Zoning Approval for Detroit Medical Marihuana Caregiver Centers

From City of Detroit FAQ
http://www.detroitmi.gov/How-Do-I/Find/Medical-Marihuana-FAQs

1. A Medical Marihuana Caregiver Center (MMCC) is a business operated by a registered primary caregiver that engages in activities authorized by the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2008, MCL 333.26421, et seq. (the "Act"), which include cultivation, consultation or distribution of medical marihuana to a primary caregiver’s registered qualifying patients as defined by the Act, or performs other activities pertaining to medical marihuana authorized by the Act. 
2.  All proposed MMCC’s in The City of Detroit must initiate the process to get zoning approval and a business license within 30 days of the effective date of the zoning ordinance. (March 1, 2016) 
3.  If you are currently operating a business, conducting activities related to medical marihuana, and are eligible to apply for an MMCC under the City’s ordinances, you will have until March 31st to begin the application process. 
4.  An MMCC must get zoning approval, a permit, Certificate of Occupancy and a business license in order to be legal. 
5. MMCC’s are permitted, on a conditional basis, in the B2, B4, M1, M2, M3 & M4 Zoning Districts. 
6. Conditional uses require a public hearing and must meet the approval criteria in Section 61-3-231 of the Detroit Zoning Ordinance. If the Conditional Land Use hearing results in a denial, you may to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) within 14 days of your denial. If the BZA denies your appeal you have 21 days to appeal to Circuit Court. 
7. If your location isn't in the proper zoning district or is located within a Drug Free zone or Overlay area, there are no waivers available. 
8.  Four things are required:
   Site Plan Review Application
    Building Permit Application for Change of Use and any construction
    Site Plan, Floor Plan and Elevations of the property (Prepared by a licensed architect or engineer)
    Hearing and SPR Fee: $1160 

Crutcher Studio provides architectural design and planning services for new construction, renovations and additions. Please visit my website at: www.crutcherstudio.com for more information on what we do. If you should have any questions or would like to discuss your current or future project needs, please feel free to contact me.
 Kenneth Crutcher, RA, NCARB
crutcherk@crutcherstudio.com
313-477-1741

Pretty Brow Art & Spa now open

Construction is now complete on the Pretty Brow Art & Spa.  The spa is located in the Westland Mall Shopping Mall, Westland MI.
The spa uses a threading technique to shape eyebrow and facial hair.  They also provide facial treatment and massage.

Are you eligible for home improvement aid?

Citizens Bank is offering to reimburse Detroit homeowners in select areas for half of the costs -- up to $10,000 -- to improve the exterior of their homes.

• Homeowners must live in one of these neighborhoods: North End, Boston-Edison, Virginia Park, Hubbard Farms, Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, University District, East English Village, North Rosedale or Green Acres.

• Home must be insured and up-to-date on taxes.

To apply, go to http://myhome.citizensbanking.com/index.htm .

From Detroit Free Press Full Article here.

Crutcher Studio Rated on Thumbtack.com

Crutcher Studio was rated among the top architects in the Detroit area by the web site thumbtack.com.  Follow this link to see the rating: Architects - Detroit, MI  
Architects, Detroit, MI

Messiah Church Parking Lot Expansion

Accessory Parking lot for Existing Church.  Project will provide an additional 20 parking spaces for the church.  A decorative metal fence and landscape will improve the appearance of the corner.  Scheduled to be completed fall 2011.

Architect's Sketch over Coffee February 2011

The sketch discussion went well.  There were a lot of good questions concerning construction materials, processes and somethings to consider before you decide to renovate.
Item that came up during the discussion:
-The comparison between using metal studs or wood studs for construction. 
-Structural Insulated Panels
-Zoning requirements and yard setbacks.
-Baement or crawl space considerations
-Planning for barrier free accessibility.
Bring your project ideas for an open discussion with me on these and any other building or design related questions you may have.
Next month's discussion (March 11, 2011) will be on the first steps in planning your project.

• When:
  Friday, March 11 from 06:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Where:
  Panera Bread Farmington, MI 48335
  

Email me (crutcherk@crutcherstudio.com) to RSVP.

The Raw Cafe Now open!!

The Raw date is now open for business. Located at Woodward and Willis in Detroit, the Raw Cafe features a raw, vegan menu.
Check out the menu!

Concept for a House in Kenya

I am currently developing a concept for a house in Kenya. The house will have 6 sleeping rooms and will be located on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria.

