ROOTED IN COMMUNITY history

After years of community conversations, Detroit Horse Power is thrilled to have acquired an ideal property to build our facility in a neighborhood that has embraced horses as a part of the community’s future. The 14-acre site at 2701 Fenkell, Detroit 48238 was built in 1917 as St. Francis Home for Boys. In the 1990s, it was sold to Detroit Public Schools and operated as Paul Robeson Academy. The building was torn down in 2012 after a massive fire.

Detroit Horse Power started engaging in the neighborhood in 2016. Focus: HOPE’s community strategic master plan highlighted the alignment of this proposal with residents’ goals for environmentally-focused land uses, community asset building, and opportunities for young people. Through presenting at town hall convenings, block club meetings, pop up events with horses in the neighborhood, and regular participation in community events, Detroit Horse Power is grateful to have received such strong support from the Hope Village, leading us to purchase the property from Detroit Public Schools Community District.