Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market has been in continuous operation since 1891. In 2008, a full renovation of the market was commissioned by the Eastern Market Corporation (EMC) and the City of Detroit.  These renovations look to preserve and enhance the existing market operations, while creating a series of new food-based functions including a 7 day/week indoor Market Hall, a Growers’ Wholesale Distribution Terminal, a commissary for mobile food vending vehicles, and a residential/retail mixed-use development.  The renovations also look to transform the market campus into a model of sustainable and energy efficient design.

The EMC 360° Master Plan identifies key structures and modifications to the Eastern Market area.  The plan identifies a long term plan to improve pedestrian and vehicular access in and around the neighborhood.  The master plan also identifies the renovation of the market hall sheds and the addition of future commercial, residential, and educational facilities.  Included in these proposed upgrades are a geo-exchange ground source heat pump and wood pellet fired boiler to heat the market buildings, as well as a series of wind turbines and solar panels to provide the market with electricity throughout the year.

All of the proposed renovations included in the master plan are to be implemented in phases over time.  Phase I of the project, the renovation of Shed 3, is now complete, with Phase II, the renovation of Shed 5, currently underway.