Pierre Roberson stands at a podium speaking at an Oakland County press conference in Pontiac July 2026.
At the intersection of comic books and architecture, a young Pierre Roberson discovered what’s continued to be his passion for urban redevelopment. Today, he’s an inspiration to others.
Roberson is a co-founder of Detroit-based architectural firm Framework E and a partner at development venture Endeavour Pontiac Partners — working to build two parking structures in downtown Pontiac that replace the demolished Phoenix Center.
The project is near and dear to his heart, as his architectural work is rooted in designing urban spaces that create opportunities in communities in a state of revitalization.
“It’s about providing communities with what they need to move forward,” Roberson said.
As a child growing up at Joy and Southfield roads in Detroit, Roberson played outside all day — eventually heading inside to read comic books and draw.
Noticing Roberson’s love of comic books and art, his father gifted him a videotape made by Stan Lee, of Marvel Comics fame, that taught Roberson how to draw cities, buildings and structures, using perspective and detail. He fell in love with the work.
“I would draw elaborate visions on an Etch A Sketch,” Roberson said. “Buildings and kitchens and all that. And then kids would show everyone my drawings, and by the time my Etch A Sketch was back in my hands, the drawing would be destroyed. Which was fine; I would just make a new one.”
His talent grew when his brother, who attended Detroit’s Cass Technical High School, took an engineering and drafting class taught by an architect and talked to him about his lessons.
“From that point on, I knew it was a career. I knew it was my calling,” Roberson said.
Creating urban spaces that positively impact people and neighborhoods is why he’s passionate about his involvement in Pontiac.
According to Main Street America, parking is critical to local economies, driving revenue to local businesses and fueling urban resurgence. Endeavour’s project will bring more than 1,300 parking spaces to the downtown area.
Roberson’s involvement doesn’t end with buildings and parking spaces. He’s part of the Pontiac Pathfinders program, which allows emerging developers and professionals to share in the process, as well as introduces local high school students to architecture, engineering and construction careers.
Jermaine Branner is among those who’ve benefited from the Pathfinders program. A lifelong resident of Pontiac, Branner is the managing director of the Pontiac-based Perry Street Property Group and proud to be part of the redevelopment efforts downtown.
“This is an awesome thing,” Branner said. “I’ve been able to help shape local decisions and create a pipeline for residents to learn new skills, like carpentry, so they can be involved as well. It’s been invaluable to learn about the mechanics and know-how of being a developer.”
Roberson believes that mentorship and involvement are critical to the success of Pontiac’s revitalization, and he has a passion for creating access in the communities in which he works.
“It’s the key to a successful project,” he said.
In addition to the two parking structures, Endeavour is working on two mixed-use developments to add retail and housing to downtown Pontiac. Roberson thinks a hotel could be in the works further down the road.
He said, “I’m excited for the future.”
Learn more about the Pontiac Redevelopment Project and subscribe to updates by visiting OaklandCountyMI.gov/DowntownPontiac.
Pierre Roberson gives a tour of the construction site to high school students in Endeavor’s Pontiac Pathfinders Program. 
A group of Oakland County, Michigan officials and business owners at the construction site of Oakland County’s new building in Pontiac during a press conference in July 2026, including County Executive David Coulter, Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Endeavor Pontiac partner Pierre Roberson. 
Pierre Roberson stands at a podium speaking at an Oakland County press conference in Pontiac July 2026.
Invested in Pontiac
My Role
As an architect and a partner at Endeavour Pontiac Partners, I’m helping bring more than 1,300 parking spaces to downtown Pontiac, following the demolition of the Phoenix Center.
Why Pontiac
I live in Oakland County, and much of my work as an architect is centered on helping revitalize communities to bring more economic growth and opportunity, so this project is a great fit.
Why I’m Invested
It’s exciting to be part of an effort to revitalize Pontiac and help design an urban space that will positively impact the people and the neighborhood.
Building Now
Endeavour is currently constructing two parking decks.
Looking Ahead
I’m working on two mixed-use developments to add retail space and housing to downtown Pontiac, with my partners at Endeavour. We’re looking to potentially bring a hotel downtown as well.
Learn More
Pierre Roberson is a co-founder of Framework E, a Detroit-based architectural firm. Visit framework-e.com for more information.
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