The Russell Industrial Center complex is ordered closed by the city of Detroit for building and fire code violations.
The “vacate the premises” order affects 184 tenants, mostly artists.
The letter was posted Monday to all tenants in Building One of the complex and in the leasing office.
The owner says he is currently on a fire suppression system.
The order says “The owner(s) of 1600 Clay have constructed or allowed the construction of multiple commercial and residential tenant units without obtaining the proper permits, inspections, and approvals. They have erected walls using combustible materials, illegally installed plumbing, and heating systems in numerous units without the proper permits, inspections, and approvals.”
The complex was originally a factory for automobile bodies and chassis.