CLIENT: Develop Detroit
LOCATION: Detroit, MI
YEAR: 2019 - Ongoing
As Executive Architect, MPA collaborated with Perkins + Will to transform an underutilized site into a vibrant destination with apartments and live-work units, retail shops, restaurants, and galleries in Eastern Market.
The Hive is a 2.7 acre triangular-shaped site at the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Russell Street, where the Eastern Market and Lafayette Park neighborhoods meet. Divided among the ground floor spaces of these buildings is retail/restaurant spaces to create a vibrant pedestrian experience. There are also two existing buildings that are being integrated into the design of the new buildings. One is a historic two story façade along Gratiot, which is being restored into the new entrance lobby of the Gratiot Building. The second was the former Busy Bee Hardware Warehouse, which will remain as one historic face of the new parking garage.
The Hive design incorporates fragments of historic industrial buildings and a brick-paved pedestrian alley network as well as murals by noted artists. Reflecting Detroit’s resurgence as a desirable urban destination for businesses, residents, and visitors, the project will provide housing, working, and shopping choices for a new generation of urban entrepreneurs.
