If it seems as if it’s almost every day there are multiple announcements of what’s happening in downtown Detroit, you’d be right.
The pace of new (and replacement) development is starting to accelerate to an intense pace. Whether it’s food options, new housing – or something else – it’s head-spinning.
Let’s get started. Our last edition was six days ago, and you can see it here.
1+2. Two New Buildings In Capitol Park
Downtown Detroit’s starting to fill in those awful tiny parking lots. This time it’s going to be with not just one, but two residential buildings, with one literally leaning over the park in the rendering. They gush with praise, describing the design as “iconic” on dBusiness. One building will be eleven stories, and the other, eight. Another casualty of the construction will be a one-story space that was formerly a restaurant.
From a rendering provided by the partnership, the former Theodore’s Family Dining eatery at 1201 Griswold (northwest corner of Griswold and State streets) would be replaced with an 11-story brick-and-glass structure that appears to hover over the park. The iconic design contrasts well with Detroit’s collection of pre-World War II historic structures.
3. Douglas & Co. New Retail + Studio In Milwaukee Junction
We checked out the space that includes a community gathering area out front. This couple loves making leather goods. We have the story here.
4. The Farwell Building will re-open in November after standing vacant for a long time.
Here’s what dBusiness said (more here).
…the partnership is currently renovating Capitol Park Lofts at the southwest corner of Griswold and State streets into 63 apartments and 17,000 square feet of commercial space. The project is expected to open in November. The group also owns the 140-space Griswold Parking Garage at Griswold and Grand River Avenue.
5. Jack Entertainment (think owners of Greektown Casino) is getting a new corporate HQ in a building with a long Detroit history.
The five-story, 29,000-square-foot former school building is connected to Greektown Casino-Hotel via a pedestrian skywalk. The space is currently undergoing a $7 million renovation, with Detroit-based companies Neumann/Smith Architecture as the project and the general contractor, Colasanti Group. This is part of a larger, $70 million renovation of the overall Greektown Casino complex.
6. I Luv Cheese is new, replacing Al Karar on Broadway.
Al Karar tried to make a go of it, but it just couldn’t find a grip in a quickly changing downtown food scene. Eater with more deets (link):
Design plans for the 6,000-square-foot downtown location include cheddar cheese-colored walls, red floors, and Edison light fixtures. The menu features a choice of pasta (cavatappi or gluten-free angel hair) and a choice of sauces and toppings. Diners can also expect sides like mac & cheese sriracha balls, salads, and a “craft beverage bar” with milkshakes, fresh juices, and house sodas.
7. Meta Physica wins Hatch Detroit, will open in Corktown
We particularly like DetroitUnspun’s take on the winner and their story. Link here.
Meta Physica Wellness Center will offer multiple massage rooms, several private saunas, a raw juice bar, an herbal apothecary and donation based community workshops. After a long search, Hollis and Biernat secured a new location at 1701 Trumbull in Corktown and plan to open there before the end of the year.
8. Pop-Up Gather.Detroit will go Brick and Mortar in Eastern Market on Gratiot in November.
The restaurant will feature a 10- to 15-item menu made from ingredients found at Eastern Market, such as a whole fish, a whole chicken, charred salads, a burger, and more. Items will be available in a sharable format — serving up to six people at a time — or as individual portions.
Bonus Eye Candy: We say that the Wurlitzer renovation is humming along, cleaning the facade and replacing the windows.
