Statement from DSCDO on GSAD Inc.

October 25, 2019

ryanjaenke179.jpg

Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) expresses its sincere appreciation to the board and founders of Gordon Square Arts District Inc. (GSAD Inc.) for their service to the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. GSAD Inc. decided Wednesday to suspend its operations by end of year.

The Gordon Square Arts District, located in the heart of Detroit Shoreway, is a vibrant arts hub, and its many local businesses and arts partners are open and thriving. Well-known programs, events and services – such as Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios, WINTERTIDE at Gordon Square, and theater operations – are not affected by the decision of GSAD Inc.

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT), Near West Theatre (NWT) and DSCDO, owner of the Capitol Theatre, initially formed GSAD Inc. in 2006 as a partnership and $30 million capital campaign. This campaign, along with instrumental leadership from the City of Cleveland, set a new standard for arts collaboration and resulted in the renovation of the Capitol Theatre and CPT, a newly constructed NWT, streetscape improvements and expanded parking. Following completion of the capital campaign in 2014, GSAD Inc. continued its commitment to Gordon Square by carrying out arts initiatives including murals and artist residencies.

DSCDO’s own commitment to Gordon Square has been unchanged since our founding in 1973, when we began our work to preserve the Gordon Square Arcade. Our steadfast ownership of the Capitol Theatre, 300+ affordable housing units, and 50,000 square feet of retail space remain crucial to our vision for a vibrant, diverse community. We continue to provide a broad array of services, including support for residents and small businesses. DSCDO also carries out programs of the GSAD-CIC, a separate 501(c)3 entity more commonly known as the Special Improvement District, to provide landscaping, litter and graffiti removal, holiday lighting and more in Gordon Square.

We invite the community to attend two free, family-friendly events coming up soon in the Gordon Square Arts District: Dia de Muertos on November 2; and WINTERTIDE at Gordon Square on December 14. Both events are collaborations between multiple arts and community partners.