Built circa 1901 situated on Michigan Ave in the heart of Corktown - the oldest neighborhood in Detroit founded in 1834, just down the street from some of the most Iconic buildings in America - The Michigan Central Train Station (home to the new Ford Motor Company mobility innovation district Tech Campus) and old Tiger Stadium. The building served as a shoe store - in-fact, the whole block was a showcase for the Western Market. In the 1950’s Isaac Kokorban, a thrifty Jewish entrepreneur, purchased the whole block between 17th & 18th street: his nickname was Izzy, hence the block became known as Izzy’s. In the late 1960’s Joseph Blanco (who immigrated from Malta in the late 1940’s) - relocated his business from Vernor/Scotten to the current premises. Blanco Canvas Works manufactured sail covers, awnings, tarpaulins etc. excelled in speciality products for Tigers stadium, University of Michigan, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Boeing, ATT & Detroit Grand Prix. Blanco Canvas Co. was sold in 2020 & operated in the premises for 50+ years.







































