Rising Strong: JABS Gym Rebuilds and Reopens After Eastern Market Collapse

The partial collapse of the nearly century-old building at 2501 Russell Street in Detroit’s Eastern Market was a devastating blow to the heartbeat of a community. On September 16, 2023, when the southern walls of the building’s third and fourth floors gave way, it forced two beloved Black-owned businesses, JABS Gym Eastern Market and Detroit vs. Everybody, to evacuate. Yet, what could have been a story about loss and despair became a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of wellness and determination. Rashad acknowledged that other buildings within the Bedrock database of properties were available as potential new locations for JABS Gym. However, he knew that relocating wouldn’t make sense financially or symbolically. “It just wouldn’t make sense when it comes to cost,” Rashad explained. “This space is ours. It holds the history, the energy, and the connection we’ve built with this community. We were determined to rebuild what we knew was ours, not start over somewhere else.” His resolve underscored a commitment not just to the physical space but to the legacy and relationships that JABS Gym has fostered in Eastern Market. Fourteen months after the walls came crashing down, JABS Gym is back, reclaiming the space...