History
of the Van Elslander Family Center
On December 15, 1995 a devastating fire wiped out
the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Detroit
Warehouse. Along with the building nearly one million
dollars worth of clothing, furniture, appliances,
bicycles, and other goods were lost. Metro Detroiters
came out in full force to help the group in their
efforts that first Christmas. In the few years that
followed, the community continued to reach out.
The Society went out into the community and conducted
a study to determine the needs of the lower eastside
area. It was determined that other services were
needed in addition to providing clothes and furniture
that the Society did in the past at this location.
High on the list of needs were: child care, job
placement and job training, parenting classes and
medical care.
The Board of Trustees formed a Capital Campaign
Cabinet to develop plans to raise funds for a
multi-service center that included other organizations
providing key services to the community. The board
called upon Art Van Elslander to lead the newly
formed Capital Campaign. The Van Elslander Family,
and many other generous donors, donated the funds
needed to build a new facility that not only met
the needs of the old warehouse, but also expanded
St. Vincent de Paul’s commitment to the
people of Detroit.
The Detroit Collaborative Design Center at the
University of Detroit Mercy and SmithGroup, a
large architecture and engineering firm, designed
the new facility. In May of 2000, the Van Elslander
Family Center opened its doors for the first time.
The new building occupies the same site as the
original warehouse, a symbol of St. Vincent de
Paul’s continuing commitment to Detroit.
It was the intent of the Society of St. Vincent
de Paul that this building would be uplifting
for the community. That is why you see bright
colors both on the outside and in the suites and
hallways. These colors and the modern, futuristic
touches are to serve people in an exciting, bright
and hopeful environment.
Van Elslander Family Center,
3000 Gratiot, Detroit MI 48207
©
2005 St. Vincent de Paul - Detroit