Federal money to help a number of Corktown businesses open

Nearly all of $800,000 in federal grant money has been spoken for in Corktown, spurring more development in Detroit's oldest neighborhood. The money is part of the larger Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy grant, $3.8 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin in 2009. Though the stadium was eventually razed, efforts to keep the grant money in the neighborhood were successful.

Alexander Zachary is planner and developer for Zachary & Associates. The Detroit-based financial development and planning consultants were charged with the task of managing the $800,000, evaluating proposals and guiding businesses through the application process.

"We're really into sustainability and we've been working with the grantees and getting them connected with DTE Energy for green efficiency credits," says Zachary.

Two businesses recently opened, Two James Spirits and the Detroit Institute of Bagels, were recipients of $50,000 grants, the maximum available.

There are a number of new, yet-to-open businesses that have received approval in their applications for the grant money. These include:

• Saint Vincent, a "boutique building for startups, freelancers, and mid-sized businesses" located in an abandoned Catholic school.
• 1701 and 1707 Trumbull, former location of Bagley Trumbull Market. The previous occupant, a party store, took up what was originally two separate store fronts. Zachary says the buildings will be split back into their original configurations with dining in one storefront and retail in the other. Offices and perhaps apartments are planned for the top floors.
• Detroit Tough, a fitness club located at 1244 Beech St.
• Gold Cash Gold, located at Michigan Avenue and Wabash, a new restaurant from the Cooleys, owners of Slows Bar BQ.
• The Detroit Artifactory, an industrial gallery that takes reclaimed industrial products and turns them into functional art and homewares, will open at 2135 Michigan Ave.
• Lafayette Kitchen and Diner, a new restaurant from the owners of Russell Street Deli in the old Steak Hut Restaurant building.
• A beer garden is planned for the vacant third of the building occupied by Two James Spirits, the side closest to Michigan Central Station.

Source: Alexander Zachary, planner and developer at Zachary & Associates
Writer: MJ Galbraith

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