Once an empty shed and a public dumping ground, the lot on the corner of Russell and Alfred streets celebrates its grand opening as Eastern Market's first open park Thursday.

Now known as Art Park, the lot features picnic tables and animal shaped trees, but the centerpiece is the old shed that sits in the center of the lot.

The small square building's walls are now white, but they won't be for long.

Detroit artist Antonio (Shades) Agee has left his mark on the park with his unique idea for repurposing the space.

Part of the allure of Art Park is the Shades Community Art Project, an exhibit that allows visitors to imprint their hands on the barren walls of the old shed.

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"I think (this project) shows the diversity of the community, it shows everybody's different artistic sides," said Shades' assistant Bailey Murphy. "I think that's a good representation of the community around here."

Even today during the grand opening, hands of all different colors and sizes already adorn the shed.

Art Park was created as a space for the community, meant to give Eastern Market visitors and residents a place to lounge, converse and soak up the sun, said developer Sanford Nelson.