Press Releases

New and renovated space to strengthen Eastern Market, surrounding district, and regional food economy through entrepreneurship and education

DETROIT – (May 1, 2015) - Eastern Market Corporation, the nonprofit corporation that operates Detroit's historic Eastern Market, a public market that has served Detroit since 1891, announces the completion of its $8.5 million Shed 5 project. The enhanced and restored Shed 5 will open to the public on Saturday May 2, 2015.

The components of the project include:

Eastern Market Community Kitchen: This signature community asset is designed to be a visible incubator for the growing Detroit food economy. The fully-licensed kitchen will be immediately used by entrepreneurial food businesses with space for community education about cooking and nutrition. The kitchen is a part of the Detroit Kitchen Connect program, a city-wide network to grow neighborhood food businesses and the local food economy.

Kitchen Commons: Seven days a week, this space will be used to host community events that previously could not have been hosted at Eastern Market, including those focused on health and nutrition.

DTE Energy Foundation Plaza: This addition to the Eastern Market experience fills a public space void. In 2013, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology report listed Eastern Market as one of the top public spaces in the United States despite not having a “dedicated gathering space.” The Plaza, just outside Shed 5 along Russell Street, will be that outdoor gathering space, with seating, entertainment and its own food options.

“The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to be a part of the public-private collaboration that led to the upcoming re-dedication of Shed 5, which supports Michigan artisans and small businesses," said Faye Nelson, vice president, Public Affairs, DTE Energy, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “Our contribution to the project – a $750,000 grant to support the development of the DTE Energy Plaza – provides an additional outdoor gathering place and a warm welcome to those entering the renovated shed. Eastern Market is one of our region’s most cherished institutions – a place full of history and community and culture – and it continues to be an important catalyst for economic development and Detroit’s revitalization.

The Fully Renovated Shed 5: Fully renovated, Shed 5 maintains its historic elements, while adding heat to support its 52 weeks per year operations. The Shed features enhanced selling space for flower and plant growers at the Saturday Market, as well as for the overnight weekday wholesale market that is widely utilized by local grocers and food distributors.

“This transforms the way Eastern Market interacts with the community, and helps set a national standard for regional food hubs,” said Dan Carmody, President of Eastern Market Corporation. “The new Shed 5 and all of its parts help us nourish Detroit in so many new ways. This is our third major shed completion since 2006, with $16 million in investment and, by far, our most transformational because of the impact the Market and surrounding district can now have in making Detroit stronger and healthier.

Major funders for this project include:

• W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Kresge Foundation

• New Economy Initiative

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation

• City of Detroit

• JPMorgan Chase Foundation

• DTE Energy Foundation

• Whole Foods Market

“The funding of this project was highly collaborative with participation from foundations, corporations and government,” added Carmody. “That can be a model regionally and nationally for how a community can come together to support a growing economy, community health and a place for people to experience a city together.”

“As the food economy continues to grow it offers entry points for a variety of skill sets in the labor market,” said David O. Egner, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative. “Shed 5 and the Community Kitchen are central points where key pieces of the food system – from expertise, to processing, to market access and beyond – collide to accelerate the growth of individual businesses and the entire sector. NEI is excited to support this work.”

“Detroit is fortunate to have a thriving small business community that provides residents with healthy and affordable food choices. JPMorgan Chase is proud to support the opening of Shed 5 and the new commercial kitchen to help more small businesses unlock their full potential and be an engine for economic growth,” said Tosha Tabron, Philanthropy Manager for JPMorgan Chase.

"Eastern Market is one of Detroit’s greatest treasures and is a growing hub for economic activity that supports Michigan farmers, local businesses, and consumers,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. “The new and improved Shed 5 will help take Eastern Market into the future by attracting new shoppers and offering a commercial kitchen to local food entrepreneurs. Detroit is home to national leaders in urban agriculture, and today would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication.”

About Eastern Market Corporation

Eastern Market Corporation (EMC) is the nonprofit that manages Eastern Market on behalf of the City of Detroit. Our vision is to create the most inclusive, resilient, and robust regional food hub in the United States and to ensure that Eastern Market is a community that nourishes a Detroit identity — from food to art and commerce to culture.

For more information, call (313) 833-9300, visit our revamped website at EasternMarket.com, or follow us on Twitter: @EasternMarket and Facebook: EasternMarketDetroit.