Division is an old meat packing facility on the Eastern side of the Dequindre Cut in Detroit.
We restored the spaces of the 28,000 sq ft. two story facility working directly on the site with the building owner and project manager (eTC) identifying areas of need and working in a design-build fashion using reactionary techniques rather than traditional prescriptive strategies. Along with a single master mason from a neighboring community we developed and executed plans for new entries and openings in order to move natural light into the space. We used existing site conditions to develop a design that maintained the original building’s unique qualities while modifying it enough to allow for the new program of spaces.
Using the Dequindre Cut as a means to engage the community, we worked with the Eastern Market Corporation (EMC) to design a pedestrian access to the Cut in old elevator shafts at a neighboring site. The process built a new community, while also making the space east of the Dequindre Cut feel more accessible and pedestrian friendly.