Protecting Detroit's Historic Food District

Detroit's historic food district is under very contemporary development pressure, so the nonprofit tasked with managing the market has decided to define principles that prioritize affordability and inclusivity in the area.

1 minute read

April 25, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Detroit, Michigan

Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock

Eastern Market Corp, the nonprofit that manages the Eastern Market food district in Detroit, is developing a set of protocols to uphold an ambitious set of principles, according to an article by Annalise Frank:

The list of a dozen points that's under development would address the 'core values of the market,' such as carving out 25 percent 'affordable' space for small businesses, and could determine whether or not Eastern Market supports a developer's project, said Dan Carmody, president of the nonprofit.

Frank adds more about the limitations of the system later int he article:

Eastern Market Corp. doesn't have the "ability to tell people how to run their business," he said, but it could use this protocol to score a building project in the market and decide whether or not the nonprofit will give support to the project in the course of city of Detroit approvals.

According to Frank, the Eastern Market, located in an historic neighborhood north of downtown is facing development pressure that local preservationists fear could alter the inclusivity and historic character of the market. "The district's growing pains came to a head this week when longtime fixture Russell Street Deli announced it would close in September due to a dispute with its new landlord, Nelson, over repairs and a proposed rent increase from $1,700 to $3,500 a month," according to Frank.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in Crain's Detroit Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square