Eastern Market Development Corp. (EMDC), in partnership with Invest Detroit, today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a developer to lead the redevelopment of a two-acre site encompassing 3410 and 3450 Orleans in the Eastern Market District.
Located adjacent to the Dequindre Cut, the long-vacant site is envisioned for mixed-use development.
“This site presents an opportunity to bring new housing and activity to an important connection between Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut, and the broader Joe Louis Greenway,” says Sarah Pavelko, executive director of EMDC. “We’re looking for an experienced development partner who understands the character of Eastern Market and can bring forward a thoughtful project vision that reflects the priorities identified for this area.”
Planning priorities for the site include mixed-income housing, recreational connections to the Dequindre Cut, and activation of the Dequindre Cut. Future development also should be designed to complement the surrounding area, including the adjacent Keep Growing Detroit market garden, according to the organizations.
The property is zoned SD2, which supports a mix of residential, retail, and commercial uses and is designed to encourage pedestrian- and transit-oriented development.
EMDC and Invest Detroit acquired the site with grant funding from the Gilbert Family Foundation. In 2023, the foundation committed $15 million to the Unified Greenway Campaign, including a $10 million gift to the campaign itself and $5 million to support economic growth for long-time Detroit residents.
EMDC and Invest Detroit say they are seeking development teams with experience completing and stabilizing projects of similar scale and experience securing project financing. Respondents also will be asked to provide a preliminary vision for the site addressing site activation, connections to the Dequindre Cut and the adjacent Keep Growing Detroit market garden, and housing priorities.
Responses to the RFQ are due by Dec. 7. Qualified developers interested in submitting responses can access the full RFQ here or contact Sarah Pavelko at spavelko@easternmarket.org for additional information.
, in partnership with Invest Detroit, today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a developer to lead the redevelopment of a two-acre site encompassing 3410 and 3450 Orleans in the Eastern Market District.){kind=link}