We want to hear from you!
After nearly three years of listening and sharing, we have heard clearly what many Cooley residents desire to be done with Cooley High School, and there is strong unity in the community as it relates to partnering with Life Remodeled. We’ve received survey responses and petition signatures from more than 1,000 Cooley residents and alumni who are ready for Life Remodeled to begin the work, and more than 30 letters of support from key Cooley community leaders and several of Detroit’s most influential civic leaders. Additionally, we have signed LOI agreements with nine dynamic organizations who have committed to lease more than 80% of the building and deliver impactful opportunities directly requested by Cooley community members.
Our goal is to transform Cooley High School into an opportunity hub for Detroiters of ALL ages. It would be similar to our current Durfee Innovation Society, but adapted to the ideas, hopes and dreams of Cooley community residents and alumni. The Durfee Innovation Society is home to nearly 40 of Detroit's best-and-brightest nonprofits and several amazing businesses committed to creating opportunities for all Detroiters in the areas of youth programming, jobs, and community resources. 72% of the organizations located at the Durfee Innovation Society are led by People of Color, and 72% are also led by women. The building is 100% occupied and financially self-sustainable, meaning no additional donations are needed for operations.
Additionally, Life Remodeled desires to provide five years of neighborhood beautification, blight removal and free home repairs. Home repairs include the choice of a new roof, new windows, or new furnace.
Cooley High School has been sitting vacant and rotting since 2010… the windows and much of the copper have been ripped out, there was a fire that decimated the auditorium, and there are substantial active roof leaks that are on the verge of destroying the very foundation of this building beyond repair if they aren’t repaired soon. Even though all of this is true, the story of Cooley High School does not have to be over. We have an opportunity to put this facility to use - in ways community members want - before it’s too late.
If we are able to move forward and purchase Cooley High School, our approach will always be transparent and equitable with community leadership and involvement throughout the entire development process.
We need your input to ensure the Cooley Legacy Continues! Please sign this petition if you attended Cooley High School or you currently live near Cooley. Please also complete this survey if you live within the 4.5 square mile area illustrated in the map above.
Who is Life Remodeled?
There’s a lot of talk but not enough walk when it comes to revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods. We believe Detroiters have all the talent they need, but many aren’t getting access to all the opportunities they deserve. Therefore, Life Remodeled repurposes vacant school buildings into one stop hubs of opportunity for entire families to thrive. We fill these iconic buildings with the best and brightest nonprofit organizations who are providing youth programs, workforce development, and human services to tens of thousands of students and community members each year. We help our nonprofit tenants collaborate and create far greater life transformation together than was previously possible alone. Together, we ensure three things:
Detroit students perform at or ABOVE grade level in math and reading
Families have access to essential health and wellness services
Community members obtain higher paying jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency
