Redevelopment of Shed 7 will Transform Facility into a Regional Cold Storage and Distribution Hub

DETROIT — August 11, 2025 — Today the Eastern Market Partnership broke ground on the redevelopment of its Shed 7, which will be modernized into a regional wholesale distribution center. The project will help expand food access, increase infrastructure for regional growers, and preserve affordable space for Detroit’s food entrepreneurs.

Located at 3445 Russell Street, the facility is a cornerstone of Eastern Market’s broader investment in equitable food systems. 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.

“Eastern Market is an anchor of Detroit’s economy, a platform for local entrepreneurs, and a catalyst for regional food systems,” said 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.”

Shed 7 will feature cold storage, distribution docks, and additional space within its 43,000-square-foot footprint reserve of space 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,” said 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.”

Michigan State Senator Roger Victory, a longtime advocate for Michigan agriculture and owner of Victory Farms, LLC, offered strong support for the redevelopment. He has also served on the Michigan Vegetable Council and the Vriesland Growers Cooperative.
“Strategic investments like this ensure Michigan’s food system stays strong from the growers to the communities they serve,” said Senator Victory. “Eastern Market continues to lead by example, connecting local agriculture to real, lasting impact.”

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,” said Darnell Adams, Vice President, Detroit Community Initiatives at 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 who is leading the construction and design was done by Ware Malcomb.

The project is a key component of the Authentic Eastern Market campaign; a $15.5 million fundraising initiative publicly launched in September 2024. The campaign aims to preserve affordability for vendors, modernize critical infrastructure, and secure Eastern Market’s role as a driver of inclusive economic growth.

“For more than 90 years, J.P. Morgan has helped make a lasting impact in Detroit and we are proud to continue this legacy by contributing to the revitalization of Eastern Market’s Shed 7,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive Director of Community Development Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Our $4.6 million New Market Tax Credit equity investment will help bolster Detroit’s thriving food economy by expanding access, increasing infrastructure for regional growers, and preserving a historic and affordable space for the next generation of food entrepreneurs in the Motor City.”

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.

About Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit’s food economy for more than 130 years. The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation’s largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship. With its commitment to racial equity, affordability and economic opportunity, Eastern Market continues to shape the future of Detroit’s economy. Visit Easternmarket.org to discover more about our vendors, events, and how you can support local businesses.

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