Luciano Marcon

Jun 16, 2026

Nox Metals, a seven-month-old company operating in Southwest Detroit, has closed a $11.5 million seed round.

The round was led by NYC-based Hyperion, with participation from notable firms including Y Combinator, Palmer Luckey, RoboStrategy, Alumni Ventures, Operator Collective, and DTX Ventures. [Source]

Nox Metals specializes in custom aluminum blocks for CNC machining. By utilizing AI automation, the company claims it can cut lead times from "days to seconds."

In a post, the founder and CEO Zane Hengsperger says:

Our metal has gone to space. It has protected our troops. It is in your car and in the machine that scanned your chest. It is all around us. And we can't stop supplying at warp speeds.

We will be revitalizing a WW2-era, 30,000 square foot factory in Detroit this summer where we will have our techno-industrialists working hard to further pursue our mission. We will be tripling down on technology, which has allowed us to move this fast for America thus far.

Seed funding is used to help a company fund product development, conduct market research, and make key hires.

Jer Staes

Jun 16, 2026

Detroit is losing two of its most distinctive nightspots at the end of the month, as Spot Lite on Beaufait and UFO Bar in Corktown prepare to close.

In a statement, owner Roula David says she’s “moving away from nightlife” after a five‑year run that turned Spot Lite’s warehouse space into a gallery, record store, and dance floor that doubled as a creative space on the east side. [Facebook]

Spot Lite earned a loyal following for its stacked DJ lineups, deep love of Detroit music, and the way it blurred lines between bar, arts venue, and community living room.

UFO Bar, which David took over last year, kept the UFO Factory spirit alive with indie shows, hot dogs, and late‑night music. According to the statement, it'll be re-concepted into the Detroit Vinyl Bar, a cocktail bar and record store.

The last day of service is Saturday, June 28 at Spot Lite and Monday, June 30 at UFO Bar, with Cairo Coffee operating temporarily at 2905 Beaufait as it looks for a new permanent home. 

Norris Howard

Jun 16, 2026

Pine Hall is at the top of the Hudson’s building (the lower office block) and features the pseudo-mid century design that most of the entire compound follows.

It’s modern, clean and its patio wraps around the entire western side of the building, with city views to the west and south.

Since it was a busy opening night, I stuck to one cocktail and got the Silk Standard. A riff on an Air Mail, it’s a mix of Doctor Bird rum, lime, lager, and North African spices (specifically Ras el Hanout).

The drink list was more limited than I expected, but with a full suite of food as well, I think it evens out. Don’t expect a Sugar House level menu.

In terms of vibes, it felt distinctly younger and sexier than say Kamper’s or Monarch Club.

It positions itself as the most urbane of our lofted libation lounges. If Kamper’s is for the tourists, Monarch is for the older suburbanites and Godfrey or Cambria for the locals, then Pine Hall feels like the Happy Hour move for the key card warriors.

With hours clearly catering to those that will work and play downtown, they will have their doors open every day at 4 p.m., closing at midnight during the week, 1 a.m. on Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.