Vacant lot to become ‘Abby’s Art Park’ in Detroit’s North End
A rendering of the North End project IMAGE COURTESY OF THE HOPE AND IMAGINATION FOUNDATION
A vacant lot in Detroit’s North End neighborhood will be transformed into a universally accessible community hub and cultural lending library to create Abby’s Art Park.
This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Hope and Imagination Foundation announced June 3, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by Aug. 31, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program.
This project is utilizing the PSCP Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension to access an additional $25,000 for projects that achieve universal design and accessibility in their public space.
For project details and to donate, click here.
Strengthening fabric of neighborhoods
“Cultural connections in public space are what strengthen the very fabric of our neighborhoods,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for Abby’s Art Park through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
Funding from this project will allow the HAI Foundation to create this community hub in a dense residential neighborhood in Detroit’s North End.
The empty lot will transform into a vibrant gathering space.
It will be anchored by a shipping container global lending library, a mural accessible to visually impaired people, a universally accessible wooden patio, solar panels and a rainwater collection system, inclusive outdoor seating and tables, and tactile elements and appropriate lighting for all users.
This space will be the first of its kind in Detroit — a place where international perspectives and local concerns come together, where neighbors can meet fellows, borrow rare books, participate in free programming, and build community across cultures.
Collaborative effort
The project is working closely with Detroit Disability Power, the Disability Network of Wayne County, and local curator Taraneh Fazeli to build a space that incorporates beautiful expressions of universal design.
Local furniture designer Surukotoga (Vivian Sanders) will build custom furniture and installations that incorporate universal design – flexible heights, wide clearances, tactile elements, and accessible pathways.
The entrance features a zero-step entry with appropriate ramps, while the interior spaces include adjustable lighting and shelving that can be reached from any position.
The outdoor patio and picnic tables will be also designed for wheelchair accessibility. The space will be programmed regularly including weekly woodworking workshops, open mic nights, creative writing workshops, and block parties to name a few.
“The MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places matching grant is transformational for the Hope and Imagination Foundation as we prepare to create Abby’s Art Park,” said Laura Kraftowitz, Founding Co-Director of The Hope and Imagination Foundation.
“This partnership with MEDC embodies our belief that communities flourish when we build bridges across differences.”
