: Community Engagement Exchange Program participants. For the third time, we took 200 young leaders (ages 21–27) from 100 different countries on an inspiring tour of Detroit’s innovative businesses and community impact. This U.S. Department of State-sponsored program unites civil society leaders who create positive change in their communities through civic engagement, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Some from this group had never seen snow before coming to Detroit.

Stops included:

Avenue of Fashion - and - , , .

Share your favorite Detroit business with us.

2024 Top Tour: Community Engagement Exchange Program participants. For the third time, we took 200 young leaders (ages 2...
02/07/2025

2024 Top Tour: Community Engagement Exchange Program participants. For the third time, we took 200 young leaders (ages 21–27) from 100 different countries on an inspiring tour of Detroit's innovative businesses and community impact. This U.S. Department of State-sponsored program unites civil society leaders who create positive change in their communities through civic engagement, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Some from this group had never seen snow before coming to Detroit.

Stops included:

Avenue of Fashion - Three Thirteen and Fisher Building - Mature, Pure Detroit, The Peacock Room
Share your favorite Detroit business with us.

We love hosting leaders from other cities on mulit-day Leadership Exchange or Best Practice Trips. Portland leaders came...
02/05/2025

We love hosting leaders from other cities on mulit-day Leadership Exchange or Best Practice Trips. Portland leaders came here and left informed and inspired. We love when we help Detroit become folks favorite place!


We love hosting leaders from other cities on mulit-day Leadership Exchange or Best Practice Trips. Portland leaders came...
02/05/2025

We love hosting leaders from other cities on mulit-day Leadership Exchange or Best Practice Trips. Portland leaders came here and left informed and inspired. We love when we help Detroit become folks favorite place! Greater Portland Inc

Crain’s Detroit Homecoming is an event where native Detroiters who’ve moved away return to discover new developments and...
02/03/2025

Crain’s Detroit Homecoming is an event where native Detroiters who’ve moved away return to discover new developments and businesses while reconnecting with former neighbors and hear updates from current residents about the city’s progress.

During the 2024 Detroit Homecoming, we had the rare opportunity to explore the Turkel House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces, with its current owners. The tour continued through several vibrant neighboring areas, including the Avenue of Fashion and the beloved Good Cakes and Bakes, and 6 Mile developments including a sneak peek at the now open Mockery Zero Proof.

Another interesting fact: The Turkel House, built in 1956 is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Detroit and is unique among Wright’s designs as it features what he called “Usonian Automatic” construction - a system using pre-cast concrete blocks with geometric patterns that were meant to make beautiful architecture more affordable and accessible to middle-class families.

Where would you like to see expats go during the next Homecoming?

This tour is made possible by the Detroit People Mover Through the many ups and downs of Detroit over its existence the ...
01/31/2025

This tour is made possible by the Detroit People Mover

Through the many ups and downs of Detroit over its existence the one thing that has stayed constant is the ability of Detroiters to find joy and beauty in their everyday experiences and to work together to have a positive impact on their neighborhoods despite the challenges they face. On this tour we will share some of the most joyful and inspirational stories of Black Detroiters from the past and present that are part of Downtown’s landscape but that haven’t always gotten the attention they deserve.

Tour Discussion Points include:

- Black architects and artists like Nathan Johnson and Charles McGee
- Longtime Black businesses like Hot Sam’s & Spectacles
- Recently opened Black businesses like Rosa and Parlay
- Black institutions like Second Baptist Church
- Paradise Valley Then and Now

https://app.gopassage.com/events/downtown-detroit-black-stories-tour-small-business-and-design. The tour is free, but registration is required.

Who doesn’t love a bit of positive feedback? Another happy, informed, and engaged local. This is what keeps us going! Ha...
01/28/2025

Who doesn’t love a bit of positive feedback? Another happy, informed, and engaged local. This is what keeps us going! Have you been on one or more of our tours?

Did you know: The iconic Spirit of Detroit statue stands proudly at 26 feet tall in bronze before the Coleman A Young Mu...
01/23/2025

Did you know: The iconic Spirit of Detroit statue stands proudly at 26 feet tall in bronze before the Coleman A Young Municipal Center, embodying the heart and soul of the city.

In 1955, local Detroit sculptor Marshall Fredericks received a commission that would result in what became the largest cast statue created worldwide since the Renaissance era.

Though initially unnamed, the statue earned its title “Spirit of Detroit” organically from Detroiters themselves - a testament to its deep connection with the community.

