Hacienda Mexican Foods renovates W Vernor storefront in Mexicantown

The public face of Hacienda Mexican Foods is about to become much prettier. The Southwest Detroit tortilla-maker is almost finished rehabbing its principal storefront on West Vernor Avenue near Livernois Avenue, creating a refreshed and more inviting facade on Mexicantown’s main drag.

The 22-year-old business began the renovation of its storefront just east of Livernois two years ago when it commissioned a large mural on the side of the building during the Social Forum. That mural has attracted visitors from across the U.S., prompting the business to continue improving its exterior. The new storefront is adding more windows and other aesthetic touches, making it inviting for pedestrians.

“We want to change the front so the building will attract people,” says Lydia Gutierrez, president of Hacienda Mexican Foods. “We want to create a welcoming presence for the community.”

The project, partially funded by the Southwest Detroit Business Association’s facade improvement program, is restoring the building’s storefront to its original appearance from the early 20th Century. Gutierrez and her team are reusing wood from old pickle barrels, giving the exterior a distinctive, natural color. The whole project is set to wrap up within the next two weeks.

“This is a store you could have in Birmingham,” Gutierrez says. “This is what we wanted to do for our community.”

Source: Lydia Gutierrez, president of Hacienda Mexican Foods
Writer: Jon Zemke

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