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Another Great Jazz Fest!
Another Great Jazz Fest! 1200 800 sccadmin

The 10th annual Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival was one for the books, with jazz entertainers and jazz lovers converging on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Campus August 8 and 9. The two-day festival featured phenomenal live jazz performed by Kimmie Horne, Demetrius Nabors, David Myles, Amy Decker, Tariq Gardner and Althea Rene. The popular event also included food trucks and boutique vendors. Check out the highlights!

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Playing ball in Southfield Just Got Better
Playing ball in Southfield Just Got Better 1200 800 sccadmin

The City of Southfield and Lawrence Technological University are on a winning streak as plans for construction of an artificial-turf, all-weather softball and baseball field take shape.

With approval by the Southfield City Council to move forward with a September groundbreaking, the field will serve as a dedicated location for LTU’s women’s softball team, which has played without a home field for the last 10 years. Located east of the Southfield ice rink, the field will replace the current recreational softball field and will continue to accommodate recreational leagues as well as community events.

It all began with an anonymous donor who wanted to give back to someone who had impacted his life years earlier. A donation of $500,000 toward the field was his way of saying thank you.

“This exciting state-of-the-art field will feature a press box and other updated amenities, such as painted dugouts, backstop and new scoreboard,” says Terry Croad, AICP, ASLA, City of Southfield Director of Planning. “This reflects a major upgrade for the city’s businesses, schools and residents as it reshapes the local sports landscape.”

According to Kevin Finn, LTU Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, a home field complete with artificial turf is critical for the women’s softball season, which typically runs from February through May. “The all-turf field will provide a more durable playing surface, with necessary drainage to accommodate our wet spring weather.”

The Southfield City Council has approved a total of $2.5 million from all sources for capital improvements to the field, which is expected to be completed spring 2026.

“We’re always trying to make our student experience better, but when we combine this with the City of Southfield, we’re making a better experience for the whole community,” says Finn.

“This project is another great collaboration between the City of Southfield and Lawrence Tech,” adds Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver. “The city and the university are sharing resources to build a better facility for both. The great thing about this project is that LTU’s team will use the field in March and April and then it becomes available for recreational leagues, community events and the Southfield Parks & Recreation spring programming. Everybody wins!”

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Blackacre Management is “Making Real Estate Sexy”
Blackacre Management is “Making Real Estate Sexy” 1200 800 sccadmin

Blackacre Management founder & CEO Dalen Hanna, along with president & managing partner Maha Banno, want to make real estate “sexy again.” And their strategy seems to be working quite nicely for the two whose path to success was anything but traditional.

“We often joke about how most people start in real estate with a single-family home flip. We started with a 50,000-square-foot office building in Southfield,” says Hanna.

From that point in 2018, things have moved quickly. Today, the company is busy revitalizing underutilized and distressed properties through adaptive reuse, converting them into residential and mixed-use communities. “We’re fully integrated now, from acquisitions and construction management all the way up to full stabilization,” Hanna says.

The company’s headquarters is in the original revitalized building in Southfield, where an in-house team focuses on architecture, engineering, finances and management of properties throughout Southeast Michigan. “We’re vertically integrated as much as possible so we’re able to control things,” says Hanna, noting the use of third-party contractors when necessary.

“We have projects in Wayne County, Macomb County and Oakland County,” says Banno. “We just closed on a big project in Detroit, an office-to-multifamily conversion in Troy and we are wrapping up work on the tallest building in Pontiac.” Built in 1925, the 15-story building will feature 114 luxury residential lofts, with retail, office and restaurant space occupying the first four floors.

In addition to offices and lofts, Blackacre’s integrated projects include salon suites and coffee shops.

So where does the sexy come in?

“It started out as a catchy statement to give us the publicity we were looking for,” says Banno. “We just like the name ‘sexy’, because every time we walk through our spaces, we describe them as sexy. And we thought, okay, sexy real estate. And it kind of just stuck with us.

“Now that we’ve built out the lofts in Pontiac, they really are sexy,” Banno says. “This is the track we’re following for all of our properties. We want to set the highest standard. We use the nicest finishes. We don’t cut a single corner.”

“We absolutely love design,” adds Hanna. “We want every property to be recognized as a Blackacre property when you walk in.”

Visit Blackacremgt.com or Sexyrealestate.com.

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Things to do This Fall
Things to do This Fall 1200 800 sccadmin

Enjoy the colors of the Southfield City Centre Trail with a walk, jog or bike ride during lunchtime or after work. The trail features nearly 9 miles of non-motorized pathways, including a 3.5-mile “Inner Loop” where you’ll find several outdoor art installations. The Monarch Butterfly Pollinator Garden, Bumble Bee Sculpture, Tapestry of a Community and Red Pole Park are just a few.

