The Eastern Market Partnership broke ground, Aug. 11, on the redevelopment of its Shed 7, which will be modernized into a regional wholesale distribution center.
The project is expected to expand food access, increase infrastructure for regional growers, and preserve affordable space for Detroit’s food entrepreneurs.
“Eastern Market is an anchor of Detroit’s economy, a platform for local entrepreneurs, and a catalyst for regional food systems,” says Katy Trudeau, president and CEO of Eastern Market Partnership. “Shed 7 brings our mission to life by creating space that reflects the diversity and talent of our food economy and by removing barriers for growers who’ve long been underserved.”
Located at 3445 Russell St., the facility is a cornerstone of Eastern Market’s broader investment in equitable food systems, Trudeau says. The project marks the first major construction on a facility owned by Eastern Market and is expected to be completed by spring 2026 in time for the growing season.
When complete, Shed 7 will feature cold storage, distribution docks, and additional space within its 43,000-square-foot footprint reserved for growers of color and small-scale food businesses. By expanding the Eastern Market’s wholesale capacity and creating long-term affordability, the transformed facility will help strengthen Detroit’s position as a regional food hub while centering racial equity and access in its design.
“Access to refrigeration is a paradigm shift for Detroit farmers,” says Jerry Ann Hebron, executive director of Northend Christian CDC. “It helps extend the life of our produce, supports food safety, and gives us more flexibility before going to market. The wholesale market adds another stream of income, and our partnership with Eastern Market Partnership allows us to grow at our own pace without pressure.”
The development of Shed 7 is made possible through a blend of public and private funding. The Gilbert Family Foundation committed $1.5 million toward the Authentic Eastern Market campaign, including funding specifically designated to support Shed 7’s development and accessibility for Detroit’s urban farmers. Additional support for the project includes funding from the State of Michigan through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), New Markets Tax Credit allocations from Invest Detroit and Michigan Community Capital, and an NMTC investment from Chase Bank.
“We invested in Eastern Market’s Shed 7 because we are committed to building a more vibrant, resilient Detroit – starting with the systems that feed our communities,” says Darnell Adams, vice president of Detroit community initiatives at the Gilbert Family Foundation. “Shed 7 will both strengthen Detroit’s position as a regional food hub and will ensure that historically underrepresented growers and food entrepreneurs have access to the infrastructure they need to thrive.”
The project partners include The Alan Group, which is leading the construction, and Ware Malcomb, which provided the design.
The project is a component of the Authentic Eastern Market campaign; a $15.5 million fundraising initiative publicly launched in September 2024. The campaign seeks to preserve affordability for vendors, modernize critical infrastructure, and secure Eastern Market’s role as a driver of inclusive economic growth, according to officials.
All Eastern Market retail operations, including weekend markets and vendor activity, will continue uninterrupted throughout the duration of construction. Franks Deli & Grill and Wigley’s Meats & Produce, both located in Shed 7, will remain open and accessible throughout construction.
