Adaptive Reuse Critical in Motor City Revitalization

Two New York City firms have partnered to rejuvenate a once-neglected neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, through a series of adaptive reuse initiatives.

Peterson Rich Office (PRO) and the Office of Strategy and Design (OSD) have collaborated to transform the area known as Little Village. Formerly characterized by parking lots, alleyways, and vacant lots, the neighborhood now features a network of interlinked parks centered around a pedestrian walkway known as the Nave. This walkway, previously a desolate alley, leads to a 110-year-old Romanesque church that has been reimagined as a cultural arts center called The Shepherd.

According to Architect Magazine, PRO prioritized preserving the church’s historical integrity while modifying it to support new uses, including gallery spaces, live performances, and art installations. The Shepherd officially opened in late 2024 with a retrospective exhibition on the life and career of Detroit artist Charles McGee (1942–2021), known for his iconic “Unity” mural on the exterior of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Little Village further honors McGee’s legacy with the Charles McGee Legacy Park, which showcases large-scale sculptures he conceptualized before his passing.

The Shepherd also houses the Little Village Library, a collection curated by Asmaa Walton of the Black Art Library. This library pays tribute to artists of color who have made significant contributions to Michigan’s arts scene.

The Little Village project was envisioned by Anthony and JJ Curis, co-founders of Library Street Collective, an art gallery dedicated to supporting Detroit’s growing arts community. The revitalization is ongoing, with plans announced in May for a waterfront redevelopment as part of the neighborhood's expansion.

“The Shepherd reshapes an institution that built community around religion, to one that will build community around the arts,” PRO Principals Miriam Peterson and Nathan Rich stated in a joint statement to Architect Magazine. “Anthony and JJ’s commitment to expanding access to the arts in Detroit is nothing short of transformational. Our firm is honored to play a role in this special project.”

In addition to The Shepherd, several other adaptive reuse projects are taking shape within the Little Village campus: 

• ‍ALEO: A boutique bed-and-breakfast designed to host artists and cultural travelers. The space features works by nearly 30 artists with Detroit ties and serves as headquarters for McArthur Binion’s Foundation and nonprofit, Modern Ancient Brown, which provides residencies, mentorship, and support to BIPOC artists and writers‍
• Bridgehouse: Two converted farmhouses reimagined as culinary spaces by Ishtiaq Rafiuddin of Detroit-based design studio Undecorated. The space will include a new patisserie led by James Beard Award-winning chef Warda Bouguettaya.‍
• Father Forgive Me: A cocktail bar occupying the church’s former garage, offering a distinctive social gathering space.‍
• The LANTERN: A former bakery transformed into a mixed-use space featuring arts nonprofits, affordable artist studios, a recording studio for a local record label, as well as retail and culinary ventures.

‍Ongoing Revitalization of Detroit

The Little Village project is part of Detroit’s broader, multi-year revitalization efforts. The city has gained national recognition, being named to Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Place to Go in North America & the Caribbean” list for 2024, as well as AFAR’s “Where to Go in 2024” list.

“This recognition of Detroit is a testament to Detroiters and their hospitality that reveals to visitors and locals alike a sense of the possible, all done with a smile or knowing head nod,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in a statement on the organization’s website. “Detroit’s recognition is a source of pride for all Michiganders and highlights the collective efforts of the state’s vibrant communities, innovative entrepreneurs, and dedicated workforce that make our state are markable place to live and visit. As we celebrate this honor, trust and believe, we know that we must continue to invest in the city to sustain themomentum that this recognition underscores.” 

How Existing Conditions Assists Adaptive Reuse Projects

The Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (2020) highlights that the civil construction sector accounts for 38% of global CO2 emissions. As sustainability takes center stage in U.S. construction trends, reducing carbon emissions has become a critical priority. This shift aligns with national ESG goals, prompting companies to adopt environmentally conscious practices for indemolition and renovation projects.

Traditional commercial property demolition costs approximately $8 per square foot, while demolishing single-family homes can reach $25,000 if the foundation remains intact. Meanwhile, adaptive reuse costs have risen significantly. Developers like Corian’s Cordova report that conversion costs, which once ranged from $75 to $150 per square foot, now average $350 per square foot for standard properties and up to $450 per square foot for high-end projects. Despite the higher costs, developers can leverage financial support from federal and local adaptive reuse programs, which offer grants, tax credits, and subsidies. The Biden administration has also allocated $35 billion in low-interest loans to support adaptive reuse initiatives, providing crucial financial relief for developers committed to sustainable construction.

Regardless of the chosen approach—adaptive reuse, deconstruction, or demolition—comprehensive site preparation, existing condition documentation, and data management are essential for ensuring projects safety and success. Existing Conditions offers critical support to architects, engineers, and contractors, facilitating precise visualization and management of the built environment.