In recent years, a group of community members have spearheaded efforts to revive the East Warren commercial corridor. They've done this through cleanups, redeveloping abandoned buildings, and growing interest in homeownership in the far east neighborhoods of MorningSide and East English Village.
The community has dubbed the project Restorin' E. Warren.
Every revival effort of this kind requires tools. And that's one reason why the group is trying to start a shared tool library. The E. Warren Tool Library will be a place where people can rent a tool on a short-term basis instead of paying full price for it.
They've also started a
crowdfunding campaign on the platform ioby and are looking to raise $5,185 by Dec. 31. Money will go towards purchasing tools, securing the building, and building out the space.
The tool library will be operated by the
Motor City Grounds Crew, which had been looking to start one in the city before partnering with Restorin' E. Warren. "It makes a lot of sense to get one started there," says Joshua Arnston, director of programs and operations for Motor City Grounds Crew. "Talking with other community members, it was clear that MorningSide and the greater east side area could benefit from a tool library."
Arnston says use of the library will be either membership- or rental-based, and cost will be determined by income. Motor City Grounds Crew hopes to be completely operational by Spring 2019.
E. Warren Tool Library will be located at 16006 E. Warren Ave.
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