A Bike Share program (with 9 convenient locations]) makes it easy to ride the trail. For a 3.5 guided tour of 26 public works of art and cultural sites along the trail, download the PocketSights app to your mobile device and search “Southfield, Michigan.”

Get out on the green. If you’re a golfer, there’s still plenty of time to tee off for fall golf at the Evergreen Hills Golf Course. Located at the Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road, this 9-hole, par 34, 2,954-yard public course features beautifully landscaped grounds and manicured fairways. Check the Southfield Parks and Recreation Facebook page for more information.

Grab lunch at one of your favorite Southfield restaurants, find an open bench along Evergreen or Civic Center Drive and enjoy all the colors of the season.

For the athlete in you, the Southfield Municipal Campus is home to baseball diamonds, soccer fields and every type of court imaginable, including volleyball, tennis, pickleball, basketball and racquetball.

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Our Rock Snake Garden Needs You!
Our Rock Snake Garden Needs You! 1200 800 sccadmin

The Southfield City Centre kicked off its rock snake garden painting party at the August 14th Eat to the Beat. Afternoon artists (and artists in training) painted rocks that will form our growing rock snake garden.

“Rock snake gardens not only bring people together for a fun, creative experience, they can also create healthy habitats for various types of wildlife,” says Terry Croad, AICP, ASLA, City of Southfield Director of Planning.

For more information about how you can contribute your artistic talents to the rock snake garden, call the Planning Department at 248-796-4150.

In the meantime, here’s what inspired just a few of our rock snake painters:

Kahlah

“I just wanted to give it a try. Painting is a new hobby for me.”

Kellie, Stacy, Jeriesha

“We chose blue and orange paint for DPW and the Detroit Tigers. We’re doing it just for the fun of it.”

Thelma

“I’m inspired by color and butterflies. They bring me joy.”

Anessa

“I love bright colors.”

Shavella

“My rock has an S for Southfield.”

Gabby

“My rock is inspired by flowers.”

Evelyn

“Painting brings me joy.”

Vanzell

“I’m inspired by my view right now: the green grass and blue sky.”

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Apex Digital Solutions Delivers IT Success
Apex Digital Solutions Delivers IT Success 1200 800 sccadmin

Apex Digital Solutions is a Microsoft Solutions Partner providing IT services to small, medium and large size organizations. Based in Southfield, the company’s goal is to help organizations become more secure, productive and engaged by providing them with the latest IT solutions.

The company offers a full range of services, from assisting companies in the transition to cloud-based solutions to strengthening cybersecurity and optimizing existing systems.

“We also offer project-based assistance,” notes Heidi Vogt, vice president of marketing. “For example, if an organization is merging with another organization or acquiring a company, we can help with data and technology migration.”

The company’s broad industry base includes nonprofits such as United Way of Southeastern Michigan as well as organizations in the manufacturing arena.

As a Microsoft partner, Apex Digital Solutions makes sure an organization is getting the most out of its Microsoft investment, notes Vogt. “Whether we’re fully managing their technology or supporting an internal IT team, we guide leadership and staff with insights, updates and best practices to ensure their Microsoft solutions are driving real impact.

“We have a fantastic team that really loves Microsoft, loves tech and just enjoys working in this space.”

As a means of giving back and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, the company recently announced the launch of the Apex Digital Solutions Technology Empowerment Grant. The grant will support one selected 501 (c) (3) nonprofit business, providing up to $25,000 worth of services.

The exact type of service will depend on the company’s needs, says Vogt. “A company might want a technology assessment, where we go in and help them evaluate their current technology environment and provide suggestions to make it more secure or more effective. We might also provide technology road mapping and strategic planning for a company. In this case we’d examine their technology infrastructure, identify any pain points and then lay the groundwork for them to become a more modernized organization.”

The application period for the grant is July 28 through September 8, 2025, with the selected company announced October 3, 2025.

Apex Digital Solutions will also conduct a workshop on August 28, 2025, for all nonprofits interested in learning more about technology best practices. The workshop will be held at Velocity in Sterling Heights.

For more details about the workshop and the Apex Digital Technology Empowerment Grant application process, visit https://apexdigital.com/grant.

