Woodbridge Cultural Corridor - Woodbridge Neighborhood Development Corp.

The 4731 project is an arts incubator whose local mission seeks to accomplish three primary goals: to provide an anchor for the Woodbridge neighborhood, to support and promote self-sustaining artists, and to preserve architectural history. The project plans include the development of three arts-focused incubators (micro-enterprise virtual companies in fashion, film, and furniture/design); live-work housing; multiple examples of public art; food and beverage; and retail space. It is located on Grand River Avenue, immediately north of Corktown. The grant will include facade improvements on nine buildings; some are historic.

Highlights:

• The first three phases of the project have been completed and are in full operation. There are successive phases that are still in the planning stages.
• The project is sustainable. Revenue comes primarily from studio rental, and is supplemented by rental of the larger galleries.
• Since completion of the project, approximately 50 startup businesses and arts organizations have utilized the studios. Of the successful organizations, some have moved on to larger spaces, and some are still involved in our effort. 
• Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit is a nonprofit organization that prevents demolition of houses in the city by deconstructing them. The organization has tripled in size since the Cool Cities award was made, and it is a tenant in one of the facilities that directly benefited from the Cool Cities grant.
• Participation in the Cool Cities program is the reason Woodbridge Neighborhood is still moving forward. The award came at a challenging time, and enabled the neighborhood to survive and thrive. As a direct result of the funding, they have grown to approximately 60 studios, and have watched several small businesses grow and prosper. This success has enabled one of the facilities to evolve into the “Blue Collar Innovation Center,” which is dedicated to helping displaced auto workers develop their own ideas and businesses.