A fresh cultural wave is set to hit Detroit as the new 'Little Village' revamps the East Village neighborhood, starting with The Shepherd. This former church, now a purveyor of arts and culture, will be home to the highly anticipated inaugural exhibit by the revered Detroit artist, Charles McGee, from May 18 through July 20, as reported by Detroit News.

Architects from Peterson Rich Office (PRO) spearheaded the transformation of The Shepherd, mixing the historical with the novel. As stated by Archinect News, the firm undertook the task of blending the church's original charm with modern design elements, adding exhibition areas, performance spaces, and the Little Village Arts Library along its lifestream.

The church’s former garage is being turned into a cocktail bar, as provided by Metro Times, which seems to raise a glass to ingenuity and community spirit.

McGee's legacy is honored not just inside The Shepherd but in the surrounding campus as well. A sculpture garden bearing his name, consisting of works he envisioned before his 2021 passing, will also open to the public on May 18. The entire effort is part of a collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), which will continue to spotlight McGee's influence with an exhibit at their premises titled "Kin-ship: The Legacy of Gallery 7."

The 'Little Village' also shimmers with the promise of diverse offerings; such is the planned skate park designed by McArthur Binion and skating legend Tony Hawk, infused with Detroit's creative charm. According to Detroit News, a myriad of culinary and leisure spots, including a patisserie by James Beard Award-winning chef Warda Bouguettaya and a bed and breakfast that doubles as an artists’ haven, are set to become neighborhood jewels.

"The Shepherd reshapes an institution that built community around religion, to one that will build community around the arts," said PRO founders Nathan Rich and Miriam Peterson in a statement obtained by Metro Times.