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Southfield City Centre proudly celebrates Pollinator Week, June 16 – June 22
Southfield City Centre proudly celebrates Pollinator Week, June 16 – June 22 1200 800 sccadmin

National Pollinator Week is an annual celebration of the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies and agriculture. Southfield City Centre is committed to helping pollinators survive and flourish with our Pollinator Garden, home to a variety of butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Read more about our efforts to protect pollinators here!

The use of pesticides, urbanization and climate change have all contributed to a decline in the population of many pollinators.

Insects, bees, butterflies and even bats move pollen from one flower to another, helping with the reproduction process of flowers, fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplant, as well as seeds and nuts.

While the declining monarch butterfly population has garnered attention in recent years, the dwindling bee population has become the focus of several recent studies.

According to one study by NatureServe, a provider of scientific information for endangered species, more than a third of the assessed native bee species are at risk of extinction. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that 22.6% of assessed pollinator species face an elevated extinction risk, with bees noted as the most threatened.

As experts have reported, bees are especially critical to our food systems as they support more than 35% of global agricultural land. Farmers rely on bees to pollinate their crops. The outlook in some regions of the country is grim with honeybee populations dropping by nearly 40% in the last 10 years. This loss has contributed to struggling farmers whose livelihood is at stake due to shrinking harvests.

Without targeted conservation actions, experts predict the loss of pollinators could have tumbling effects on plant reproduction, wildlife populations and ecosystems.

Southfield City Centre is doing its share to help reverse the country’s dwindling pollinator numbers with the creation of its Pollinator Garden, says Terry Croad, AICP, ASLA, City of Southfield Director of Planning. “Having small, natural areas in a suburban/urban setting like our Pollinator Garden can help these important populations to grow.”

In addition to annuals, perennials and a variety of trees and shrubs that help feed and protect pollinators, nearby colorful sculptures bring recognition to these endangered species. A bee sculpture, the second in a series of art installations, recently joined a dramatic monarch butterfly sculpture, which was installed in 2023.

“These art installations are meant to be whimsical in character but designed to shed light on the decline of our pollinators,” says Croad.

“The Pollinator Garden project goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainability and brings awareness to the decline of pollinators,” says Souzan Yousif, ENV SP, LEED AP, Sustainability Planner with the Southfield Planning Department. “We hope to inspire other communities to design similar gardens to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators to urban areas.”

SIDEBAR

What can you do to help protect bees and other pollinators?

  • Plant native plants and flowers, which provide food and shelter.
  • Reduce pesticide use by choosing organic gardening methods.
  • Support beekeepers by purchasing local honey.
  • Spread awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators.
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LTU completes a great year, looks forward to fall
LTU completes a great year, looks forward to fall 1200 800 sccadmin

From hundreds of graduates awarded degrees at Spring Commencement, to hundreds of students from around the world winning trophies and medals at a thrilling robotics competition, it was a busy and productive spring at Lawrence Technological University.

The happiest day at LTU, Commencement, took place May 10, with a 10 a.m. ceremony for LTU’s Colleges of Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences, and the SPECS@LTU communications programs, and a 1:30 p.m. ceremony for the Colleges of Engineering and Business and Information Technology. Filmmaker, writer, political satirist, and comedian Negin Farsad provided inspiring remarks about the value of college education, not just in class but in the art of living a full life, and encouraged graduates to have a positive outlook about making the world a better place, no matter what. “Right now being cheerful and in community is an act of hope, and an act of defiance,” she said.

A week later, May 15-17, over 700 middle and high school students from around the world, and their parents and coaches, packed LTU’s campus and area hotels for the 26th annual Robofest competition—a robotics competition where the robots are controlled by software, not joysticks, like robots in real-world industry.

LTU also raised thousands of dollars for scholarships May 17 at its second annual Scholarship Gala, held this year at the gloriously refurbished Michigan Central Depot in Detroit.

Also during the semester came a major milestone, with LTU classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to its new R-Research Colleges and Universities category. The reclassification recognizes recent strong growth in Lawrence Tech’s research activity, including sponsored research funding and investment in research scholarship.

In January, LTU also played a significant role at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, with its Centrepolis Accelerator and its involvement in the CES Michigan Mobility Pavilion. The pavilion, anchored by LTU and Modal Motors, showcased companies shaping the future of mobility, electrification, and sustainable technologies.

Looking ahead, LTU’s fall semester starts Aug. 25, the first LTU football game is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, and LTU’s Homecoming will take place Saturday, Sept. 27.

