Village Workshop Co-Founder Envisions Creative Hub in Northville

The Village Workshop is a project in downtown Northville that has the community's full support. That's a major success for co-founder Chris McDonald, who wants the community workspace to be a place for everyone.

"It's starting to take on a life of its own," he said.

McDonald, a Northville resident for eight years and a longtime professional in the steel and automotive industry, said the space — although it isn't expected to open until the summer at the old Belanger building on Cady Street — is piquing the interest of business owners, city officials, kids, professional engineers, teachers and artists. 

>>See in the video above what McDonald said about who he envisions will use the workshop.

"The Village Workshop will be catering to a broad audience," he said.

The 26,000 square-foot space, built in 1875 and once the home of Belanger, Inc. — a world leader in car wash manufacturing, will have plenty of room for 3D printers, laser engravers, T-shirt printing, embroidery, sewing and welding machines. Read more about the hi-tech equipment that is a part of the multi-million dollar project.

McDonald got involved when he and Brian Donovan, the brains of the operation, talked at their daughters' lacrosse game about owning their own company.

"We were talking about this while we should have been watching our daughters," he said.

McDonald, who has been involved in start-ups and project management, put together a business plan and the two approached their Northville friend Dennis Engerer with the idea. When he agreed, the plans flowed from there.

Demolition to begin soon, workshop seeking founding members

The city's planning commission gave its final approval this month and demolition of the outer buildings will start within a couple of weeks. Not only will the workshop serve Northville's residents, it will and is already making use of the city's resources. 

"I'm excited to be a part of this downtown," McDonald said. 

He and his partners commissioned a local architect, contractor, landscape designer, surveyor and even the local bank, he said. The collaboration will also continue once its open; the workshop will be home to a satellite location for Northville Lumber that will serve as a supply store. McDonald said that supports the workshop's goal: to be a resource for projects from start to finish.

The Village Workshop is expected to open in July and is taking founding members now. Founding memberships include discounts and are fully refundable up until the official grand opening day.