Detroit’s former Third Police Precinct still has the jail cells (for the drunk tank!), but these days it is all about art and gardening instead of cops and robbers. The 555 Gallery, current owners of the Banksy mural that was originally painted into the Packard Plant, are having their first official exhibit opening in their new home this Friday starting at 6 p.m. In addition to the famous graffiti, 15 other artists will have work on view in the 7,000 square foot first floor occupied by 555 Gallery. They are still working on renovations to a basement and the second floor. The other tenant of the building is the Detroit Farm and Garden, which is occupying the former precinct's garage space. They are working on plans for a roof garden which they hope to have up and running in the fall in the outdoor space above the garage. Southwest Housing Solutions, a nonprofit agency, bought the station building from the City of Detroit and these first two tenants have been in the building for several months now. While the 555 space is still a work in progress (they have plans for more studio space and artist residencies) they're slowly filling up the studio space with artists. According to the Free Press, SWS paid $250,000 for the building but then had to raise $1.6 million for improvements.
· Police Precinct to Become Gallery, Home to Banksy Mural [Curbed Detroit]
· 555 Arts Installed at Former Third Precinct Building [555 Gallery]
Loading comments...