Russell Industrial Center closes after receiving dozens of fire safety violations

Tenants say businesses could be in danger if complex closes

DETROIT – After the Local 4 Defenders did a story about the dozens of failed fire safety inspections at the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit, the complex was ordered closed by the city.

Defenders report: Does Russell Industrial Center in Detroit pose major fire risk?

The paper posted on the office said various building code violations were the reasons for the "vacate the premises" order, but the Defenders learned earlier this month that they are fire and structural violations.

Many of the 184 tenants at the Russell Industrial Center are wondering what's going to happen to them.

"When the inspectors came, I was expecting a letter to go out," Ilir Martini, of Motor City Armament, said.

The letter was posted Monday to all tenants in Building One of the complex and the leasing office.

"When the fire marshals came through my spot, they said everything was fine, but then I get this," Dr. Dabout, of Dabout Glassmaker, said. "I guess I just don't understand."

Dabout is one of many cool spaces at the Russell Industrial Center, and the owner said he's invested more than $30,000 in it.

"Tragic for a lot of businesses," he said. "Machine shops, glass blowers, it's going to destroy a lot of businesses."


Defenders sent FOIAs for these documents: 

Incident List by Alarm Date/Time
Correction Order
Detailed Scheduled Inspections Report
Inspection Report from Detroit Fire Department
Inspection Report from Detroit Fire Department (Part 2)


It's a diverse neighborhood. Across from Dabout is Proving Grounds, a CrossFit gym.

"It would mean a restart," Sean Yargeau, of Proving Grounds, said.

The owner said he is currently working on a fire suppression system for his own space as part of his investment. He said having to leave now would hurt.

"It's a community that's been growing for the last eight months and it's like a family," he said. "So this would be like uprooting that family."

Tenants noticed changes in the main hallway on Monday. Cars weren't parked there, new fire extinguishers were placed every few yards and a glass entry was no longer chained and boarded up.

"I've been here two years, this is not uncommon," Martini said. "But they usually fix the situation."

Martini, who is a licensed gun manufacturer, fully believes the violations will be fixed and the building will stay open.

The city of Detroit released the following statement:

"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.

"During a recent inspection, the smell of natural gas from the multiple illegal installations was so strong, DTE had to be immediately called to correct the leak. The legal use of this facility is a Factory. The owners have allowed the following uses in this facility illegally: antique furniture resale, Artists, Photography Studios, Music Recording Studios, Residential units, Counseling Center (including children), Fitness Workout. Due to the blatant disregard for city ordinances, laws, and regulations this owner has shown, this facility will be vacated until it has all proper permits inspections and approvals.

"We plan on sitting down with the owner later on this week to discuss this facility coming into compliance."

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About the Authors:

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.