Dusting off Detroit's grand old castle

[Vic01]

The G.A.R. building, once a Civil War veterans' club, now will house offices and restaurants

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz2V2GzWxbY

[DetroitPlanner]

I hear Cheesecake factory was looking here, but since it lacked onsite parking they went to 12 Oaks instead.

[Lowell]

No Cheesecake Factory, but restaurants are coming. Further down in that article it mentions convenants where the ground floor must be used for commercial. To that end Mindfield, the film production company that is renovating the building, is planning for two restaurants.

I am wondering how they are planning on dealing with that old bogey man of parking.

When the Mindfield partners were awarded ownership of the building by the city, they had to honor that condition. So restaurant designers and chefs are already being interviewed for the two ground floor restaurants. One will have a '50s diner theme, featuring neon, chrome, tile, and a long counter. The larger adjacent space will take advantage of the castle's unique ground floor setting with a high ceiling and rows of squared pillars.

"We are calling this restaurant 'The Republic' and it will have a tavern setting," said Tom Carleton. "Lots of oak." There will be a patio for seating outside as well.

Here is a picture from last week with flag flying. Above the entrance there is a rather clumsy sign.
1942
GR.ave
At first glance is reads as 'grave'.

[Zacha341]

This is grand news. I cannot wait to check it out when all in done!

[401don]

No Cheesecake Factory, but restaurants are coming. Further down in that article it mentions convenants where the ground floor must be used for commercial. To that end Mindfield, the film production company that is renovating the building, is planning for two restaurants.

I am wondering how they are planning on dealing with that old bogey man of parking.

Funny when you have to worry about parking when you're surrounded by a sea of surface lots. But I get it. It's not THEIR parking. It's still a pretty desolate corner other than game days to support 2 restaurants. What is the 6 storey yellowish brick building across the street from the Gar?

[sumas]

Talking of new restaurants, Fontera will be open shortly on Gratiot just east of Russell. They contracted with St John St Luke, just south of Gratiot on Russell for parking privileges. They did a fantastic job restoring the art deco store front. Can't wait to try it out.

[dmike76]

The GAR looks fantastic. I'm so happy that I got to go in there last fall with Blight Busters. It is easily one of the coolest things I've ever done.

[downtownguy]

Here is a picture from last week with flag flying. Above the entrance there is a rather clumsy sign.
1942
GR.ave
At first glance is reads as 'grave'.

Reminds me of a church near WSU that used to have the pastor's name displayed in large letter on the side of the building. However, the period after the first initial of his name was missing, so it read, " G REED, pastor)

[downtownguy]

What is the 6 storey yellowish brick building across the street from the Gar?

Former Michigan Bell Telephone Co. building. Now owned by Motor City Casino and used, I think, for HR and training.

[Spartan]

Looks like they have actual plans for the ground floor already:
http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...ound-floor.php