Eastern Market Corp. today announced the start of major renovations to Shed 5, including a community kitchen that entrepreneurs can use.
The project is expected to cost $7 million. Phase 1 of the project is expected to cost $3.9 million. In total, $4 million has been raised with $1.5 million pending. That leaves another $1.5 million to be raised.
Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc., said Detroit is a hub for knowledge about urban agriculture, and renovations to Eastern Market will help keep it that way. Whole Foods, which is building a story nearby on Mack Avenue, is a sponsor of the renovations.
“You can travel this country — and I have — and you will not find a place like this,” Robb said.
Some sponsors of the renovations are the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the city of Detroit and the Erb Family Foundation.
“Eastern Market means so many things to so many people,” said Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh. “It is an experience that we need.”
Pugh said the investment being made in Shed 5 will help improve the overall experience at the market.
Eastern Market renovated Shed 2 in 2008 for $2.1 million and Shed 3 in 2009 for $6.2 million.
