Richard Heapes

Biography: March 2010 Richard is a nationally recognized expert in the planning and design of urban, mixed-use developments with 30 years of experience in cities around the world. Richard has directed the planning, design and public consensus building for more than fifty “Main Streets” across the country, many of which have been the recipients of national AIA and ULI Awards of Excellence. He is currently leading development consulting work in major urban downtowns, including White Plains, NY and Detroit, Michigan. As developer, Richard led the creation and public education effort for the $285 million Blue Back Square mixed-use development in West Hartford, Connecticut. He is also managing the creation, public consensus effort and design direction for the $1.5 billion District Detroit in downtown Detroit including the $900 million Little Caesars Arena.