DETROIT – Kintsugi Village officially began construction on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
The center will house an early childhood education center for Corktown families, an artist incubator, culinary initiatives, a community garden, an event space, a rooftop space with views of Michigan Central and more.
The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by Local 4’s Rhonda Walker along with Mayor Duggan, the founders Paul Spiegelman and Hamsa Yaqo, other leaders, and Corktown community members.
“What Paul and Hamsa are planning here will be an amazing community resource for families in and around Corktown looking for quality educational and cultural experiences,” said Mayor Duggan. “By repurposing a large vacant building, Kintsugi Village also will be a big part of the revitalization radiating out from Michigan Central and Newlab and will complement them beautifully.
In addition to fostering community enrichment, the project is also expected to boost economic development in the city by creating jobs, bringing in visitors and supporting local businesses.
“We are thrilled to take this next step in bringing Kintsugi Village to life,” said Yaqo. “This project represents a place of connection, creativity and learning and we are honored to have the support of our partners, neighbors and city leaders.”
Kinstugi Village will be housed in the former St. Vincent Middle School. Sachse Construction is handling the renovations.
“Sachse Construction is proud to partner with Kintsugi Village and renovate the former St. Vincent Middle School, breathing new life into this historic building,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction. “This project is a key part of the ongoing revitalization of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. Its prime location, next door to Michigan Central Station and alongside Newlab, positions Kintsugi Village to become a dynamic hub for the community, and we’re proud to be part of its transformation.”
You can watch an interview with Mayor Mike Duggan on the Kintsugi Village groundbreaking in the video below:
You can watch an interview with Kintsugi Village co-founder Paul Spiegelman in the video below:
