Bryan Christie’s depiction of Hantz Farms.
In order to ameliorate the situation of diminishing population and the stunted economy of Detroit, multimillionaire John Hantz, of Hantz Financial Services, is proposing to invest $30 million to the cause of developing urban farming in Detroit. The agriculture to follow, to take form as pods or “lakes” of farms, is likely to assist in supporting in local businesses through supplying markets and restaurants with fresh produce, inciting tourism, and, ultimately, attract investors to the newly prospering land market.
The empty land, which can sustain three times the population it is currently housing, will be used to build large-scaled farms for profit. These modernized pastures will be tourist friendly, intended to be lakes around 300 acres large with room around it for future development from potential investors. Hantz hopes to attract sightseers with trellised system growing, in neat, compact lines, in contrast to the rural produce picking with which we have become accustomed. The initial crops will be lettuce and heirloom tomatoes based upon the soil compactness of the abandoned residential areas. Hantz Farms is designed to be visually stunning and utilize cutting edge technology. There are plans to implement compost heated greenhouses along with hydroponic and aeroponic systems to reduce cramping while increasing productivity within the given space. “Detroit could be the nation’s leading example of urban farming and become a destination for fresh, local and natural foods and become a major part of the green movement… Hantz Farms will transform this area into a viable, beautiful and sustainable area that will serve the community,” Hantz says.
Phase one of Hantz’s plan is to begin in the spring of 2010 with 50 to 70 acres on the east side of the city, to which the American Institute of Architects (AIA) deems “… particularly well suited to become a pioneer in urban agriculture at a commercial scale.” In the meantime, the farms will be using conventional farming techniques before perhaps going organic, which takes 3 years to attain certification. After receiving approval from the city officials, work would commence immediately and is hoped to be completed within six months.
Via the Huffington Post
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