Old Western Market

After studying the map for a minute, they were shocked to discover their property, at 2640 Michigan Ave., was the old site of Western Market, a shopping venue in Corktown.

“When we discovered it was Western Market, we thought ‘there’s no way we can make it parking’. So, we’re trying to bring it back to the community,” says Cathy.

Cathy and Richard are now on a mission to bring the market back to its original site. Through their efforts, they hope to bring more attention to the history of their neighborhood while also offering a space for locals to shop.

Michigan Avenue used to be lined with banks, butchers, department stores, and more, making it easy for people to do all their shopping without ever leaving the neighborhood. But in 1965, Western Market was taken down to make room for the new Fisher Freeway (I-75). The new highway system made it easier for people to leave the city and go to the new shopping malls springing up in the suburbs. As the city moved into the modern era, the significance of the role Western Market played in creating a sense of community was slowly forgotten.

“We definitely have a strong sense of history here, and particularly Corktown being the oldest neighborhood in Detroit. I just think it’s really worth sharing the story and bringing it [Western Market] back to the community,” Cathy explained of her vision to resurrect the market.

Richard agreed, adding: “We feel that’s our job. To keep history going. We are determined to continue the history. Because history is important to everybody.”

“We wouldn’t even have this market if it wasn’t for Lake Trust,” says Cathy. “The microloan really helped us to create the market and move forward. It helped with the purchase of the tent, the merchandise, tables, and things the vendors need.”

This funding, along with the passion and excitement from the Lake Trust team, helped Cathy take the first step toward her dream.

She explains: “Lake Trust empowers me to pursue a really wonderful visionary path by recognizing the history of Corktown and bringing it back via Old Western Market. I’m empowered to pursue a really important dream and vision.”

Next to the market, Cathy’s daughter is facilitating the creation of a mural titled “Equity in the City of Detroit”. Kids who visit the market with their families are encouraged to grab a paintbrush and express their interpretation of the phrase.

“It’s really beautiful. The messaging is incredible,” says Cathy. “In this climate we’re living in now particularly, it’s nice to see that positive messaging and just know that kids feel good about their surroundings.”

 Old Western Market is only a 3-minute walk away from the recently revived Michigan Central Station. So, Cathy and Richard are optimistic that foot traffic at the market will steadily grow. In the meantime, they are asking the community to help spread the word about Old Western Market, shop and support the vendors in the space, and take time to learn about the history of the market. They also hope to attract more vendors to the space so it can continue to grow.

In what she refers to as phase two of the Old Western Market project, Cathy hopes to raise enough funding to build up to fifteen affordable brick-and-mortar storefronts. She envisions small artisan shops on the ground floor with housing for the vendors on the second floor. And enough traffic to have the market open seven days a week for people to find unique items right in their neighborhood.

With a strong vision for the future and roots in the past, Cathy is going to transform her neighborhood. And change her community story. That’s the power of a dream.

Learn more about Old Western Market at oldwesternmarket.com or stop by the market at 2640 Michigan Ave. in Detroit to shop every Friday and Saturday from 12 PM - 8 PM.