Downtown Detroit : Detroit Development News

Movement, Detroit's electronic music festival happening this weekend at Hart Plaza, is about more than just the music. Movement is about creating and promoting the full Detroit city experience for tens of thousands of out-of-town guests, and that includes highlighting Detroit's tremendous creative community.
 
Sam Fotias, Director of Operations for festival producers Paxahau, says that they are always thinking of ways to create a more fully comprehensive Detroit experience and promote other Detroit subcultures at the festival every single year.
 
The arts community and the music community seem to have a natural overlap in Detroit. Exhibit openings at the Red Bull House of Art and the newly-opened Inner State Gallery attract a lot of the same audience members as Movement, and the two communities – street/pop/contemporary art and techno/electronic music – have matured in tandem over the last couple of decades.
 
CAMP (Community Arts Moving Projects) Detroit is the final evolution of several years of growing art installations and exhibits displayed at Movement since Paxahau took over in 2006. Now in its third year, CAMP Detroit brings in six teams of Detroit artists to create installations to be displayed on the festival grounds all weekend long.
 
There are certain constraints: materials used must be able to withstand the weather and the inevitable man-handling. Designs must suit the topography of Hart Plaza and not require special machinery to be transported. Teams must also be able to work within a $1,500 budget, awarded to them through Paxahau's nonprofit organization Detroit Techno Foundation in partnership with the Detroit Creative Corridor Center and, as of this year, Opportunity Detroit. But the project doesn't end there: when the festival is over, teams are challenged to find permanent homes in the city for their works, a lasting gift to the community and an arts legacy for the Detroit Techno Foundation.
 
"I know of no other festival that is doing this – commissioning pieces for the festival from local artists to be permanently displayed in the community after the festival is over," Fotias says.
 
Projects range from the crafty to large-scale steel sculptures. This year's projects include light and color sculptures and a vertical garden "bloom box."
 
Source: Sam Fotias, Director of Operations for Paxahau
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Downtown Detroit has some new high-rise housing coming online that has absolutely nothing to do with Dan Gilbert: the Security Trust Lofts at 735 Griswold is a totally-renovated seven-story building located on Griswold at Lafayette, just two blocks south of Capitol Park.
 
The building is owned by Joseph Kalladat, a lawyer by trade who purchased the 1925 Albert Kahn-designed building with the intention of renovating it into loft-style rental units. Because the building had no singular historic relevance beyond its age and attributes, Kalladat had to go through the process of not just designating the building itself as a historical landmark, but the whole surrounding district.
 
With the help of local historic architect Rebecca Savage, Kalladat discovered that this building was part of Detroit's Financial District in the first half of the 1900s. With Savage's help and support, they were able to get the entire district designated as historic – of the 36 buildings in the district, 33 were conforming and now fall under the historic designation.
 
What this means for future development in the area is that developers will receive a 20-percent historic tax credit on renovation work, provided they adhere to historic preservation guidelines. Often old buildings like this sit empty because the cost of renovation is prohibitively high; these historic tax credits help offset the costs.
 
The historic designation process of the Security Trust Lofts started in 2008. Once the designation was received, construction began on the building. It was a complete gut job. "Everything was demolished down to the exterior walls and concrete floors," Kalladat says. Renovation work took about 14 months; now they are putting on the finishing touches and awaiting their final certificate of occupancy. They hope to start moving residents in mid-June.
 
Security Trust Lofts have 19 residential units as well as a clubhouse for residents and a floor dedicated to a fitness center and storage. All lofts come with their own washer/dryer units, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, dark wood cabinetry, and operable windows. The ground floor and first floor mezzanine will be retail, though they haven't started leasing yet.  
 
Rent ranges $1,275-2,500 and includes gas and water. Units range from loft-style open floor plans to two bedrooms, starting at 850 square feet. Each unit has its own security monitoring system.
 
For information about leasing, call 248-254-4008.
 
Source: Joseph Kalladat, Security Trust Lofts owner
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

As the Crowne Plaza Hotel Pontchartrain undergoes a serious exterior overhaul to prepare to welcome its first guests this June, the overhaul happening inside is just as ambitious, both in design and concept.
 
