Playground Detroit to activate vacant storefront into gallery and event space

Many Detroit businesses and organizations pop-up in various locations before they find and commit to the right brick and mortar space. Playground Detroit, which supports creative talent in the city with events, exhibitions, a digital magazine, and more, has found their space on Gratiot.

The location is a few blocks down from Eastern Market, between Grandy and Joseph Campau. It’s a 1,500 square foot, street-level space located in a building that dates back to 1877. Plans for the space include installing movable display walls, track lighting, shelving and display units, a DJ booth/sound system, entertaining space with kitchenette, lofted lounge space, and a storage area for artwork.

“After five years of operating in different pop-up venues from coffee shops to retail stores to bars, we are so excited to finally have a home,” said Paulina Petkoski, co-founder of PLAYGROUND DETROIT. “Our new space will be a place where people can find exciting, edgy art, and design. We will feature carefully curated, exclusive merchandise including artwork, limited edition art objects, special events, and community programming.”

Playground Detroit via @Camera_Jesus

“We are creating an inspiring, vibrant space and community hub with exterior murals and an adjacent art park,” explained Samantha Banks Schefman, PLAYGROUND DETROIT’s co-founder and deputy director. “This will be a unique retail destination and a place to showcase Detroit’s amazing talent and creativity. We plan to host six exhibitions, including two national artists, in our 2017 program year.”

A Kickstarter campaign was launched this week to raise $75,000 needed for start-up costs and to complete interior build-out construction. Funds will also be used to purchase complimentary inventory, collaborative exclusive artist merchandise, programming, and staffing. Renovations are underway with a grand opening set for spring 2017.