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'The Belt' Turns Detroit Alley It Into Public Art Display (Video)

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - A former alley in downtown Detroit is being transformed into a unique, public art destination in the city.

The Belt is being created by the Library Street Collective and Bedrock Real Estate Services in the alley between the buildings of The Z garage and those on Library Street.

"(The Belt creates) the ultimate experience for people who come downtown and check out something you can't get anywhere else," said Dan Mullen, vice president of leasing and development, Bedrock Real Estate. "It's a big public art piece."

One dozen permanent works of art have been painted on the walls of The Belt, along with five murals placed in large steel frames which will change every six months.

Pedestrians walking through the alley, which is located in the area of Detroit once occupied by the garment district, will find stamped concrete and canopy of lighting which add to the unique features.

And in the summer, there will food carts in the alley along with a bar.

"It's going to be a hangout," added Mullen. "One of those mysterious things you walk by and just have to go down."

Additionally, one of the murals was painted by students from the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences under the supervision of renowned graffiti artist Jordan Nickel, who is known as Pose.

"Our school has an arts component, we embrace the visual arts," said Maurice Morton, CEO of the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences.

He told his students that they are "leave your mark on this walk able space in the city of Detroit."

Pose said creating the mural with the kids is a "highlight" for him.

"It's by the public for the public," he said. "We are just here creating together (and) learning. It's great."

A public opening of The Belt will take place from 5 - 7 p.m. Saturday with food trucks and live music.

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