Kyle Smitley, a prominent figure in the education landscape of Detroit, Michigan, has recently embarked on an ambitious project that could transform the future of the city’s middle school education. Smitley is the founder and executive director of Detroit Achievement Academy and Detroit Prep, both of which have made significant strides on the education front since their openings in 2013 and 2016, respectively. This summer, after years of indecision, she purchased the historic Levi Barbour Intermediate School for a reported $3.2 million.
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The decision to buy the colossal building, which has lay vacant for over two decades, marked a significant turning point for Smitley. Spanning 186,000 square feet, the former school is poised to undergo a substantial renovation estimated at nearly $29.5 million, transforming it into a new home for Detroit Prep. Smitley’s vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; she hopes the revitalisation will serve as a cornerstone for the community and establish a new benchmark for urban middle schools.
In an exclusive interview, Smitley reflected on the process that led to her change of heart regarding the Barbour building. “We have been staring at Barbour for 10 years,” she said. Its proximity to Detroit Prep, where students and families often passed by its deteriorating façades, played a pivotal role in her realisation that the building was an integral part of the school’s environment. For years, it had been a “beautiful, decaying presence” visible to the school community.
Smitley had previously toured the historic site when searching for space for Detroit Prep. The initial allure of Barbour’s grand architecture—a mix of spacious hallways and large windows—was evident to her, yet the daunting task of revitalising such an extensive structure deterred her from pursuing the project. Having overseen a lengthy and complex renovation of her current school that faced hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smitley had vowed to avoid another similar undertaking.
However, an unexpected encounter with a local grandmother changed her perspective. The grandmother expressed hopes that Smitley would reconsider and invest in the Barbour building, prompting a shift in Smitley’s thinking. Coupled with the awareness that more than 1,000 children were on Detroit Prep’s waiting list, the realisation that the community needed more resources led her to reassess her previous stance.
Moreover, the building’s owner approached her with the real possibility of discussion about a sale, which eventually solidified her decision. “Eventually, I had to consider the possibility that perhaps the entire neighbourhood was right and I was the problem,” Smitley remarked. Taking the plunge into this monumental project, she acknowledges that the $3.2 million acquisition was merely the beginning.
The breakdown of the renovation budget reveals substantial investment decisions; approximately $17.5 million is earmarked for the primary construction contract, while the rest is allocated for architecture, engineering, and various administrative costs. Smitley’s financing strategy involves a mix of philanthropy and tax credits, alongside a significant permanent debt of roughly $22 million. As she tirelessly works to fundraise, her goal is to alleviate the financial burden on the school in the long run.
In addition to the financial hurdles, the renovation process will necessitate modernising various building systems, including plumbing, electrical, and fire safety measures. But Smitley is committed to preserving the building’s historical charm. Her vision includes creating open spaces that harness natural light, though this requires creatively addressing the safety issues inherent in such features.
Construction is anticipated to commence once the financing is secured, projected for completion around 2029. Smitley hopes the renovated Barbour building will feel like a warm and inspiring environment for students. “I want it to feel good. Calming. Bright. Joyful. Inspiring. Like someone thought very carefully about the children who would spend their days there,” she explained.
Importantly, the project resonates on a personal level for Smitley, who envisions her daughters attending the school in the future. She described it as “a love letter to our kids and our neighbourhood,” highlighting the emotional stakes involved. Through sharing the project’s development on social media, Smitley has captivated many, with her videos amassing substantial views. Community members have engaged with her vision, often contemplating similar projects in their own neighbourhoods.
Reflecting on her journey, Smitley conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to channel her experiences into this transformative project for Detroit. “It is truly the honour of my career to get to do this,” she affirmed, embracing both the responsibility and the excitement that comes with shaping the educational landscape for future generations. “I plan to have a ridiculous amount of fun making it beautiful,” she concluded.