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Governing Magazine - Placemaker Profile: Allan Jacobs
Eastern Market
Detroit, MI (1999-present)
Client: City of Detroit
The historic Eastern Market, a sprawling market district of open air sheds and adjacent food retail and wholesale businesses, is one of the largest public markets in the country. The flower market is an anchor and major attraction of Eastern Market. Flower Day, which occurs annually on the Sunday after Mother’s Day, attracts over 100,000 visitors.
The City of Detroit asked PPS/PMC to undertake detailed surveys and focus groups of shoppers, non-shoppers, and market businesses. Based on this assessment, PPS/PMC recommended a new non-profit organizational structure and a capital improvement plan for the market district to sustain the market's energy and attraction into the 21st Century. PPS/PMC is helped to oversee a design master plan for the market.
The masterplan calls for broadening the Market strength of plants and flowers, and recommends adding retail product space to foster year round sales. The plan also recommends constructing a new shed to allow the plant and flower growers to create a concentrated flower center. Also, encouraging year-round greenery will polish the presence of the Market and promote what it has to offer.
