The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard opens this weekend

One of the city’s most popular public spaces will offer food, entertainment, and local art starting this weekend. The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard—a partnership between the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Build Institute, Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Western International High School, Ponyride, and Groundswell Design Group—will house nine shipping containers right along the bike path.

Students from LTU and Western International conceptualized the project, fabricated the pieces off site, and installed the shipping containers on site. Much of the off-site work was completed at Ponyride. The Build Institute is working with the RiverFront Conservancy in coordinating vendors throughout the summer.

For the Grand Opening this Saturday, expect food trucks Yum Village and The Drunken Rooster; music from Nique Love Rhodes at 2 p.m.; and local vendors including Pot & Box, Mend on the Move, Salikas Jewels, and the Hip Hop Bake Shop.

“The Dequindre Cut serves as an important neighborhood connector for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. “The Freight Yard will give people a reason to spend more time in the Cut, where they can appreciate its natural beauty, the public art, and some unique food and beverage options.”

Located between Division and Wilkins Streets along the Cut, the containers are expected to be ”arranged in a pattern that is designed to be visually stimulating, but functional as well.” The Grand Opening will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. After that, it will be open Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays through September 16.