DETROIT�S EASTERN MARKET BEGINS $1.3 MILLION RENOVATION PROJECT

Construction bringing improvements to Market, customers and vendors

Detroit's Eastern Market will receive a fresh new look with the renovation of Shed 2 (located on Russell between Winder and Adelaide), scheduled to begin on Monday, August 6. The Shed 2 renovation is the first of more exciting changes to come. The project marks the first phase of a $10 million renovation effort that will include Sheds 3, 5 and the installation of new streetscapes.

On August 6, the Eastern Market Corporation started work on Shed 2. All Shed 2 vendors will continue to operate from a special tent erected at the north end of the Market next to Shed 5 on Russell Street. The renovated historic Shed 2 is scheduled to reopen after Labor Day, restored to its original 1894 grandeur. All businesses and restaurants at the market will remain open during the construction, including the public market hours, 6am to 4pm on Saturdays.

The remodeling of Shed 2 is the first step toward a larger transformation of the Eastern Market. The renovation project will establish Shed 2 as a center for seasonal fresh food producers, attract new growers, and increase accessibility to fresh farm produce. Improvements to the Shed will include space designed to accommodate cooking and nutrition demonstrations.

"Our goal is to make Eastern Market a vibrant center for fresh produce, specialty foods, flowers and a variety of dining options throughout the year," said Kate Beebe, President and CEO of Eastern Market Corporation. "With the investment of public and private partners, the Eastern Market is poised to become a more attractive district for economic development." she added

The renovation project will foster a number of improvements projected to create economic development over the next 3-5 years, including:

-58 New Vendors
-An additional 8,000 Weekly Visitors
-220 Market Employees
-$230 million in New Development: 20 Retail Businesses, 20 Food-Related Businesses, 600 Residential Units

"Eastern Market has always been a valuable resource for fresh food and fun right in the heart of the city," said Kimberly Hill, Director of Outreach and Community Relations "The renovation project will allow us to further expand our service to customers. Our goal is to eventually extend our hours of operation."

Eastern Market- Detroit is located between Gratiot and Mack, bordered by St. Aubin and I-75 service drive just northeast of downtown Detroit. For more information, contact 313-833-9300 or visit the website at www.detroiteasternmarket.com.