Why Corktown?

One Saturday afternoon…

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we were on the grounds of our new building in Corktown, cleaning up and removing landscape debris. As we opened our gates and were doing some of this work, a few curious neighbors started to come by…

Paul was the first. A local entrepreneur, who lived a few houses down the street (he pointed to it) and asked who we were and what our plans were. He was thrilled to hear that part of the building will be a school. He told us that he and many who still lived on the street (Wabash) went to St. Vincent back in the day (St. Vincent was housed in the building where Kintsugi Village will operate). He remembers the nuns who lived on the third floor and also taught in the building. Another gentleman named Stephen, a filmmaker and documentarian from California was also interested in learning more about our nonprofit and how it might benefit the neighborhood. He moved to Michigan five years ago along with his wife and has really enjoyed living in Corktown and getting to know the neighborhood.

And then there’s John Cuarana (see photo below), our next door neighbor, originally from Malta,  who moved to the States 60 years ago and landed in Corktown. He was 18 years old. He eventually met Grace (whose parents were also from Malta) and who lived a block over. They got married, had a son and daughter and have all lived in Corktown since then. John would later own a bunch of properties in Corktown, coach the soccer team at Old St. Vincent, watch his kids walk through their fence to get to the school. His wife Grace was also an admin at the school for nine years. An incredible American story. 

Why We Chose Corktown for Kintsugi Village

Corktown Detroit has a rich history, a vibrant and diverse population, and a resilient spirit, making it a great home for Kintsugi Village. Nestled in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood (circa 1834), Corktown’s past is marked by waves of migration, artistic expression, and a close-knit community, aligning with our vision to create a space where children, artists, educators, and culinary enthusiasts can thrive. 

A History of Community and Resilience

Corktown was originally settled by Irish immigrants in the 1840s, a history that gave rise to its name and many of the classic brick buildings and row houses that still stand today. Over time, the neighborhood saw an influx of people from various backgrounds, shaping Corktown into one of Detroit’s most diverse neighborhoods. While Detroit experienced lots of ups and downs, Corktown has remained a symbol of resilience, continuously reinventing itself while maintaining a sense of historic charm. In more recent years, Corktown has become a cultural hub, drawing creatives, entrepreneurs, and families who appreciate its close community and Detroit’s revivalist spirit. With the newly renovated Michigan Central Station, Corktown is set to be both a tech and innovation development center, connecting Detroit’s past with its future. This aligns perfectly with Kintsugi Village’s mission to integrate education, art, and community services in ways that honor tradition with newness.

Photo: Michigan Avenue circa 1950. Building on far left is Nemo’s (still standing today) and the rest of the buildings are mostly still standing.  

Photo: The parochial school of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church was built at the southeast corner of 14th Street and Dalzelle in the mid-1880s and closed in 1965. The new school built to replace it, at the northeast corner of 14th Street and Marantette, only graduated five high school classes, 1966-1971.

Creating Connections and Strengthening Corktown

Our approach to building Kintsugi Village in Corktown is rooted in the belief that every neighborhood member has something unique to contribute. By involving the community in programming, decision-making, and outreach, we hope to be a meaningful addition to the fabric of Corktown, not only enhancing the neighborhood’s offerings but drawing strength and inspiration from its people.

Corktown is more than just a location for Kintsugi Village; it’s an inspiration. We’re excited to be part of Corktown’s ever-evolving story and to contribute to a future rooted in history, diversity, and community connection.