For the full schedule of all LTU athletic teams, visit ltuathletics.com. And for the full schedule of all LTU academic activities, visit ltu.edu/academics-calendar/

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Vintage Fashion Show a Great Success
Vintage Fashion Show a Great Success 1200 800 sccadmin

The stars came out for this year’s Art and Vintage Fashion Show May 16th as student models from the Southfield Arts and Technology Dance Company were joined by honorary host and actress Selma Blair, a native of Southfield.

The event attracted enthusiastic fashionistas who enjoyed a wine & cheese reception, DJ-inspired music and vintage fashion provided by Fantoni Vintage Couture, a popular Berkley clothing store.

The former Skyline Club at 2000 Town Center was once again the scene of the event, hosted by The Friends of Southfield Public Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to procuring, transporting, installing and restoring art for public enjoyment.

Blair charmed the audience with her warm presence and energy, honored to be part of “such an inclusive and inspirational” event.

Fantoni owner Jeffrey Ligan introduced the models as they sashayed down the runway in couture fashion from the 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and previously sold in such popular Detroit stores as J.L. Hudson’s, B. Siegel, Winkelman’s, Himelhoch’s, Jacobson’s and Bonwit Teller. “This was our second successful fashion show, marked by an energetic crowd and dazzling display of vintage fashion,” said Southfield Mayor Kenson J. Siver. “This event helps us support the arts in a unique way and, of course, we were thrilled to have Selma Blair as our honorary host.”

“This was our second successful fashion show, marked by an energetic crowd and dazzling display of vintage fashion,” said Southfield Mayor Kenson J. Siver. “This event helps us support the arts in a unique way and, of course, we were thrilled to have our own Selma Blair as our honorary host.”

The event not only highlighted the elegance of bygone eras but also celebrated the talents of local artists, including Michelange Francois-Hemsley, Lionnell Hurst, Jonathan Kimble, Carole Morisseau, Rosemary Summers and Oshun Williams.

Funds from the fashion show will go toward public art projects, including a signature piece by famed Mexican sculptor Sebastian. His sculpture will be part of the 9 Line project, which represents a regional pathway system that will span 30 miles along Nine Mile Road through the communities of Hazel Park, Ferndale, Oak Park, Southfield, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, Lyon Township and South Lyon.

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Sapphire Delivers High-Tech Solutions
Sapphire Delivers High-Tech Solutions 1200 800 sccadmin

High-tech businesses are nothing new in the city of Southfield, but nowhere is technology, fueled by artificial intelligence, more advanced than at the North American headquarters of Sapphire Stream Technology Corporation, located in the Southfield Town Center.

Sapphire is a multi-faceted company providing a variety of industries with intelligent operating systems, products and services. At the forefront is the company’s focus on the automotive/mobility industry, offering the most advanced design and engineering products and services, including smart interior displays (cockpits) and intelligent operating systems.

A new paradigm

A key differentiator is Sapphire’s ability to accomplish this with localized customer support that aligns with today’s reshoring efforts.

To this end, says Michael Darrow, Sapphire Vice President of Business Development, “Our goal is to grow the company with Michigan resources comprising our core business and partnership ecosystems.”

According to Darrow, Sapphire was established to align with the strategic direction of many OEMs who no longer do business offshore. “We give OEMs the opportunity to work with us directly, without having to deal with issues such as software ban proposals or tariffs.”

The ultimate plan, he says, is to fill Sapphire’s entire core business with talent from Michigan. This includes software developers, software engineers and other resources.

AI advancements

Having watched its growth for nearly a decade, Darrow knows AI, and he’s helping lead the way in AI technology in the automotive/mobility sector.

“Today’s version of AI, known as generative AI, is modeled after a human brain,” he says. “Current AI platforms can learn and think on their own. Unlike earlier AI models that had to be taught, gen AI generates its own knowledge to create new, original content and makes its own decisions.

“In the cockpit, for example, the cameras around the vehicle that transfer images to your car’s cockpit display now have AI built into them. They don’t need separate ultrasonic sensors to notify you of any obstacles,” notes Darrow.

Although Sapphire has opportunities in other industries such as construction and mining, Darrow says the most potential for growth is in the automotive/mobility sector.

“Our goal is to integrate our technology seamlessly into automotive/mobility,” he says. For OEMs this means helping to meet their strategic direction. For drivers and passengers, it means making things smarter, more intuitive and safer.

The next frontier

If much of this technology sounds futuristic, Darrow says the company has its eye on even more advanced AI tech within the eVTOL, or electric vertical takeoff and landing transportation, market.

“A lot of the OEMs are partnering with aviation companies. There’s regulation carry-over in manufacturing because these eVTOLs are like cars with propellers.,” he says. “We’re looking to expand into this next frontier in transportation.”

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