The Russell Bazaar was first opened on the ground floor of Building 3 in June of 2008. The idea was created by owner Dennis Kefallinos as an attempt to bring a more “European feel” to Detroit. The Bazaar was home to many small pop up businesses, and also featured local live music performances and a food court.

The bazaar granted regular weekend or monthly market spaces to help young, creative professionals easily test out retail concepts without renting a traditional brick-and-mortar store.

The market featured an eclectic mix of goods including custom clothing, paintings, hand-crafted furniture, blown glass, handmade candles, antiques, and locally manufactured specialty items.

After years of operation, business declined and the decision was made to shut it all down.

The Russell Bazaar is what truly put RIC back on the map in Detroit. People still refer to the whole complex as “The Russell Bazaar” even though the marketplace is long gone.

The original Bazaar sign still faces 75, and the paint is still on the walls and columns to this day…

Do we bring the Bazaar back?