The GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative today unveiled the city’s first “shipping container homestead,” a shipping container that is going to be turned into a eco-friendly two bedroom living space.
DETROIT, MI- A General Motors Co. plant is collaborating with a Detroit nonprofit organization for a new, unique housing project.
The GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative today unveiled the city’s first “shipping container homestead,” a shipping container that is going to be turned into an eco-friendly two bedroom living space.
“This is one of our real flagship projects,” said Darin McLeskey, co-founder of the nonprofit farming group.
The home, according to officials, will be constructed of 85 percent scrap materials donated by GM and built in part by employee volunteers. The 40 feet by 10 feet container, which will include a bathroom, kitchen and porch, will be built to code and “officially sanctioned” by the City of Detroit.
McLeskey said the main purpose of the container, which is expected to be completed by August, is to house interns or graduate students for the organization. The container is expected to be moved to the organization’s headquarters and urban garden.
The project is in collaboration with TAKD Design and Integrity Building Group of Detroit. TAKD Design led the aesthetics and Integrity Building Group developed the build plans and will oversee construction.
Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MUFI) Vice President Darin McLeskey (left) and General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant Manager Doneen McDowell inside a storage container Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at an event announcing the plant's collaboration with MUFI to help build the city's first occupied shipping container homestead. (Courtesy GM)GM donated many of the building materials from scrap at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, Brownstown Battery Assembly in Brownstown, Mich., the GM Technical Center in Warren, Mich., and GM Component Holdings in Rochester, N.Y.
McLeskey said the container could be officially unveiled this fall during the annual Detroit Design Festival.
Partnering for the container is part of GM's larger sustainability plan that involves reusing as many resources as possible and operating landfill-free facilities, such as Detroit-Hamtramck.
“This innovative project allows our facility to give back even more and be an integrated community partner while reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded,” said Doneen McDowell, Detroit-Hamtramck plant manager. “MUFI’s plan to reinvent urban agriculture is a creative approach that helps Detroit’s renaissance in a sustainable, efficient manner.”
During the event, the GM Foundation also donated $50,000 donated $50,000 to nine Detroit and Hamtramck charities, bringing its total investment to more than $200,000 since 2011 within the community.
Charities receiving grants included Hamtramck Community Initiative, Southwest Solutions (Piquette Center), Winning Futures, Greening of Detroit, Girls Who Code, Covenant House, InsideOut Literary Arts, Beyond Basic, and Blessings in a Backpack
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.