The Jefferson House will be the Pontch's primary restaurant, located across from the lobby. The look is modern meets old world: copper leaf ceilings, plush cream-colored chairs, dark-stained wainscoting covering the walls. It's warm and rich and comfortable, refined without being too stuffy. They'll serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will also have a 40-seat outdoor patio on Jefferson. Attached to the Jefferson House is Urban Cellars, the hotel's sizable bar, which will specialize in craft cocktails.
 
Overseeing the operation of both concepts is executive chef and director of food & beverage Justin Vaiciunas. The menu Vaiciunas has created for Jefferson House and Urban Cellars is an exploration of cutting-edge American fusion cuisine. Expect to see the highest-quality ingredients in exquisitely artful presentations, though not impossibly high-end (or high ticket). The Jefferson House and Urban Cellars will open in June with the hotel.
 
The lobby will have a quick grab-and-go café called Tabatchi, which will serve Starbucks coffee and pre-prepared sandwiches and sushi for busy travelers. The hotel will also feature up to 15,000 square feet of completely renovated banquet space.
 
In addition to these new concepts, long-term plans include re-opening the second-floor terrace, as well as re-opening the iconic Top of the Pontch.
 
The 25th floor restaurant, bar and lounge will be totally reimagined – in contrast to the Jefferson House's neutral palette and old-world appeal, the new Top of the Pontch will be flashy, all glass and waterfalls, bringing Vegas style to Detroit. The menu will be ambitious fine dining.
 
Looking ahead, developer Gabriel Ruiz plans on building the hotel's second tower, which was part of the original Pontchartrain's design though never built, and connecting both towers via skywalk to Cobo Center. These plans are at least three years out.
 
Source: Justin Vaiciunas, Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Pontchartrain
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

The former Detroit Dry Docks Engine Works complex and Globe Trading Company building, parts of which date back to 1892, will begin its transformation into an adventure and discovery center as part of an expansion of the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor, Michigan's only urban state park.
 
The project was announced in May 2011 but has seen some delays. "The languishing has ended," says David Di Rita, owner of the Roxbury Group, the Detroit-based development firm overseeing the renovation. They closed on construction financing for the project in mid-March. Activity on the building will start within in the next two weeks.
 
The $12.8 million project is essentially a build-to-suit project for the Department of Natural Resources. Plans include the adventure and discovery center with rock-climbing, zip-lining, and other activities, but much more beyond that. "Really it amounts to a multi-use facility for the benefit of park visitors as well as people who may just wish to visit the Globe and participate in its activities, which includes a combination of exhibit and meeting space all designed around the idea of introducing the public to the state park system and provide year-round opportunities for people to enjoy the state park."
 
There will be activity space as well as permanent and rotating educational exhibits. The DNR will move its operations offices from Southfield into this building. The design includes a lot of attractive open space that can be used for business meetings and private events; the DNR envisions this space being utilized in much the same way as Eastern Market's Shed 5.
 
People will also be able to access the services of any state park office, such as getting their hunting and fishing licenses.

"The idea is really to take people here in the largest point of population in the state and give them a point of entry into the state park system," says Di Rita.
 
The project requires a partial demolition of some of the older portions of the complex, though Di Rita says, "We're doing our best to preserve as much of the facility as possible and are really focusing on the portion of the building that is most recognizable to the public."
 
Di Rita expects construction on the Globe to be complete around this time next year.
 
Source: David Di Rita, owner of the Roxbury Group
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg 

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Neumann/Smith Architecture, which has been around since 1969, has been working under the radar downtown for years. Now, the firm is making it official this year when it moves into the Wright-Kay Building at 1500 Woodward.
 
The firm has worked on several significant projects in the city out of its Southfield office, including various projects with Wayne State University, One Kennedy Square, the Science Center, the $50 million landscape renovation including meditation gardens and fountains at DTE, Blue Cross Blue Shield's east campus (including the green parking deck and courtyard), and work for several clients inside the Renaissance Center.
 
Most recently Neumann/Smith worked with Quicken Loans and Bedrock on some of their most high-profile developments. The first opportunity was the Madison Building, which has become a technology hub noted as much for its design as for its inhabitants. "(That building) was huge for them and for us," says Joel Smith, partner of Neumann/Smith Architecture. "It got a lot of attention." (Particularly the fifth-floor meeting space and rooftop patio available for private parties, which Smith calls "one of the coolest" spaces in the city.)
 
