Eastern Market has a new cultural and community space with the opening of Rent Free Haus, co-owned by Detroit native Lamont Leak and Everett Moore. Located at 1347 E. Fisher Freeway, the establishment opened its doors last month, with its coffee shop operations slated to begin on October 20. Leak describes Rent Free Haus as a destination for those who appreciate culture, Black music, quality coffee, and community.
The vision for Rent Free Haus is to function as a coffee shop during the day and transform into a listening bar at night. Its inaugural weekend showcased local Detroit talent, featuring DJ Jamea, DJ Sincerely, and a special listening event for Detroit native Sky Jetta. The space itself is designed to be cozy and intimate, divided into two distinct areas: a bar with a marble countertop and shelves stocked with various spirits, and a dedicated area for mingling, complete with a mini DJ station. Vinyl records, including albums from artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Sheefy McFly, are displayed throughout.
Rent Free Haus has already secured significant support, including a $50,000 grant from Motor City Match in 2024. Additional funding has been received from organizations such as the Detroit Development Fund, Invest Detroit, and ProsperUs Detroit, though specific amounts were not disclosed. Leak stated that the project's vision expanded from its initial concept, necessitating continuous fundraising efforts.
Key members of the Rent Free team include general contractor Michael Reese, bar consultant Devin Arnold, sound designer Charles Murdoch, and events manager Takeisha Pack. Pack, who has a decade of experience in Detroit’s hospitality industry and previously served as general manager for Chartreuse, now manages private event bookings for Rent Free Haus. She noted strong early interest, including discussions with Amber Lewis from Social N the City for future events. Pack emphasized that while the space includes a bar, the primary focus is the music, offering a distinct experience with each visit.
The listening bar already has planned programming, including "Vinyl Nights" on Wednesdays, "Haus Calls" for live music on Thursdays, "Rotation Fridays" featuring local DJs, and "Plastic Sofa Sundays" showcasing various artists.
Leak’s journey to opening Rent Free Haus is rooted in Detroit. He grew up on the city's east side, immersed in a rich musical environment from his family, hearing everything from Donna Summer and Prince to Motown classics. This upbringing cultivated his passion for artistry, leading him to a career in the entertainment industry.
After graduating from Cass Technical High School, Leak attended Tennessee State University, where he studied business management and began managing talent shows. His career progressed from Atlanta to Los Angeles in 2014, where he worked as a production assistant for events like the YouTube Streamy Awards and the American Music Awards. He spent four seasons as a casting producer for NBC’s "The Voice," responsible for booking singers, even holding auditions at the Motown Museum in 2023. Leak also produced for shows like "RuPaul’s Drag Race," "Building the Band," "Hitmakers," and MTV’s "Wonderland." He largely worked remotely following the pandemic, a flexibility that facilitated his return to Detroit.
Leak moved back to Detroit in 2023 after nearly a decade in Los Angeles, citing the rising cost of living in California and a desire to be closer to family. He observed Detroit’s ongoing changes, including new developments in downtown and neighborhoods like East and West Village, concluding that it was the opportune moment to establish Rent Free Haus. "The opportunity is here," Leak stated, drawing a parallel to past generations who sought opportunities in major cities. His inspiration also came from the success of local Detroit community spaces and coffee shops such as Dose, Morningside Cafe, and Moondog Cafe, which he admired for their role in bringing people together and fostering creativity.
The initial plan for Rent Free Haus was in East Village, but when those plans did not materialize, Leak looked to Eastern Market. He found that Century Partners, the owners of the Fisher Freeway building, shared his vision for the space. Leak noted that Eastern Market’s proximity to downtown and its arts community, alongside established businesses like Midnight Temple, Detroit City Distillery, Marrow, and Cutter's, made it a fitting location. Leak aims for Rent Free Haus to become a beloved staple for culture and music in Detroit, eventually gaining wider recognition to potentially expand the brand, with the Eastern Market location serving as its flagship shop.