Life Remodeled is in the process of acquiring a 7.55-acre site in the Denby neighborhood on Detroit’s eastside, which had been the site of the Winans Performing Arts Academy after it was the site of Dominican High School from 1940 to 2005. 

The building, located at 9740 McKinney Street, offers more than 87,000 square feet, including more than 50,000 square feet that could be leased by Life Remodeled nonprofit partners to bring afterschool youth programs, workforce development programs and health and wellness resources to the Denby community. 

“The Durfee Innovation Society and Life Remodeled have been such a blessing to my entire family and our lives! The programming that has been provided has given my grandson, Ke’Von Thomas, so many opportunities that he may not have had from anywhere else. He has learned how to build robots that actually move in the Robotics program. He’s a member of the Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, and he loves it. He’s learning how to play lacrosse, violin and chess which is so amazing to us!

After virtual schooling for so long during the pandemic and not being able to be with his friends, DIS has given Ke’Von his joy of life back. He looks forward to coming into the building for his afterschool programming. He also enjoys waking over to the DIS from Durfee with his friends. The staff and tenants throughout the building are warm and welcoming. We are treated like family there, and it’s the best feeling ever.

A place like DIS is important to the community because it provides a safe haven for both children and adults to participate in family oriented activities. It also provides much needed resources and supplies to improve the quality of life for the community residents. This community is blessed to have the Durfee Innovation Society in the heart of our community. You all are truly appreciated!”
– Deborah Nobles