GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After much feedback, fundraising and planning, The Diatribe Inc.’s "Emory Arts & Culture Hub" project is preparing to break ground on a massive new development in the Burton Heights neighborhood on South Division Avenue. The 18,342-square-foot facility will include work and retail spaces along with eight affordable housing units. It’s a project to revitalize the neighborhood the organization said they have been working on for several years.
"After a few years in the making it was a vision at first, but we’ve heard from our neighbors and now we have the Emory Arts & Culture Hub groundbreaking today, so it’s really exciting,” interim executive director Vanessa Jimenez said.
Renderings show artwork outside the building with several storefronts. The hope is that the storefronts will bring new businesses and economic growth to the community. It will house The Diatribe Inc.’s Headquarters along with workspace for artists, retail and workspaces for the community. Programs for mental health, wellness and social justice will be provided in partnership with local charities and West Michigan organizations. Culture and strategy champion Javier Cervantes said with help from the community, they have reached more than half of their $9 million fundraising goal.
"We have raised 6.7 million already, and we need to raise about 2 million more dollars,” Javier Cervantes said. "If we raise more than that we will be more than happy because the more money that we raise, the more we can bring into the community and into this space."
Since 2013, The Diatribe Inc. has provided local schools including GRPS, Muskegon Public Schools and Kentwood Public Schools with poetry programs that started with just a few classes. After feedback from students who showed much interest in the program, they now serve more than 30 classrooms a year. Organizers say the new building will provide a safe space for young people to learn and excel. 7th through 12th grade students can enjoy free arts workshops, help with homework and leisure time on weekdays 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
The renovated building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025. The organization currently needs donations and support for the renovation project. If you would like to support, donate or volunteer, you can visit their social media page or website.
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