Pingree Detroit to Open First Retail Location in The District Detroit

What better way to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 than with the opening of Pingree Detroit’s first-ever retail store at 22 W. Columbia Street in The District Detroit? Pingree is a worker-owned maker of shoes, bags, and accessories handcrafted from upcycled automotive materials. This milestone represents far more than a storefront - it is a celebration of Detroit craftsmanship, sustainability, and the power of local ownership taking root in the city’s most dynamic district.

Pingree Detroit is part of The District Detroit Presents program which is designed to open doors for businesses of all sizes that want to bring unique, authentic dining and retail experiences to the heart of the city’s sports and entertainment district. Whether a business is launching a food truck, operating an in-venue location, testing a concept through a pop-up, or establishing a full brick-and-mortar presence, the program provides a pathway to grow, connect with diverse audiences, and become part of Detroit’s most dynamic destination. Pingree Detroit is a standout example of what this program is all about — a mission-driven, locally owned company whose craftsmanship, community impact, and Detroit-first values enrich Columbia Street and demonstrate how homegrown businesses can thrive and help shape the culture of The District Detroit.

“Pingree Detroit represents the very best of our city - innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to people and community,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan. “Their worker-owned model and focus on sustainability embody the spirit of The District Detroit Presents program, which exists to elevate locally owned businesses and create pathways for Detroiters to thrive. We’re proud to welcome Pingree Detroit to Columbia Street and to support a company whose mission so clearly aligns with the future we’re building here in The District Detroit.”

Founded in 2015, Pingree Detroit operates as a worker-owned cooperative, where every employee has a stake in the business and 77% of profits are shared or reinvested locally. The company employs Detroiters and U.S. Veterans, offering living-wage jobs while transforming auto industry remnants into durable, high-quality goods.

In just a decade, the company has diverted more than 55,000 pounds of leather, vinyl, and seat belts from landfills - materials now reborn as handcrafted footwear, bags, and accessories. Alongside its environmental impact, Pingree provides free skilled-trades training in shoemaking, leathercraft, and industrial sewing, giving Veterans and Detroiters alike new opportunities to build sustainable careers.

“We’ve envisioned this moment for a decade,” said Nathaniel Crawford II, co-owner and Air Force Veteran. “For years, our products have been available in more than 18 stores nationwide and online but establishing a space of our own — right here in the heart of Detroit — marks a new chapter for us.

“This store is more than a showroom; it’s a place to tell our story, demonstrate our craftsmanship, and strengthen our connection to the community that shapes our work. Here, people can experience our custom footwear and locally made leather goods in the environment that inspired them.”

The new retail location will serve as both showroom and classroom, featuring a street-viewable workshop where customers can watch products being made on select days — including Footwear Fridays — and meet the artisans behind each piece.

Columbia Street, a pedestrian-only corridor between the historic Fox Theatre and Little Caesars Global Headquarters, is the heart of The District Detroit - the city’s premier live, work, play, and learn destination that unites Detroit’s four professional sports teams, world-class entertainment venues, top universities, and award-winning residential, retail, and office developments.

Opening on Veterans Day holds special meaning for Pingree Detroit, as many of its co-owners are Veterans who found renewed purpose through craftsmanship and collective ownership after service.

Pingree Detroit at 22 W. Columbia Street will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.