Monday, May 24, 2021 [DETROIT] – After serving over 1,500 cars at this winter’s Monroe Street Drive-In, Bedrock, Detroit’s largest real estate company, is transforming the future site of its Monroe Blocks development into a hub for outdoor recreation with Monroe Street Midway, opening May 28, 2021 and running until Fall 2021.
The Monroe Street Midway will feature:
Rollout Detroit, roller rink operated in partnership with RollerCade, Detroit’s oldest continuously opened, black-owned roller rink
Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone, four half-court basketball courts and one multi-use sports court in partnership with the Rocket Community Fund
- Original artwork by renowned Detroit artists Sheefy McFly, Olivia Guterson, Phil Simpson and Jessica Care Moore
- Performances by local DJs and outdoor fitness classes
- Food and beverage served from concession stands and rotating food trucks
“Rollout Detroit will change what it means to roller skate in the City of Detroit,” said Kyle Black, RollerCade’s third-generation owner. “This truly unique and creative roller rink will thrill skaters of every skill level.”
The Monroe Street Midway is a continuation of Bedrock’s multi-million dollar “Decked Out Detroit” initiative in partnership with the Rocket Community Fund and the City of Detroit.
“We are excited to debut our most immersive experience yet at the Monroe Street Midway and offer residents and families a safe and memorable option for outdoor recreation this spring and summer,” said Ivy Greaner, Chief Operating Officer at Bedrock. “RollerCade’s expertise paired with the work of so many talented local artists will make the Midway a truly one-of-a-kind activation.”
Capacity limitations, social distancing and mask guidelines will align with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services’ latest recommendations. As new orders are released, the Monroe Street Midway will continue to monitor, adapt, and modify plans to ensure proper compliance. Masks and hand sanitizer will be made available for all guests. Enhanced sanitary measures and cleaning protocols will be utilized.
Rollout Detroit
Southwest Detroit’s RollerCade is partnering with Bedrock to operate the city’s only outdoor roller rink at the Monroe Street Midway. RollerCade is the oldest continuously opened, black-owned roller rink in the city and one of the oldest in the country, opening in 1955.
Roller skate sessions will be blocked off in two- or three-hour time slots and will cost $10 per session. Roller skates will be available to rent at $3 a pair. Walk-ins are welcome or sessions can be booked ahead of time here.
Rollout Detroit will be open daily with the hours listed below.
- Sunday–Wednesday: noon- 9:00 pm
- Thursday–Saturday: noon- 11:00 pm
Art Installations
Four of Detroit’s most prominent artists will display their work throughout the Monroe Street Midway. Featured artists include:
- Multidisciplinary artist Sheefy McFly will paint a mural directly on the skate rink. His work will also be displayed as another prominent artistic moment within the Midway.
- Follow his work here.
- Fine artist and muralist Phil Simpson will be designing the Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone courts with unique murals on the floors of each court.
- Follow his work here.
- Contemporary artist Olivia Guterson & poet Jessica Care Moore will collaborate to create a large painted wall mural inside the Monroe Street Midway.
Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone
The Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone, previously held in Cadillac Square, will be returning this year at the Monroe Street Midway.
This unique activation includes four basketball courts and, for the first time ever, a multi-use sports court that will host a wide range of athletic and recreational activities including futsal, pickleball and handball. The Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone was developed by the Rocket Community Fund as part of its commitment to provide access to safe and inclusive public spaces.
Come Play Detroit will operate the space and equipment will be available free of charge.
The Sports Zone will be open daily from noon- 9:00 p.m. and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Additional Activations
The Monroe Street Midway will be consistently programmed throughout the spring and summer seasons, providing opportunities for all to enjoy.
A local food truck will be on site daily and a concession stand will also be serving snacks.
Rollout Detroit plans to host themed skate sessions for all ages as well as open skate and lessons.
DJ performances, outdoor workout classes and additional programming activations are planned for the Monroe Street Midway.
Parking
Bedrock is offering free, four-hour parking validations for guests that make a purchase at the Monroe Street Midway.
Pull into one of the eight validated garages on this map, take a ticket and request a validation after your purchase at the Monroe Street Midway or from one of the merchants on the map.
Some garages require a credit card instead of a ticket for entry and exit, but guests won’t be charged for any parking less than four hours as long as they present validation upon exiting the garage.
For additional information, and to receive real-time updates to event happenings and activations visit DeckedOutDetroit.com.
