Detroit Metal Shaping is proposing to relocate to this site and reuse the existing building for a small-scale custom metal fabrication and classic car restoration business. Their work involves high-value, specialty vehicles and precision craftsmanship.
All fabrication and restoration work will take place entirely within the building, with no outdoor work activities. The only regular outdoor use will be employee parking.
The company’s work includes unique commissioned projects; normally only working on 4-5 projects at a time. The business operates with a low-profile, secure, and controlled environment.
The proposed building provides approximately 13,000 square feet of space, allowing the business to expand from its current ~5,000 square foot facility while continuing to operate fully indoors.
As part of this transition, the applicant is requesting a rezoning (map amendment) to allow the property to be used in a way that better reflects both its historic use and the surrounding area.
A Positive Change for the Site
This proposal presents an opportunity to replace a long-standing towing yard use with a cleaner, quieter, and more controlled operation.
Compared to the previous use, the proposed business will involve:
This project represents a shift from a high traffic vehicle towing and storage use to a low-impact, indoor craft-based business. With all work occurring inside the building and only employee parking outside, the proposed use is designed to be quiet, contained, and compatible with the surrounding area.
About the Rezoning Process
The proposed use does not have a specific designation in the zoning ordinance as it is not similar to traditional vehicular manufacturing (the Big three). It is more of a design studio utilizing manufacturing equipment. For this reason, the proposed use is best described medium/high intensity manufacturing which is a by-right use in the M3 District.
Parkstone Development Partners is requesting this property be rezoned from R2 to M3. Unlike the more intensive M4 and M5 districts, more intense industrial uses would require a public hearing to establish in the M3 District.
Rezoning is a public process that allows the City to evaluate whether a property’s zoning is appropriate based on how the area is used today. There will be pubic hearings at both the City Planning Commission and the City Council Planning & Economic Development Committee. All meeting notices will be posted on this website once they are scheduled. Residents will have many opportunities for community input as this process develops.
The company works with collectors, restoration shops, designers, and automotive enthusiasts to fabricate unique parts and restore historic vehicles.
Operations are primarily indoors within a workshop environment, and the business does not involve manufacturing production lines or large-scale industrial processes.
The proposed property offers several characteristics that make it suitable for this type of specialized craft and fabrication business:
Relocating to Detroit also aligns with the company’s mission of honoring and continuing the city’s historic legacy of automotive craftsmanship.
Parkstone Development Partners is facilitating community engagement for this project on behalf of Detroit Metal Shaping.
This page will serve as a central location for project information, including:
Information will be updated as new materials become available during the review process.
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Detroit, MI 48207
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