4731 was the first project, and it started simply as a place to put both a woodshop and a metal shop. The building was a wrecked shell, and was purchased on September 1st 2001, about ten days before 9/11.

Over the next several years, the project continued to grow organically as more and more artists requested space. All the work was done by a small group of artists and volunteers involved with 4731. Within three years, they had completely transformed the building, designing and building an award winning gallery on the first floor and 30+ artist and craft studios throughout the building.

One year later, Ric was named “Arts Entrepreneur of the Year” and 4731 was named Detroit’s “Arts Building of the Year”. The building also received the “Cool Cities Award” from Michigan’s Governor in partnership with the Woodbridge Neighborhood Association. The project transformed a structure on the demolition list to an anchor for further economic development in the neighborhood. 

The building was eventually sold to Allied Media Projects in 2018. Working with a $4 million dollar grant received from the Mackenzie Bezos Foundation, Allied has completed the transformation of this building into an absolute showpiece – and they continue to help non-profits grow and thrive in their quest to improve Detroit.