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After more than eight years, the Heidelberg Project is moving from its Midtown spot where it housed its administrative, meeting, gallery and studio space. It also has been the residence of its founder Tyree Guyton and Heidelberg Project President Jenenne Whitfield.
A press release says it can't afford to buy the building at 42 Watson, which the Detroit Free Press reports listed for $1.2 million. Metro Times says the headquarters will move to the Heidelberg Project on the east side.
“Detroit is changing. It’s neighborhoods are changing and Midtown is a prime example,” said Whitfield in the release posted on the Heidelberg site. “When we came to the neighborhood in 2009, the buildings around us were vacant and rundown, as evidenced by the building adjacent to us.
"The Heidelberg Project brought an energy and a creativity that certainly contributed to the new energy that the Midtown area is experiencing today. While we made an effort to purchase the building, the realities of the market are beyond the reach of our non-profit arts organization."
A three-day farewell event called "Steppin' Out" starts Friday. The schedule:
- Friday: Artist reception, 6 - 9 p.m.
- Saturday: Studio art sale, 12 - 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Disassembly, 12 - 6 p.m.
