Environmental due diligence, remediation, and brownfield redevelopment services supporting a community-owned food hub in Michigan.
The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) redeveloped multiple parcels located in Detroit, Michigan. The redevelopment resulted in the construction of the 25,000-square-foot Detroit Food Commons (DFC), a community-owned food hub designed to expand access to healthy, locally sourced foods while supporting neighborhood economic development.
The Detroit Food Commons includes a grocery store offering locally produced food, a 50-seat neighborhood café, a fully licensed shared-use commercial kitchen with four incubation stations for local food entrepreneurs, 15 outdoor vendor booths, and office space. The project transforms formerly underutilized parcels into a vibrant community asset that supports local producers, small businesses, and food security initiatives.
AKT Peerless was retained by DBCFSN to complete comprehensive environmental due diligence and brownfield redevelopment services. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) identified Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) related to a former dry cleaner, undocumented fill material, and adjacent properties. Subsequent Phase II ESA activities identified metals in soil, qualifying the site as a facility, and a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) was submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
AKT Peerless provided oversight of remedial excavation activities to address mercury-impacted fill material beneath the footprint of a proposed building due to potential vapor intrusion concerns. Services also included verification sampling, documentation of due care compliance, asbestos and regulated materials surveys prior to demolition, and brownfield planning and financing support. AKT Peerless developed a Brownfield Plan and Act 381 Work Plan, secured and managed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loan through the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA), and supported tax abatement services.
AKT Peerless supported the successful redevelopment of the Detroit Food Commons by identifying and mitigating environmental risks and securing critical brownfield financing. More than 7,000 tons of contaminated fill material were removed and properly disposed of under manifest documentation, followed by verification sampling to document post-remediation conditions.
Completion of due diligence, remediation, and brownfield services allowed the project to move forward safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The result is a transformative, community-owned development that advances food security, supports local entrepreneurs, and contributes to long-term neighborhood revitalization in Detroit.
