OMA has revealed plans to transform a former commercial bakery and warehouse in Detroit into a mixed-use art and education space called Lantern.
OMA will work with Anthony and JJ Curis, co-founders of Library Street Collective (LSC), a commercial gallery in Downtown Detroit.
Built in the 1900s, the 22,300-square-foot complex will serve as headquarters for local arts non-profits Signal-Return and PASC (Progressive Arts Studio Collective).
The facility will also include around 5,300 square feet of affordable artist studios, an art gallery, and nearly 4,000 feet of creative retail.
‘Lantern’ will include art gallery and creative retail
“The core of our mission in East Village is focused on creating an inclusive community centered around the arts,” said Anthony Curis.
“Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) and Signal-Return are two highly impactful nonprofits providing vital support and inspiration to the local arts community.”
OMA will transform an area of the building that is missing its roof and an end wall into a courtyard, which will be a public, accessible space. Galleries will line the courtyard.
“PASC and Signal-Return are both extraordinary organizations with a multi-faceted approach to community building through the arts,” said OMA partner Jason Long.
“To support and enhance their ambitions, we are both turning the building in on itself and out toward the neighborhood to bring a new density of activity and creative life to East Village.”
PASC and Signal-Return will anchor the development, occupying approximately 8,500 square feet of combined space on the building’s main level.
PASC is the first art studio and exhibition programme in Detroit and Wayne County to support adults with developmental disabilities and mental health differences.
Signal-Return is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional letterpress printing in Detroit.
“PASC has quickly grown since launching in 2021, and we’ve been eager to find a permanent studio and gallery space,” said Anthony Marcellini, PASC’s programme manager.
Images: OMA
