SoWING SEEDS OF OPPORTUNITY
ONE MARKET STALL AT A TIME
The Authentic Eastern Market Campaign is a multi-year fundraising initiative that will support a thriving public market and food economy in Detroit for years to come. The $15 million campaign, Eastern Market’s largest fundraising effort in it’s history, has four pillars of impact.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Stronger Regional Food Economy
The pandemic revealed shortcomings of a national food system overly dependent on companies too big to fail. Funding at the Federal and State levels to increase resiliency by strengthening regional supply chains provides the opportunity for Eastern Market to increase its support for Michigan, Ohio, & Ontario growers.
Key Projects:
Shed 7 Regional Wholesale Distribution Center
Eastern Market has acquired the property at 3445 Russell Street to support warehouse and distribution needs including a 100% cold chain compliance facility. Programming will include: the existing restaurant and two distribution tenants, a renovated suite with cold storage to increase access to buyers for Detroit growers (specifically farms owned by people of color) and a new suite for seasonal leases to existing Shed users.
Completion of Metro Food Accelerator Suites
The remaining of six food production suites completed and was leased in the Spring of 2024. Through funding provided by the Authentic Eastern Market Campaign, Eastern Market completed the construction on three general retail suites facing Adelaide. These received their certificates of occupancy in the Summer of 2024 and tenants have been opening their businesses.
New Meat Processing Accelerator
With some funds raised through HUD, Eastern Market will construct multiple production suites for emerging meat processing businesses and offer them at below market rates. The facility will be USDA certified allowing smaller producers to take advantage of collocating with other producers to reduce overhead.
Racial Equity & Affordability
Rising real estate values in recent years threaten the market’s ability to provide affordable space for emerging businesses, so Eastern Market has prioritized several projects and initiatives to Eastern Market needs to build upon recent success to garner greater participation by entrepreneurs of color in the Eastern Market District.
Key Projects:
Shed 7 Regional Wholesale Distribution Center
In addition to the abovementioned features, this project also includes dedicated dock and refrigeration space for Detroit-based farmers of color to rent at affordable rental rates. This dedicated space provides critical gap infrastructure for those farmers/entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations.
Accelerator Suites Programming
Organizational Sustainability
The public-private management model adopted in 2007 has given Eastern Market the resources to sustain success. Supporting the organization’s transition to a new generation of leadership is imperative to keep Eastern Market a local treasure and a nationally significant food district.
Key Projects:
Leadership Transition
Eastern Market implemented an advanced succession plan in Spring of 2023. This has included promotion of several key, long-time staff members into higher executive positions and the addition of a President to assist the CEO with overall organizational management as he prepares for retirement in 2025. The President will serve as CEO starting in 2025. Eastern Market has also brought on executive leadership into the Eastern Market Development Corporation subsidiary organization. The plan has been critically important for the future sustainability of the organization but has required additional staffing costs for the two year transition period.
Restructure Centralized Services
With assistance from consultants and various software and technology upgrades, we are positioning the Eastern Market Partnership for more sustained growth upon completion of leadership transition. This includes new accounting processes and software, enhanced marketing and communications including a revamped website, and streamlined and consolidated fundraising operations.
Enhance Market
& District
At the heart of Eastern Market is a remarkable public market that provides the best possible facilities at affordable costs to its 500 unique vendors and millions of customers. The adjacent Eastern Market District has recently expanded and there is greater need for security, maintenance, and other business support to keep it strong and support its 160 merchants.
Key Projects:
New Shed 4
This two-story building will replace the existing outdoor Shed 4 with an indoor, climate-controlled market hall space on the ground floor and second floor community food nutrition and education center.
District Planning Efforts
Infrastructure and wayfinding plans to facilitate new development projects and integrate major projects including I-375 and Joe Louis Greenway.
Stormwater Management
Design and implement major stormwater management projects in the neighborhood to manage water, reduce utility costs, and beautify the public realm.
Rooted in Detroit
Growing with You
Grow your legacy
Thank you for considering a contribution to the Authentic Eastern Market Campaign!
A leadership team member from Eastern Market will reach out to set up a time to connect at your convenience.
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Rooted in
Detroit's heart
since the late 1800’s
We’re more than just the nation’s largest open-air market; we’re a sprawling 43-acre hub where food, family, and the future intersect. Discover over 200 businesses offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. Experience the unique blend of Michigan’s agricultural heritage and Detroit’s urban energy. Be part of Detroit’s history as it comes to life and nourish this city’s legacy for generations to come.
