Cocoon Detroit launches unique collaborative work space for Detroit’s ‘city builders’: April 25th event. A new co-working space in the North End neighborhood is set to offer a unique community value proposition—tailoring its space and its services exclusively to Detroit’s “city builders”.
Named Cocoon Detroit, the 3,000-square-foot facility is focusing on local entrepreneurs and residents who are both passionate about equitable and inclusive development and working to revitalize, beautify, and stabilize the City of Detroit.
Cocoon Detroit will celebrate its grand opening on April 25th at 2785 E. Grand Blvd., with an invite-only reception from 3-5 p.m. and pubic opening from 5-7 p.m. Media is invited to attend. Cocoon Detroit is the vision of native Detroit real estate developer and architect, Steven Harris, president of Rebound Design Build. Born and raised in the North End neighborhood, he has spent more than 20 years investing in the community, helping redevelop dozens of residential and commercial properties in the area.
“My mission is to create a space for like-minded Detroiters who are passionate about our city, our community, and inclusive development. It is a place where we can collaborate and rebuild our beloved Detroit.” says Harris
Cocoon Detroit will offer its city builder members a full range of services, including: private offices, dedicated and shared desk space, 24/7 access, unlimited high-speed Internet, printing, scanning, mail service, conference room access, private phone booths, full kitchen with gourmet coffee, tea, and wine bar, and even sleeping quarters for “power naps”.
The first tenants in the new space include Rebound Design Build; Alterra Realty; Exquisite Property Management and HomeQuest Development.
Additional tenants are likely to include real estate developers and investors, realtors, urban planners, property managers, interior and landscape designers, funding sources, and others working to actively support the redevelopment of Detroit.
In addition to co-working space, Cocoon Detroit will offer programs and curated events, such as networking gatherings; classes and workshops on Detroit real estate-related topics; and a monthly rotating art exhibition featuring local artists.
The opening exhibit features Detroit-based artists Donald Calloway and Anita Bates, as well as a mural commissioned by Phillip Simpson. Cocoon Detroit is located in the North End neighborhood, an historic African-American community known for its music legacy and cultural heritage. It is located on the Vanguard Community Campus located at East Grand Boulevard between Interstate I-75 and Hastings Street; owned by Vanguard Community Development Corporation.
The Cocoon Detroit facility is a part of Vanguard’s comprehensive economic development program; which includes the Community Campus expansion, business attraction and retention; workforce development; community place-making and way-finding; and project development. Vanguard’s economic development program is supported by the Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
“Vanguard is very happy to welcome Steve Harris, and Cocoon Detroit to our campus. The Cocoon business concept is innovative and much needed in Detroit. It is an excellent fit with Vanguard’s broad economic development work. The space is beautiful and we hope many will come out to visit.” stated Pamela Martin Turner, Vanguard’s President and CEO.
In the past year, more than $100 million has been committed to the Milwaukee Junction/Northend neighborhood by various developers and organizations.
About Cocoon Detroit
Cocoon Detroit is an affordable, inclusive, and collaborative workspace for the community of mindful city builders that are for actively and authentically engaged in working to beautify, stabilize, and revitalize Detroit.
About Vanguard CDC
Vanguard CDC was founded 25 years ago by Bishop Edgar Vann of Second Ebenezer Church, who had a clear vision for the revitalization of the North End community. Vanguard is a stalwart champion of the North End and is one Detroit’s oldest African-American governed non-profit community development corporations. It has developed/built more than 279 homes; 20,000 square feet of commercial space; and many community programs. Today, Vanguard operates programs in housing development, economic development, and community engagement. It serves as the convener for the Grand+Woodward neighborhoods; and remains the constant in North End community economic development.
For more information about Cocoon, please contact steven@cocoondetroit.com
