Eastern Market Opens Shed 7, Expanding Access and Opportunity for Michigan Farmers and Food Businesses

New facility strengthens the Market’s role as a commercial food district and critical hub for Michigan’s food economy.

DETROIT, Mich. — Eastern Market today announced the opening of Shed 7, a transformative 43,000-square foot wholesale distribution in Detroit’s historic market district that will expand opportunities for farmers, food producers and wholesale buyers across the state. The facility includes RJR Distribution as the major wholesale anchor, five individual cold storage suites for regional farmers and a cooler and freezer for Detroit farmers. The modernization of Eastern Market’s wholesale market facilities improves efficiency of produce distribution, provides access to reliable buyers and increases access to local, fresh food for the region.

“For more than 130 years, Eastern Market has served as a vital link between farmers and consumers,” said Katy Trudeau, CEO and President of Eastern Market. “At a time when farmers are facing increasing economic pressures and market challenges, Shed 7 will help connect them with buyers, distribution channels and new opportunities for growth. That is essential to building a resilient food economy for the future.”

Shed 7 represents a significant investment in Michigan’s regional food system,

providing expanded space and modern infrastructure to strengthen the food supply chain. The $16.6 million project was made possible through a combination of public and private investments, including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Gilbert Family Foundation, Invest Detroit, Michigan Community Capital and Chase Bank.

The facility also advances Eastern Market’s commitment to building a more equitable food system. Shed 7 includes dedicated space for growers of color and small-scale food businesses, helping ensure access to critical infrastructure and market opportunities for historically underserved entrepreneurs.

“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is a cornerstone of our state’s economy, and investments in infrastructure like Shed 7 help ensure farmers, food producers and distributors have the resources they need to grow and succeed,” said Nate Engle, Director of Community Engagement for MDARD. “This project reinforces our commitment to building a resilient food system that benefits communities across the state.”

“Eastern Market is one of Detroit’s most important public spaces, bringing together residents, entrepreneurs and visitors from across the region,” said Darnell Adams, Vice President, Detroit Community Initiatives, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Shed 7 builds on that legacy by creating new pathways for small businesses, supporting local jobs and ensuring the Market remains a vibrant economic and community anchor for generations to come. “

“The opening of Shed 7 is a proud moment for Detroit and for the farmers and food entrepreneurs who make Eastern Market a vital part of Michigan’s economy,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “For more than 90 years, J.P. Morgan has helped make a lasting impact in this city. Our $4.65 million New Markets Tax Credit equity investment helps bring modern infrastructure to regional growers, expanding access and opportunity while preserving a historic space where the next generation of food entrepreneurs can grow and thrive for years to come.”

“Michigan Community Capital is proud to support the Shed 7 redevelopment with both New Markets Tax Credits and bridge financing,” said Liz Alexandrian, Vice President of Lending at Michigan Community Capital. “This project not only strengthens Detroit’s historic Eastern Market but also expands opportunities for small growers, urban farmers and food entrepreneurs who are vital to the city’s future. By modernizing this facility, we are helping ensure food safety, preserving critical jobs and investing in a food system that delivers fresh, healthy produce to communities across the region.”

“Invest Detroit is proud to have supported this redevelopment with a $4.65 million New Market Tax Credit allocation in support of Eastern Market’s Shed 7,” said Danielle Graceffa, General Counsel at Invest Detroit. “This type of specialized, patient capital is precisely what makes transformational projects like this possible. Eastern Market is one of Detroit’s most storied institutions, and modernizing Shed 7 is exactly the kind of large-scale evolution our legacy anchors deserve. With this investment, Eastern Market is building the infrastructure for the next generation of growers, entrepreneurs, and communities to thrive.”

The opening of Shed 7 marks another milestone in Eastern Market’s broader vision to strengthen Detroit’s historic market district and advance its mission of building a healthier, wealthier and happier Detroit through food.

About Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit’s food economy for more than 130 years. The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation’s largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship. With its commitment to racial equity, affordability and economic opportunity, Eastern Market continues to shape the future of Detroit’s economy. Visit Easternmarket.org to discover more about our vendors, events, and how you can support local businesses.

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