PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Located in Detroit’s Brush Park, CODA Detroit is a mixed-use mass timber development shaped by the memory of an 1880s carriage house that once occupied the site. Originally envisioned as an adaptive reuse project, the historic structure had been severely compromised after a fire more than two decades ago left it exposed to the elements. Rather than replicate what was lost, the design reinterprets the original carriage house’s scale, form, and presence through a new brick screen enclosure.

This masonry veil creates a luminous, breathable volume that recalls the former building while transforming it into an active contemporary space. During the day, light and air filter through the screen; at night, the structure glows from within, marking the corner with a quiet reference to the site’s layered history.

The new building pairs this historic gesture with a forward-looking mass timber structure supporting restaurant, commercial office, residential, and parking uses. Warm, renewable, and expressive, the timber system reinforces the project’s commitment to lower-carbon construction, healthier interior environments, and a more sustainable urban future.

PROJECT PROGRAM: The carriage house evolves into a two-story bar and lounge that connects to a new one-story restaurant. Outdoor seating is situated on the corner of John R and Alfred Street, offering patrons a unique dining experience, with a view of the celebrated historic Ransom Gillis House across the street. Above the restaurant, a new 5,000-square-foot commercial office space emerges, alongside eight luxury residential flats and lofts, each boasting a distinct footprint and large outdoor terrace. Along Alfred Street, two three-story townhomes stand tall, crowned with rooftop terraces that command views of downtown Detroit. These townhomes also conceal a 70-space parking structure, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors alike. This Mass Timber mixed-use project isn't just a development; it's a harmonious blend of the old and the new, a symbol of sustainability, and a testimony to the enduring spirit of Detroit. It's a living tribute to history and an investment in a brighter, greener future for all who call this remarkable city home.