Th3 Block Development

One Block At A Time At A Time

By Arielle Kilgore and Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Alonzo Stallworth

In life, people often chase the one thing they want the most. That is purpose. For Detroit, MI, native Alonzo Stallworth realized his purpose from years of strife and struggle and ultimately found his way to better ground.

King Yadee is the name given to him by his community. Alonzo also describes himself as a builder, activist, creator, mentor, and child of God. Before he was anything, Alonzo was a lover and creator of music. Music moved and guided him and was a platform for expressing himself and his thoughts. Whatever was happening around Alonzo, music appeared to enhance it. While his passion for music grew, he would begin to see that his musical talents were not part of the plan that God had for him over time. God’s plan was for him to be a father, mentor, and advocate in his community.

Today, Alonzo has found a way to give back to the District 2 Detroit community by way of Th3 Block Develop LLC. His company specializes in home improvement and renovation and educating new homeowners about the homebuying process. Their projects include commercial and residential properites, and mulit unit dwelling. To date, Th3 Block Development has renovated alot of homes, and obtain ownership of a few as well. They also educate anyone interested in learning about home construction and renovation. Some of the other services they offer are construction management, construction, training, and construction planning.

Alonzo shares his company strives to deliver excellent workmanship every day. Their competitive fees and ability to provide outstanding results make their company stand out from others. “Since our founding, we’ve worked hard toward building and maintaining a stellar reputation,” he says. “We provide clients with a wide range of services to cover all their needs. No matter what the project might be, our team of professionals is ready to bring it to life.”

Th3 Block Development is rooted in the heart of the Detroit community. Many of its projects have taken place in Alonzo’s old neighborhood, which is directly tied to Alonzo’s purpose. “When I was a child, it was hard to find a good influence. After losing my parents when I was only five years old, and on my birthday, I became an orphan. I was unintentionally handed to the streets of Detroit. I witnessed homicides and suicides, and after losing my parents, it was hard for me to take the traditional in life. Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great,” he shares.

He credits his uncle, who raised him since he was 12 years old with having a huge impact on his life. His uncle was an entrpernuer and go getter, and made sure that everyone in his family was taken care of. His uncle was also the first person who introduced him to contracting.

Around the time of his birthday in 2018, Stallworth had been receiving signs and messages from God about what he should be doing. This was around the same time the city was taking a turn due to the events that took place in 2008, which caused a lot of families to lose their homes. “We were on a downward spiral. Some blocks became vacant. The deaths and all the killings were adding up. I wanted to do my part to help. I was able to with entrepreneurship and following God’s word. I soon discovered I had the tools to save my city,” Enrolling in school to obtain his builder’s license was Alonzo’s next move.

“Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great.”

After three months of an extraneous process, Alonzo was licensed and ready to work. He came back to his community and gathered some people to help rebuild homes. He targeted his family home first, which was torn down many years before. After rebuilding that home, he opened a house for people to change their lives and learn construction in 2019. Th3 Block Development, which started with just wanting to help the community, was beginning to make a difference. “When we first arrived, it was three abandoned houses on the corner. Today, all three houses are fixed up with families living inside them. If I could grab one house and rebuild it, I think I can make a change,” he said. Well, change has happened as Alonzo’s company has fixed and repaired most of the houses on his block and placed families in them.

Another part of his company is Th3 Stash House. This branch teaches troubled youth how to design clothes and produce music. He has also found time to mentor the next generation of builders.

Alonzo says he loves seeing things completed. “Now the kids can come outside and play basketball on the corner. The corners are clean, and there is no more trash on them. It inspires me to show people the light in a dark place. I work hard to provide a future for my kids and other kids in my community so that can the opportunity of a new beginning.

Alonzo also wants Th3 Block Development to be recognized as one that provides and cares for the wellbeing of its community. The opinions that others who may not live in Detroit varies Alonzo is aware that not all of them are good. He wants to change the narrative. Detroit gave him the grit, and now he can change it for the better since. “I am a diamond in the rough and Th3 Block Development is a company for the community. I am a product of the streets that became a gift to the world. I am Detroit,” he said.

As life continues to happen for Alonzo and Th3 Block Development, he plans to continue to rebuild his community and plant seeds of hope into the lives of others. “I pray to God that I never do anything to stop the growth of this good energy and purpose, God-driven journey that I’m on,” he says.

To learn more or volunteer with Th3 Block Development LLC, please visit their website.