The Michigan Department of Transportation has made a conditional commitment of $2.5 million to
Southwest Detroit Business Association for infrastructure improvements along W. Vernor between Patton and Clark parks. The entire project cost is $5.56 million; the organization will raise the remaining funds throughout 2011 and hope to being construction in 2012. "We're not looking to fund-raise small money," says Vittoria Katanski, SDBA's marketing director. "We're looking at it as a development project, like
Odd Fellows Hall, a financing-type piece."
The infrastructure work funded by the allocation will be used for landscaping and, most importantly, an updating of the corridor's lighting infrastructure. "We held several community meetings to find out a vision, what people wanted to have happen," says Katanski. With lighting being of major issue to many residents and business owners, SDBA made it a priority. "The city has lighting and electric systems that haven't been upgraded
for several years, and this grant will allow us to make these
major changes."
Moving on from infrastructure to art...
SDBA has transformed the ground-floor atrium of its office building at 7752 W. Vernor into a gallery. Its second exhibit, featuring photographers Erik Howard and Lisa Luevanos, opened last week. "There are so many artists in the community that don't have a space to show their art," says Katanski. "We're not looking to make money, just offer them a space to show what they do."
SDBA's office features salvaged materials, including an airplane wing, in its non-traditional design. "Our space is awesome," says Katanski. "To be able to give it to people year-round to show their work is huge."
The goal is to open four shows a year in the space. Artists interested in mounting an exhibit should contact Myrna Segura, business district development director, at 313-842-0986 x36.
Source: Vittoria Katanski, SDBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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