High School Architecture Exploration Program

I have an opportunity to hold an Architecture Exploration Program for Detroit area High School Students. This program is designed to introduce high school students to careers in the Architecture, Design and Creative Industries. Students will engage in a real world architectural design problem and utilize the current technological tools used by industry to develop high demand, high wage, 21st Century Skills.

Deadline extended

For an application or for more information click here.

Painting and Drawing

I have been exploring painting and drawing in between architectural commissions. Some of my pieces are on my website.

Meals on Wheels

Wednesday my daughters Girls Scout Troop and I helped the Christian Tabernacle Church’s Meals on Wheels 2009 volunteer campaign pack meals for seniors.
We helped pack Thanks Giving meals for 5500 people.

Help support Detroit Meals on Wheels.

Michigan Building Permits

Every community in Michigan has some requirements for the construction or renovation of buildings. One of the first steps to take when planning any construction project (after selecting your architect) is to check with the local building department.
I have begun to compile a list of links to Building and Safety Department websites in Michigan. The contact numbers are on most of the websites. Some communities also have a building permit application available for download.
Feel free to bookmark the site for future reference.

Residential Architect Magazine

I was quoted in the Residential Architect Magazine article paid in full - with their clients caught in the credit vise, architects learn the fine art of bill collection.

Source: residential architect Magazine
Publication date: July 1, 2009

By cheryl weber, leed ap

Full article here

Farmington Schools Facilities Study Committee

Kenneth Crutcher has been selected to participate on the Farmington Schools Facilities Study Committee.
The committee's responsibilities are to:
-Develop a plan and time line for maximizing the use of the District’s facilities with an emphasis on maintaining high quality instructional programs and financial efficiency.
-Establish specific criteria to develop a recommendation for consideration by the Board of Education.
-Determine whether preschool classes should be in centers and/or elementary schools.

The Committee will present the recommendation and rationale to the Board of Education on January 26, 2010.

Open House for The Arts League Of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center

July 21, 2009

Crutcher Studio, Inc. assisted The Harris Design Group with the interior design for the new home for The Arts League of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center. The Arts League of Michigan is a center that develops, promotes, presents and preserves the African and African American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community.

The development of the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center is the next step in the evolution of the organization and moves to establish it and The Arts League of Michigan as major participants in the cultural life of our community and the nation. Named in honor of Virgil H. Carr, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts League of Michigan, this facility will be recognized as the premier center for African and African American cultural arts programs and activities in the nation.

The Carr Center is located in The Harmonie Club, located at 311 E. Grand River. Constructed in 1895, the building and its subsequent club, known as the Harmonie Club was originated by the Harmonie Society, a musical society of German immigrants. Designed in classical Beaux Arts style, the building is four stories embellished by appealing stone work, and carefully designed curving windows, all reminiscent of the best in urban architecture of the late Victorian age.

Pewabic Pottery

I have been invited to join the Pewabic Society, Inc. Board of Trustees.
The Pewabic Society, Inc. founded in 1981, is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Pottery as a ceramic arts learning center, museum/archive and gallery, as well as its cultural and community outreach programs.

The Society ensures that Pewabic continues to serve the nation as a unique common ground where artists and the public share interests and ideas about ceramic arts.

Consider becoming a member

My Daughters

My youngest daughter had her first communion This Sunday. I have to share this their first performance as a string duet. Candice on the Bass and Caitlin on Violin.

Build-Up Detroit/Detroit Sustainability Center

Kenneth Crutcher has been invited to co-chair of the Build-Up Detroit/Detroit Sustainability Center Committee for the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. The Detroit Sustainability Center (DSC) is an element of the Build Up Detroit (BUD) Program developed by Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ). The vision of this program is to establish the groundwork for a green social and economic development paradigm for Detroit that will provide safe and healthy housing, good paying jobs and the restoration of the environment through best practices in the use of land.
Through the development of the DSC, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice has high hopes for raising the profile of sustainable technologies and launching an institution for the city that prepares local citizens for employment in emerging job fields.

Hip Hop Meets Architecture

Kenneth Crutcher is mentioned in the article "Hip Hop Meets Architecture in the Work of U-M Detroit Design Center Prof" By: Dennis Archambault. The article is about the recent book by Dr. Craig Wilkins, "The Aesthetics of Equity," published last year by the University of Minnesota Press.

Ten Ways to Get More from Your Architect Than You Paid For

I have in the past had clients ask for ways to reduce the fees associated with a project. Here is a great article that presents some great ways to get the most out of the services of an architect.

AIA Article