Who We Are
Detroit Rising Development is a real estate development group that is making a name for itself through innovative concepts and strong partnerships. DRD’s goal is to invest long-term in emerging neighborhoods and to develop obsolete properties by adding value and building strong relationships.
DRD is the group behind food hall projects like Detroit Shipping Co. and Lansing Shuffle, both centrally located restaurant collectives, beer gardens, and more—both housed in dramatic, beautiful unique spaces. Other projects include Livonia Athletic District, Lansing74 Apartments, The Beaubien House, Peterboro Hotel, the Pedaler Building, and more.
Jonathan Hartzell
Developer/Director of Acquisitions and Programming – General Partner
Jon’s entrepreneurial spirit comes naturally to him, as he started his first business while still pursuing his BBA from Northwood University. In 2011, he then founded Facilities Management Group and expanded the company by securing contracts with major food and beverage franchises across the Midwest. Most recently, he’s combined his life experiences and passions to develop Detroit Shipping Company and then found Detroit Rising Development.
Jon has also served as a Board Member for Midtown Detroit Inc(MDI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit planning and development organization, since 2016. MDI supports the physical maintenance of the Midtown Detroit Neighborhood, while working to enhance the public awareness, appreciation, and use of the district. Its predecessor organizations, the University Cultural Center Association(UCCA) and New Center Council, have been working to encourage new mixed income housing, increased visitor-ship to area attractions, new commercial activity, and infrastructure investments throughout the Midtown/New Center districts.
Jon is motivated to contribute to the driving force that is revitalizing Detroit and cities like it across the country.
Kirstie Ducourouble
Development Project Manager
Kirstie brings considerable experience in commercial real estate development finance, brownfield incentives and economic development tools. Her knowledge in these areas and network of relationships at the City of Detroit makes her a critical asset in terms of coordinating tasks and keeping development projects on schedule. She is passionate about community design and how thoughtful and intentional development can build social connections and improve quality of life.
Kirstie was named a Crain’s Detroit Business ’20 in their Twenties’ and was among their ‘2020 Notable Women in Finance,’ recognized for her dedication to the revitalization of the City and highly sought after work ethic. Kirstie graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community, Environment and Development and moved to metro Detroit in 2014. She has worked on transformational projects like Orleans Landing (Detroit), The Freelon at Sugar Hill (Detroit), Kingsley Condominiums (Ann Arbor) and the Detroit Assembly Complex on Mack (Detroit). At DRD, Kirstie oversees the development and construction of the company’s projects including financial modeling, securing debt and equity, obtaining city entitlements, and selecting and managing consultants and contractors.
