Space will host local and national musical acts as well as weddings and private events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Julie Law
WYANDOTTE, MI (December 13, 2022) Metro Detroit is getting a new live music and entertainment venue in March 2023. District 142 will sit in the heart of downtown Wyandotte. A century-old two-story, 15,000-square-foot building has been transformed into a multi-use event space that will host national rock and country artists, regional and local bands, themed events, weddings, and private parties.
Julie Law and Joshua Cade jointly own District 142. Law and Cade combined their backgrounds in hospitality, event production, and marketing to form an event production company in 2017 which has gone on to create a series of popular festivals in downtown Wyandotte including, Swiggin’ Pig, Fire & Flannel Fest, Wyandotte Wine Crawl, Detroit River Cocktail Showdown, St. Patrick’s Party & Leprechaun Crawl and Wyandotte Beer Fest.
As the company grew, it started to look for a permanent space to host live music and events. Joe Gruber, Wyandotte DDA Executive Director, invited them to view a building that had been sitting vacant but offered an ideal location and capacity. “When Joe showed us the building, it had been stripped down to the dirt floor, with no power or water, but we knew the potential was there to turn it into a much-needed live music and entertainment venue,” stated Law.
“As the owner of several Wyandotte restaurants and bars, I felt the area needed something that would drive traffic to the city year-round,” said Cade. “District 142 will be that venue – drawing in visitors for concerts as well as providing a space for residents to host weddings, parties, and corporate events.”
Those familiar with Wyandotte will recall the impressive stucco building has been home to several bars, nightclubs, and a bowling alley. After sitting vacant for over a decade, the building has been brought back to life while retaining some of its original charm and some added character. The exterior will have a digital marquee and box office windows. The interior features an industrial–steampunk vibe, which exposes the natural framing of the 1890s building while highlighting finishes like weathered wood, metalwork stairs, exposed brick, and vintage light fixtures. Rise Above Ventures is currently in the final stages of renovation to meet the March 2023 opening of District 142.
Concertgoers will have the opportunity to choose from an intimate experience on the main floor or an elevated experience on the upper mezzanine with tables, chairs, a private bar, and restrooms. The venue will feature state-of-the-art lighting, a sound system, and a 20’ x 24’ stage. Amenities for talent include a private dressing room, bathroom with shower, production office, on-site laundry, and stage-level load-in. Live Nation is a booking partner for the new venue with a ticketing capacity of around 700.
Law, the owner of 360 Event Productions, has two decades of broadcast media, marketing, and concert industry experience. Law started her career in the music industry when she was Director of Marketing and Promotions at some of the area’s legendary rock and roll radio stations including 101 WRIF and 94.7 WCSX and several more. Law worked with concert promoters, venues, and arenas to promote and produce concerts with national artists. In 2016, she started her own event production company, 360 Event Productions – successfully executing over 25 large-scale events and festivals across Metro Detroit; all of which include live music. Law’s specialty is providing quality entertainment experiences. Law will be booking, producing, and marketing the live events and concerts at District 142.
Cade is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur. He is the owner of Whiskeys on the Water, and co-founder of Frank’s Pizza, The Iron Gate, and RiverTown Tavern. Cade’s eateries are known for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent customer service, they host many private events including weddings, showers, and celebrations. District 142 will offer a unique ambiance with high-end food and beverage service for weddings and special events. Cade will manage the wedding and private events division at District 142.
Wyandotte is gaining attention from businesses and residents alike with the development of apartments, new restaurants, and retailers opening downtown. “This is a tremendously exciting moment for us, and really, all Southeast Michigan and the Metro Detroit music scene,” said Joe Gruber. “The City of Wyandotte and the DDA have long supported Josh and Julie’s events which bring thousands of visitors into Wyandotte annually. Their continued investment in our community helped cement our position as a regional destination and the “Downtown of Downriver.” We’re thrilled for this new venue that will allow even more people to discover all Wyandotte has to offer.”
Sign up for the District 142 Club to find out about concert announcements, ticket on-sales, discounts, and more. Visit www.District142Live.com. Follow District 142 on Facebook for the latest concert announcements.
