Less Vacancy, More Art

Detroit’s Capitol Park neighborhood was once bustling with tobacco trade, but that was over a century ago. The Brown Brothers Cigars building on State Street has since sat empty for years, but is now bustling with life again thanks to artists Brian Barr and Lauren Rice. They’ve taken over the building and created a nonprofit space that will support Detroit’s artists and creative entrepreneurs. The space is now called Passenger, and has already hosted several events. The ultimate plan for the building includes a contemporary art gallery and space for an artist residency program.