Transformative things are happening within the roughly five square miles bordered by Fischer Street, Cadillac Boulevard, East Jefferson, and Mack.
Representing a microcosm of Detroit’s story, the community has faced blight, economic challenges, and rock bottom density, but is now undergoing a change. Through grassroots efforts and visionary developers, it is evolving into a vibrant cultural hub, fostering art, community, opportunity, and entrepreneurialism.
What was once an area of disinvestment is now attracting new residents, creative projects, and sustainable developments that reflect the neighborhood’s rich history while embracing its future.
A case in point: Greatwater Opportunity Capital is currently building detached single-family homes on Fischer Street – with a vision to develop up to 200.
Further, Anthony and JJ Curis are leading key development projects including a new arts and cultural center, The Shepherd, Little Village, a cultural district combining art, community spaces residential, and more.
THE SHEPHERD
This is East Village. Let’s take a look.
The History
East Village was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a residential neighborhood. The area featured a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes.
It became a diverse community, attracting European immigrants drawn by Detroit’s industrial economy – specifically driven by the auto industry. During its early years, East Village thrived with local shops, schools, and churches, benefiting from its proximity to Jefferson Avenue, which connected it to downtown Detroit.
But following World War II many residents fled to the suburbs, resulting in significant population loss. The decline of Detroit’s auto industry led to job losses and disinvestment. By the latter half of the 20th century, East Village faced significant urban blight, with increasing crime, vacant properties, and many of its historic homes falling into disrepair.
“I’ve lived here for 37 years and witnessed the “last one out of Detroit turn off the lights’” era, says Martha Coates, President of the East Village Association. In response, Coates and her neighbors started the East Village Block Club in 2012 to advocate for their community.
People in the area didn’t know how to navigate the bureaucracy to get things done, so we started organizing and teaching others how to connect with city council members, accumulate land next to their homes, and generally start to get things accomplished” she explains.
Currently
Today, East Village is witnessing an influx of investment and development, much of it privately driven. According to Mac Farr, executive director of the Villages Community Development Corporation, “East Village is outpacing nearby neighborhoods like Island View in terms of development. Island View has seen public sector-driven initiatives but with little progress, while East Village’s privately owned land is attracting significant attention and investment.”
“East Village is unique in that it has proximity to the river and to downtown and to all the other villages, which have stately homes, great restaurants and bars, and generally nice amenities,” said Matt Temkin, Co-Founder and managing director of Greatwater Opportunity Capital. “Layer in all the things Anthony and JJ are working on like the Shepherd and it’s an interesting area full of potential.”
He adds regarding the development, “We are building an inspiring product in an inspiring location. This area has not seen anything new in the way of single-family detached homes in a long time and I hope it compels people to move into this great community.”
SIGNAL RETURN
Existing businesses are relocating to the area in a big way too, and actively helping to shape the the community.
Sarah Ayers, executive director of Signal-Return, a nonprofit letterpress studio, believes that moving to East Village was a natural fit for her organization. “We wanted to be surrounded by other art organizations that are similarly aligned in their focus on community programming and development,” she says.
Sarah also sees the move as a unique opportunity to expand her business’s offerings, including new programming that extends beyond the traditional letterpress art. “We now have exhibition space and can lean into programming that explores other areas, like fiber arts and dyes,” she said.
Isabelle Weiss, founder and owner of I.M. Weiss Gallery echoes this sense of opportunity. “I was looking for a space that aligned with my gallery’s long-term goals, and East Village offers just that,” she explains. “The energy and synergy here are incredible, and it’s been wonderful to be a part of a community where creative ideas are constantly flowing.” She operates the gallery out of her home within the Little Village.
I.M. WEISS GALLERY
Angela Wisniewski, owner of boutique clothing store Coup D’Etat, relocated her business from the New Center area to East Village after extensive research. “I was looking for a neighborhood that provided more synergy with my business, and I decided that this was the best area to continue growing,” she says.
Kyle and Leah Hunt also relocated their business – Collect Beer Hall – from Eastern Market. “I love how diverse East Village is,” said Kyle. The area is filling up with art galleries, nonprofits, music and food establishments and the community wants is really supporting it.”
COLLECT BEER HALL
Long-time East Village landmarks, like Pewabic Pottery, are also benefiting from the area’s resurgence. Steve McBride, Executive Director reflects on the neighborhood’s transition. “Pewabic has been a steady presence here for over a century. Seeing the new energy and development is exciting, especially as more artists and galleries move into the area, bringing with them an arts-focused destination.”
The swiftness of the transition is impressive, but the new residents say thoughtful planning is involved.
“When I toured the neighborhood 18 months ago the Lantern building was dilapidated,” says Wisniewski. “I have so much respect for Anthony and JJ Curis for having such a vision and aggressively navigating and developing it.”
“This area is evolving thoughtfully, with care for both design and community, creating real growth and progress,” says Weiss.
PEWABIC POTTERY
“The center of gravity is shifting east,” Farr says, pointing to projects like the Shepherd. “It’s a double-edged sword. We’ve seen houses demolished and blight but today, there so much space to grow. We’re starting to see the light now.”
McBride adds, “East Village is transforming into an arts district, with galleries and restaurants bringing new energy. I think it’s just the beginning.”
The Curis’ vision is undeniable,” says Hunt. “The way the project is developing is very inclusive of the community. It’s not just the next shiny new thing, it’s authentic.”
When asked to describe the area in a handful of adjectives, we heard energy, change, vibrant, opportunity, culture, design, warmth, supportive, raw, fascinating, diverse, inspiring, and promising.
Farr says it can’t be described in words; you just need to go there.
Kyle agreed, saying, “You need to see it for yourself.”
As East Village continues to evolve, it’s clear that the neighborhood’s rich history and new developments will play a significant role in shaping its future. Whether through art, business, or community building, the businesses, residents, and visionaries of East Village are working together to create a neighborhood that’s as unique as the city it calls home.
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