press release

VWB Research takes On Michigan

VWB Research, based in Columbus, Ohio, has entered into a contract with the State of Michigan to complete an evaluation of existing housing trends in all of Michigan's larger communities (excluding Detroit) that have populations of 30,000 and above. The scope of the survey will include an analysis of all conventional, market-rate rental and for-sale condominium housing, area employment, available educational opportunities, local medical and social services, entertainment venues, and other individual market components and aspects that specifically affect the geographic area of study. The report will be completed in the summer of 2007.

The analysis will also focus on specific "life-style" segments within the areas of study, with special emphasis and attention paid to demographic similarities and differences found among the various Michigan markets. The intent of the study is to identify the types of rental housing that are successful in Michigan's smaller, urban locales. More importantly, the analysis will seek to quantify the reasons for success or failure, within a given market, and provide strategies for future development.