There was a slight drizzle of rain, but as residents and supporters drove to 345 Santiam Street in Detroit, past the fire devastated buildings, they were thankful. On March 20, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Community members, political leaders, and construction professionals picked up their golden shovels. They dug the first bit of dirt on the property that will be the new Detroit Community Building’s home.
Presenters included Jim Trett, City of Detroit Mayor; Nick Harville, SEDCOR; Kevin Cameron, Marion County Commissioner; Chris Tardiff, President, Detroit Lake Foundation; Rich Duncan, Coordinator of the Santiam Rebuild Coalition; and John Gooley, Withers Lumber, who made a $10,000 check presentation to the Foundation. Commissioners Danielle Bethell and Colm Willis were also in attendance. City Councilor Tim Luke presented the Mayor with a flag for the building.
Donations for the project are accepted at www.DetroitLakeFoundation.org. Licensed contractors or others willing to donate to the process should visit www.SantiamBuildCoalition.org.