Looking for a unique gift? Share Detroit’s rich history with loved ones through our Public Tours! Discover more at the link in our bio.

The  Park district has the largest number of individual properties of any district nominated to the National Register of...
01/21/2025

The Park district has the largest number of individual properties of any district nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan.

The Grand River corridor has transformed dramatically, and our tours now showcase the thriving businesses along Grand River Avenue, including Pages Bookstore owned by Susan, Detroit Vegan Soul, and Rosa Cafe owned by .

Rosa Cafe recently received their liquor license and opened a second location. Rosedale Park continues to evolve with improved biking infrastructure and enhanced walkability for current and future residents.

When is the last time you’ve been in Rosedale Park?

START YOUR JOURNEY📍 Want to make your city a talent magnet? We help cities tell their unique stories and create lasting ...
01/13/2025

START YOUR JOURNEY

📍 Want to make your city a talent magnet? We help cities tell their unique stories and create lasting connections. From neighborhood tours to local business spotlights, we're transforming how people experience where they live and work.

🌟 Every city has an amazing story waiting to be told! Our program helps you:
• Attract & keep top talent
• Boost local businesses
• Build an engaged community
• Foster collaboration
Ready to showcase your city's potential?

Let's make your city the place everyone wants to be!

DM us to learn more about making your city a talent magnet!



[email protected]

http://thecityinstitute.com

Have you met Joe ? As the Executive Director of the  he’s been instrumental in transforming the community. Many of our t...
01/07/2025

Have you met Joe ? As the Executive Director of the he’s been instrumental in transforming the community. Many of our tours in 2024 featured the Corporation’s remarkable work. What do you do with a corridor that has just 36 percent occupancy? This is part one of that conversation, where we hear from leaders making real changes in the city we all call home.

We concluded the year with a private tour for , , and   team members. Our private tours help teams understand and apprec...
01/03/2025

We concluded the year with a private tour for , , and team members. Our private tours help teams understand and appreciate where they live and work, and are available for companies, organizations, and groups of all sizes. The bus tour included stops Book Tower, New Lab, Michigan Central and finished at Garden Bowl the oldest operating bowling alley in Detroit.

Have you been to Garden Bowl before?

The You can in Michigan Tour This tour was apart of a 3 part field trip taking college students on a guided tour of Detr...
01/02/2025

The You can in Michigan Tour

This tour was apart of a 3 part field trip taking college students on a guided tour of Detroit to explore historic places, great opportunities and all that Michigan has to offer - featuring stops at the Book Tower ,Third Man Records, and Michigan Central.
The Goal: Growing the population
In partnership with the

2024 was an incredible year of Tours at City Institute! In Part One of our favorite tours recap, we highlight three stan...
12/30/2024

2024 was an incredible year of Tours at City Institute! In Part One of our favorite tours recap, we highlight three standout experiences:

Ally brought Jennifer Hudson to explore Detroit's vibrant communities with 50 HBCU students. Our Leadership Detroit tour connected local leaders with transformative neighborhood initiatives. The Midwest Innovation with Dug Song Duo Security was transformational for the indivduals who attended.

Stay tuned for Part Two featuring more memorable tours that shaped our year of community engagement and learning!

We're thrilled with the success of our three-part field trip series! Watching students discover the vibrant spirit of Fl...
12/27/2024

We're thrilled with the success of our three-part field trip series! Watching students discover the vibrant spirit of Flint and connect with local entrepreneurs and artists was truly inspiring. A huge thank you to all the students who participated and our amazing partners who made these tours possible.

The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed throughout these visits remind us why we do this work. From the creative energy at the Flint Institute of Arts to the innovative spirit at 100K Ideas, every stop showcased what makes our community special.

If you'd like to stay updated about future opportunities to explore Michigan's vibrant communities with us, make sure to follow us here.

Happy Holiday from The City Institute Team. Please take this to slow down and show gratitude. We can’t wait to see you i...
12/25/2024

Happy Holiday from The City Institute Team. Please take this to slow down and show gratitude. We can’t wait to see you in 2025.

We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour experience! Our goal is to create engaging, personalized tours that b...
12/20/2024

We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour experience! Our goal is to create engaging, personalized tours that both inform and entertain. Thank you for your wonderful feedback - it means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience soon!

12/19/2024

Welcome to one of our most requested and favorite stops! is a community and economic nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the E. Warren corridor. They help local and small businesses grow and thrive.

Currently, they’re transforming a former Pizza Hut into a community kitchen.

Address

440 Burroughs Street, #118
Detroit, MI
48202

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13138839141

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