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Russell Industrial Center (Google maps photo)
The city of Detroit has shut down the Russell Industrial Center at 1600 Clay, an enormous art community with studios, galleries and workspaces, Motor CIty Muckraker reports.
An immediate evacuation by about 150 tenants was ordered Monday because of numerous safety violations, failure to obtain proper permits and illegal use of space, writes Steve Nealving at his news site. The complex failed at least two 2016 inspections because of fire hazards and falling brick.
“Due to the blatant disregard for city ordinances, laws, and regulations this owner has shown, this facility will be vacated until it has all proper permits inspections and approvals,” said David Bell, director of the Detroit Building, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department. “We plan on sitting down with the owner later on this week to discuss this facility coming into compliance.”
On Feb. 16, the city wrote a letter ordering the owner to "immediately vacate all floors and area of the building.” An order to vacate was posted at the mammoth complex Monday.
Some renters rushed to retrieve their artwork, Neavling reports.
