If you look at the corner of 14th and Michigan Avenue in Corktown, you might notice something new.
That’s because there’s a new statue created by the Nordin Brothers of the Detroit Design Center in the median. It’s called “Generations.”
If you’re looking to figure out where it is, it’s between Slows BBQ and the CPA Building, across Michigan Avenue from the old Michigan Central Station. It’s designed to be a visual gateway to the neighborhood.
The Nordin Brothers might sound familiar to you – they also designed the giant Menorah in the D that is lit every year.
“This sculpture stands for the strength and resilient spirt of the City of Detroit,” said Detroit artists Erik Nordin. “It is a spirit passed from one generation to the next, as new growth emerges from an historic foundation. Just like Detroit, it is a metamorphosis fueled by the hope and dedication of generations.”
The statue stands 18 feet tall and is made of industrial carbon and stainless steel.
Around the base six pillars represent the six branches of the American military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the National Guard.
Up top are two globes that will be illuminated by solar power. The idea is that the piece symbolizes hope and nature, as well as be a beacon to the neighborhood that show gratitude for the service of veterans.
“To watch what the people of Detroit are doing for our city is pretty inspiring,” said Israel Nordin at the unveiling on Saturday.
Local businesses had influence into the design and it is a gift to the city of Detroit funded through Hatch Detroit and Strategic Staffing Solutions. A variety of veterans from a number of service branches attended as well as politicians including Detroit mayor Mike Duggan and council member Raquel Castañeda-López, on Saturday morning.
Finishing the ceremony was a performance by the Detroit Party Marching Band.
We’ve covered Hatch Detroit before – it’s that contest that offers $50,000 as well as support services for new brick and mortar retail businesses. The most recent business to open with their support was Live Cycle Delight, but they were also part of making a number of other places happen like Batch Brewery. They also fund and implement improvements in the neighborhoods for local businesses, with recent projects in West Village, the Livernois Avenue of Fashion and in Grandmont Rosedale.
“Art is an important part of creating walkable, shoppable neighborhoods like Corktown,” said HATCH executive director Vittoria Katanski.
Strategic Staffing Solutions was founded in 1990 and now has more than 3,000 people working for them according to their website.
“At Strategic Staffing Solutions, we’re committed to giving back to the community, and we wanted to make sure the sculpture represented the cooperative spirit of Detroit,” said their COO Allen Coleman.
What do you think of Corktown’s newest addition?
