DETROIT, April 2, 2012- Data Driven Detroit (D3), a nonprofit hub for community information, has relocated its Detroit-based headquarters to TechTown, Wayne State University's business incubator at 440 Burroughs in Midtown Detroit.. TechTown converted space typically not available for lease upon learning of D3's urgent need to vacate the Barden Cos. Building following the recent sale of the property.
According to TechTown President and CEO Leslie Smith, TechTown was delighted to be able to support D3 in a time-critical situation, as well as to enlist a powerful information resource to join its ranks.
"TechTown and D3 share a common mission and vision," Smith said. "As catalysts for Detroit's social and economic revitalization, we are now poised to identify and act upon a myriad of opportunities that co-locating may create. Data Driven Detroit's comprehensive research and analyses add a new element to TechTown's toolkit of wraparound services for clients, and give our organization a scientifically valid basis for refining its strategic focus and path forward."
D3's short-term lease converts 2,500 square feet of space, including a former conference room and shared office space for the 22-employee agency. Smith said she is hopeful the agreement will convert into a longer-term arrangement.
D3 Director Kurt Metzger, a former director of the Metropolitan Information Center (MIMIC) program at Wayne State University's Center for Urban Studies, said he is thrilled to be back on familiar soil.
"TechTown and Wayne State are at the epicenter of Detroit's reinvention," Metzger said, "and we are thrilled to jump into the fray and do our part to build that positive momentum."
ABOUT TECHTOWN
TechTown is a community of passionate, diverse people and businesses driven by an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue extraordinary opportunities. Entrepreneurs join TechTown to gain guidance and get connected with resources needed for success. TechTown offers entrepreneurs unique access to Wayne State University's research, academic and technology assets.
By reigniting an entrepreneurial culture, TechTown is fueling business growth, job creation and the revitalization of Detroit's Midtown and beyond. For more information, visit http://www.techtownwsu.org/.
ABOUT DATA DRIVEN DETROIT
D3 provides leadership and expertise in community data collection, evaluation, and research to inform
positive change in Detroit and its metropolitan area. This work supports public, nonprofit, and
philanthropic organizations engaged in human services, education, health, employment, and community
development policy and programs. D3 operates on the belief that better information leads to better
communities and that quality data and research empowers communities.