our story...

Fourteen East Philosophy

“It’s the feeling you get as soon as you step into a space.” This is my philosophy behind the interior design of Fourteen East. I want my customers to feel welcome and comforted.

History of Fourteen East

This is where Fourteen East started.  In the recession of the early 2000’s, I saw several of my interior design clients file for bankruptcy or halt expansion and renovation.  The whole City of Detroit was struggling, but it was working hard to get through the dark times.

At the time, the brand new incubator, TechTown, was one of my clients.  While attending a networking event there, I heard Sue Mosey, executive director of the now Midtown Detroit, Inc., speak about what was being done to develop Midtown.  The rest is history!

Fourteen East Ambitions 

I loved the City and saw its potential, so I enrolled in a “How to Start a Business” at TechTown and started to craft my dream shop.  I wanted to create an urban experience with a peaceful ambiance that would welcome the visitors to the City.  The feeling was to be bright and airy with soft music playing and delicious coffee and pastries to complete the entire picture. And so the quest began.

In 2011, I opened in the Park Shelton building, next to the DIA.  Most of the customers then were visitors from all over the world.  As time passed, we saw more and more people moving in to the neighborhood. So I expanded our offerings.

Current Location

In 2020, we moved to a new location in the Wayne State Ilitch School of Business building. Things will be different in this location with a unique customer base.  I hope that before long, all of our new customers and neighbors will get that same “feeling” when they step into Fourteen East!

 MISSION 

To provide a positive impression of the City of Detroit and the neighborhood to all who live in and visit the area through an establishment rich with art, culture and refreshment. 

VISION

Fourteen East will grow as a community gathering respite offering a calm comforting environment in the heart of bustling Midtown.  Gourmet coffee, light lunch, art and soft music will enhance the experience of the patron.

Our associates shall be good will ambassadors for the city and the neighborhood by being aware of community activities and events and connecting the fabric of the community.  They will also learn environmental responsibility and share that knowledge with others.

Finally, we shall strive to provide conversation, information and connection to those who work, live and visit Detroit.