Completed in 2019, the Eastern Market Plan provides a long-term vision for preserving and strengthening one of Detroit's most important 
commercial and cultural districts. The plan builds on Eastern Market's role as the Great Lakes region's premier food hub while guiding future growth, improving public spaces and mobility, supporting new food-related businesses, and protecting the market's historic character.  

Developed through extensive community engagement and stakeholder collaboration, the plan establishes strategies to create jobs, improve quality of life for residents, and ensure Eastern Market remains a vibrant working market for future generations. While some recommendations have been implemented and conditions have evolved since the plan's adoption, the document continues to serve as a valuable reference for the district's long-term planning and development.  

Plan Highlights  

• Supports Eastern Market's continued growth as a regional food and distribution hub.  
• Guides new development while preserving the market's historic character.  
• Recommends improvements to public spaces, mobility, and streetscapes.  
• Identifies opportunities for food-related business expansion and job creation.  
• Includes an implementation strategy with short, medium, and long-term recommendations.  

Neighborhood Plan Documents:

Executive Summary and Implementation Plan

Neighborhood Framework Plan - Part 1

Neighborhood Framework Plan - Part 2

Neighborhood Framework Plan - Part 3

Neighborhood Framework Plan - Part 4

Neighborhood Framework Plan - Part 5 

Plan Implementation  

Following adoption of the Eastern Market Plan in 2019, several recommendations were implemented through updates to the City's planning policies and zoning regulations.  

Zoning and Master Plan Updates  

In 2022, the City adopted zoning and Master Plan amendments to support Eastern Market's continued role as a regional food production and distribution center while guiding compatible new development. The changes:  

• Established the MKT (Market) zoning district to better accommodate food production, distribution, and related businesses.  
• Updated zoning throughout portions of the Eastern Market district to support continued economic growth while protecting nearby residential areas.  
• Encouraged a mix of food-related businesses, employment uses, housing, and compatible commercial development in appropriate locations.  
• Incorporated recommendations from the Eastern Market Plan into the City's Master Plan of Policies, providing long-term policy guidance for future land use and development decisions.  

These updates help ensure that future development supports Eastern Market's unique character while allowing the district to evolve and remain economically competitive.  

Historic Preservation

In 2022, the Eastern Market Sheds were designated as a local historic district by the City of Detroit. The designation recognizes the market's historic and cultural significance while ensuring that future alterations to the sheds preserve their defining architectural character.  

The Historic District Commission reviews proposed exterior changes within the designated district to help protect one of Detroit's most recognizable historic places.  

Document Archive

• Zoning Update Public Meeting Notice – August 20, 2020
• Zoning Update DRAFT TEXT – REVISED OCT 28, 2020
• Zoning Update DRAFT USE PERMISSIBILITY – REVISED OCT 2020
• Focus Group Presentation - July 14, 2020
• Focus Group Zoning Update Presentation - August 11, 2020
• Zoning Update Public Meeting Presentation - August 20, 2020
• Zoning Update Public Meeting - August 20, 2020 - Audio and Written Recorded Transcript
• Zoning Update and Master Plan Amendment Public Meeting Notice – November 11, 2020
• City Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice – November 19, 2020
• Zoning Update and Master Plan Amendment Presentation – November 11, 2020
• Zoning Update and Master Plan Amendment Public Meeting – November 11, 2020 – Audio and Written Recorded Transcript