Building Love Into the Walls: How a Former Detroit Space Became a Home for Justice
Some buildings are renovated to look better — and some are renovated to do better. In this episode of Tangible Remnants, Nakita Reed highlights the story of Detroit’s Love Building, an accessible, community-rooted space intentionally designed for justice-focused organizations. What was once an aging, inaccessible structure is now a vibrant home for nonprofits led by and serving Detroiters, thanks to the dedication of the Detroit Justice Center, Allied Media Projects, and a team of architects and partners who believed the building could become a model for equity-centered design. From widening hallways to creating sensory rooms to ensuring every floor is accessible to every body, the Love Building reflects what happens when community needs—not just code requirements—guide every decision.
The episode pulls back the curtain on the messy, hopeful, deeply human process of making a building truly inclusive. Fundraising hurdles, design challenges, and construction realities all shaped the journey, but so did joy, collaboration, and the power of rooting a project in shared values. The result is more than a renovated building; it’s a physical expression of care, belonging, and liberation. As Nakita and her guests remind us, when we reimagine existing spaces with intention, we don’t just preserve history — we create futures built on dignity and connection.
3 Key Takeaways
1. Accessibility must be centered from the very beginning.
The team designed with real people in mind — not just ADA minimums — resulting in wider hallways, accessible restrooms, elevators, and sensory-responsive spaces.
2. Values-driven design shapes better outcomes.
Every choice, from materials to shared spaces, was grounded in the organizations’ collective values of justice, healing, and community.
3. Adaptive reuse can become a tool for liberation.
Reviving an existing building allowed the teams to honor Detroit’s history while creating a space that supports present-day movement work.
Want the Full Story?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Tangible Remnants to hear how the Love Building came to life through collaboration, courage, and community.
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