Austin has long held a passion and affinity for big cities and unique development projects. One of his elementary school science projects was on the "Design of the Renaissance Center" and the relationship between tall buildings and wind velocity.
As an undergraduate student at Cornell, Austin spent six months studying abroad in Rome, Italy. While in Italy, Austin visited more than 20 Italian cities studying urban redevelopment and community development projects. Austin also spent a semester studying and working in Washington, D.C., as an intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for Urban and Metropolitan Policy. Cornell-in-Washington students lived and took classes at the Cornell Center located near Dupont Circle and Rock Creek Park.
Initially Austin considered relocating to one of the many cities he had visited, lived, and/or heard great things about. In the end, he decided to come home to Detroit and become actively involved in making the "D" the type of place that he and so many others cherish.
Austin is the founder of City Living Detroit, an organization that promotes living in the city. He also serves on the Boll Family YMCA Advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan Ambassador Board, the Detroit Synergy Advisory Board. In 2006, Austin was recognized by Crain's Detroit Business for the Dream Board of Directors and 20 in their 20s. Realtor Magazine recently recognized Austin as 2010 30 under 30.
Austin lives in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood.
