Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) hosts the Leaders of Southwest Headquarters “LOS HQ”.
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives hosted their soft opening of their new youth space, “Leaders of Southwest Headquarters” also known as, “LOS HQ”. This event took place in Southwest Detroit. “LOS HQ” is located on the eastward side of UNI’s building on the corner of Senator and Lawndale, three blocks south of W. Vernor. Exact address is: 2026 Lawndale St. Detroit, MI 48209.
The development of “LOS HQ” has been ongoing for the last 4 years, with completion expected within the next year or so. UNI’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members, local youth, partners and mentors were given the opportunity to determine the best use of the space to address the needs of the community and youth. Together, they identified that the space would complement programing offered by UNI and other organizations in the community. “LOS HQ” will be a flexible space that will be driven by youth and home to UNI’s youth programming.
It will also be the new storefront for a youth operated bike shop, Southwest Rides Bikes and Boards. UNI’s Executive Director, Christine Bell, YAB youth members, and AGI contractors were present at the event. They spoke with reporters and residents about the design process.
UNI’s soft opening of “LOS HQ” was a successful one, UNI plans to host a “Grand Opening” closer to the completion of the building. At our soft opening, we had a little over 150 attendees. All following proper COVID-19 protocol.
Local businesses provided food donations: El Asador Steakhouse, El Parian, and La Shish.
About Urban Neighborhood Initiatives: Urban Neighborhood Initiatives is a non-profit organization rooted in Southwest Detroit. UNI was founded in 1997 and has serve the Springwells community for the last 24 years.
UNI’s mission is working with our community to create safe and thriving neighborhoods where people want to live, work and play. We pride ourselves in actively working in our community to bring families, youth and residents opportunities to be involved in the wellbeing of our neighborhoods. Our main areas of work include Youth Development, Education, Land Stewardship and Economic Development.
