Community gathering spaces are vital to the fabric of any neighborhood, serving as hubs where residents can come together, share experiences, and build stronger bonds. These areas provide more than just a physical space; they offer a sense of belonging and unity, fostering a supportive environment where relationships flourish, and collective growth is nurtured. In Detroit, the revitalization of such spaces has been a cornerstone in strengthening our community, making places like the 8th Precinct Annex indispensable for the continued development and empowerment of our neighborhoods.
Mayor Duggan, Chief White, and the community celebrated the ribbon cutting for the 8th Precinct Annex, marking a significant achievement for Detroit. This new facility will serve as the headquarters for the 8th Precinct’s Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) and as a venue for community events, meetings, and more. Residents, led by Council President Pro Tem Tate, played a crucial role in preserving the historic former library, which has now been repurposed for community use.
Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized the city’s commitment to the community by stating, “We promised Council Member James Tate and the 8th Precinct community we would bring this building back to life and ensure residents will be able to enjoy it for generations to come. It’s taken us some time, but today that promise has been kept.”
The 8th Precinct Annex, part of the second phase of the precinct’s renovation project, now provides a dedicated space for NPOs who handle quality-of-life issues and engage with residents on non-emergency concerns. Chief James E. White highlighted the importance of this development, noting, “Our Neighborhood Police Officers do a fantastic job of being there for our community members and working to ensure we are responding to issues impacting the residents who help us keep our city safe. Opening this space will help us remain open and welcoming to our residents and serve as a symbol of our continued partnership with this community.”
Residents can also reserve the space for events, further strengthening the bond between the DPD and the neighborhoods it serves. Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate reflected on the community’s efforts, stating, “Much time, effort, and attention to detail was necessary in transforming this historic building into a new home for city resources and event space for community-related activities. The preserved 8th Precinct Annex stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the unity and true community spirit you find throughout our neighborhoods. I’m excited for the continued community-building and partnerships that will further arise from this renewed local landmark.”
The renovation preserved key historic features, including the wood-carved “open book” detail on the balcony wood trim. The Detroit Historic Commission approved renovations to the roof slate, windowpanes, copper gutters, downspouts, and added an ADA-compliant ramp, elevator, and restrooms.
“This community made it clear they wanted to preserve the historic nature of this beautiful building,” said Detroit Building Authority Director Tyrone Clifton. “We were able to renovate the original structure and save many of the building’s features thanks to the hard work of our team in partnership with the Detroit Historic Commission.”
The 8th Precinct Annex, originally the Redford Village Hall built in 1925 and converted to the Redford Branch Library in 1926, was at risk of demolition alongside the old Redford High School. However, the city and developer reached an agreement to save it and repurpose it for the 8th Precinct.
Phase 1 of the project saw a $5.9 million renovation of the current 8th Precinct building. Phase 2, which included the $2 million annex renovation, was funded by the general fund and led by the Detroit Building Authority. Detroit-based minority-owned Jenkins Construction and the architecture firm SDG Design played key roles in the project, showcasing the power of community collaboration and dedication to preserving Detroit’s heritage.
About Post Author
