This new arts focused effort claims to be attempting to bring the redevelopment of Detroit beyond Downtown. The effort is spearheaded by the Library Street Collective owners Anthony and JJ Curis. The LLCs associated with Little Village share an address with Curis Enterprises, owned by Michael Curis, Anthony’s father. Michael Curis has been engaged in real estate and community development since 1986 and developed Mack Alter Square, Shops at Woodward Place in Highland Park, and Riverbend Plaza near the Detroit/Grosse Pointe border. The separate LLCs associated with the Little Village development control almost 100 properties on the Eastside including a historic church and a marina with riverfront access.

Little Village is anchored by The Shepherd, a historic church ground that has been reimagined as an arts hub. The grounds includes a Tony Hawk skatepark, Charles McGee Legacy Park, and artist housing in the former rectory building, now called ALEO. Adjacent to The Shepherd is BridgeHouse, comprised of two former residential homes now connected by a decking system with plans for a Warda Patisserie location. Louis Buhl & Co. is a contemporary art gallery located in the former convent building. The LANTERN building hosts PASC disability arts organization, Signal Return print shop, Collect beer bar, and Cafe Franco. LSC—O is the “Library Street Collection – Outpost” for gallery operations. The biggest effort looks like it will be re-imagining a 13-acre marina site with multiple former warehouses into the Little Village Marina and Stanton Yards.

In the 2012 Hantz Woodlands land grab, the City of Detroit sold 140 acres at 8 cents per square foot to Southfield-based finance entrepreneur, John Hantz. In 2021, it was reported that Hantz sold off about 100 of his properties for $2.8 million. The majority of the Little Village properties were purchased from Hantz Woodlands LLC between 2021 and 2023. I’ve heard mixed discussions as to whether this is gentrification, a furthering of the land grab, or important redevelopment work. Since much of East Village is vacant lots owned by Hantz Woodlands there isn’t much to go on and there aren’t many neighbors to ask. Little Village has actively engaged the Villages CDC, East Village Association, and other neighborhood groups. A nearby effort by Greatwater Homes (Greatwater Opportunity Capital) is also the first residential home development project in Detroit in many years with a focus on Fischer Street near the Little Village development.

I am intrigued and will watch to see how this effort plays out. Based on past efforts by Anthony and JJ Curis, I have no doubt that Detroit’s Eastside will become a hub for artists visiting Detroit and hopefully a platform for Detroit artists to launch themselves into the national art scene.

Updated 04/05/2025:

Text edited to clarify that Curis Enterprises and LLCs associated with Little Village development are not connected, but do share a mailing address.