DETROIT —Local developers, community leaders and state officials gathered last Thursday, July 9 in Detroit’s Mexicantown neighborhood to mark the groundbreaking of a community-driven, mixed-use redevelopment of the historic La Norteña building at 3600 W. Vernor.
The long-vacant, two-story building will be rehabilitated into a mixed-use development featuring four residential units highlighting local artists and a ground-floor social space designed to reflect and serve the surrounding community.
The project is led by Southwest Detroit natives Tanya Saldivar-Ali and Luis Ali, who say the effort is rooted in preserving the legacy of a longstanding Latino-owned property while creating space for future generations.
“We are proud to announce the next chapter of the historic La Norteña building in Mexicantown,” said Saldivar-Ali, business development director for AGI Construction. “As Southwest Detroiters, it gives us immense pride to acquire this property from another Latino family whose business has been part of the economic lifeline and cultural fabric of our community for more than fifty years.
“Spaces like this carry sacrifices, stories, memories, and the everyday experiences that shape who we are as a neighborhood. Our intention is to honor that legacy while investing in its future — creating inclusive spaces that celebrate our roots and remain authentic to the culture, history, and evolving spirit of Southwest Detroit.”
The redevelopment is supported by a $385,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Build Michigan Communities program, including $35,000 in technical assistance, as well as a $1 million grant from the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Total investment is estimated at approximately $2 million.
At the groundbreaking, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said the project reflects the city’s continued focus on neighborhood-based development that prioritizes residents and culture.
“This project shows what’s possible when development is rooted in the people and history of a neighborhood,” Sheffield said. “We are committed to supporting projects that not only bring new investment but also preserve the cultural identity and community connections that make Detroit’s neighborhoods strong.”
District 6 Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero said the redevelopment is an example of community-driven investment.
“Mexicantown is one of Detroit’s most vibrant and culturally rich communities, and it’s critical that development here reflects that identity,” Santiago-Romero said. “This project is being led by people from the neighborhood, with a clear commitment to honoring its history while building for the future.”
“Projects like this show that economic development and cultural preservation can go hand in hand,” said Annie Mendoza of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “By investing in a historic building and supporting developers from the community, this effort will help ensure Mexicantown’s identity and history remain central to its future while bringing new housing and activity to the corridor.”
“This project reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-driven development we look to support,” said Jermaine Ruffin of Invest Detroit. “It combines local leadership, cultural authenticity and economic opportunity in a way that strengthens the fabric of the neighborhood and supports long-term growth.”
In addition to the groundbreaking, organizers hosted a public open house inviting residents to view renderings and provide input on how the ground-floor space will be activated. The engagement process is intended to ensure the space reflects Mexicantown’s culture, history and identity through programming, storytelling and shared experiences.
Project leaders emphasized that the development is designed as more than a traditional commercial space.
“This project is more than a building. It represents community continuity, cultural preservation, and a commitment to ensuring that development in our neighborhoods reflects the voices and values of the people who have long called this community home, Saldivar-Ali said.”