Next up on Neumann/Smith's Bedrock project roster includes renovations of the Dime Building, One Woodward, First National, and construction on the "Z" lot. "With all of this going on we needed to be closer to our client," says Smith. "We have always had a historic preservation practice but the Detroit office will be the hub for historic preservation and adaptive reuse (and) solidify our commitment to the city."
 
The firm is also heading up the renovation of the Wright-Kay Building, which Smith expects to be complete in June. The six floor, red sandstone building will feature office space on the upper floors (fully committed though not yet all officially leased) with ground floor restaurant and retail space.
 
Source: Joel Smith, AIA, partner of Neumann/Smith Architecture
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Detroiters will have another spot to grab a coffee and snack this week. Urban Bean Co. will open next Monday, April 15 at the corner of Griswold and Grand River.
 
For those of you who remember the old Urban Bean Co. that was located at the corner of Griswold and Grand River up until 2008, yes, this is the same one, and in the same location. With the redevelopment of Capitol Park now underway, its re-opening is also a comeback story. Co-owner Josh Greenwood has had the space since 2000 and operated the first incarnation of Urban Bean Co. for eight years.
 
But a lot has changed since then, and Greenwood, along with partner Ed Siegel, is giving it another shot -- and this time the prospects seem much more promising with all of the major development happening downtown.
 
"Our new logo will have 'Established 2000' crossed out (with '2013' written in)," says Siegel. "We're sort of making fun of ourselves."
 
They intend this to be more of a grab-and-go coffee shop for busy downtown dwellers and workers who just want a quick cup of coffee. They will serve Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. coffee and will have a pour-over station though their emphasis is more on drip. They are also focused on carrying products from as many Detroit-area vendors as they can -- including items from Dutch Girl Donuts, Beignets, and Ferndale-based Pinwheel Bakery. "We're hoping to get a bunch of (vendors) and be a portal to these places that have great food (from the further-out parts of Detroit)."
 
Downstairs will have seating for around 15 people with free WiFi, while the 420-square-foot second floor will have a DJ booth. They are also open to hosting group and private events like book clubs.
 
Urban Bean Co.'s hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday to start. "There is a downtown contingent that wants later hours than what other places are offering," Siegel says.

Source: Ed Siegel, co-owner of Urban Bean Co.
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

There was an abundance of major downtown development news in the last week. Here is a quick review of some of the biggest projects and purchases announced.
 
• Dan Gilbert once again seems to be on a building-buying spree, most recently adding the 44,000-square-foot Vinton Building at 600 Woodward to his real estate portfolio. This just a week after closing on 1001 Woodward, a 275,000-square-foot building. This brings the total number of residential and commercial downtown Detroit buildings owned by Rock Ventures LLC, Gilbert's umbrella holding company, up to 17, in addition to several more parking structures and surface lots. Gilbert now controls more than 2.9 million square feet of property in downtown Detroit.
 
• In downtown building news not related to Dan Gilbert, Village Green, a privately-owned metro Detroit-based apartment owner and operator, purchased the 338-unit Millender Center Apartments. The complex will undergo renovation work and a rebranding in the next year under its new ownership.
 
• The $279 million renovation of COBO Center is about halfway completed and is both on-schedule and on-budget. The third and final phase is scheduled to be complete by January 2015.
 
• The Whitney Partners, the development team comprised of the Roxbury Group and Trans Inn Management's Lifestyle Boutique Division, have kicked off construction of the $82 million David Whitney Building mixed-use renovation including 105 residential apartment units, a 136-room Aloft Hotel, and ground floor retail.
 
• Perhaps the splashiest development news from last week came, once again, from Dan Gilbert at a gathering of some 400 business and civic leaders and members of the press. At the two-hour briefing, Gilbert shared his overall master plan for downtown retail development, which included official announcements of retail businesses opening (Moosejaw has committed to a multi-year lease; Papa Joe's Gourmet Market will open in a 15,000-square-foot space inside the First National Building), as well as Gilbert's personal vision for placemaking strategies (among them sidewalk cafes, pedestrian walks, and dog parks).

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

You may have seen the new vinyl banner that reads "Coming Soon!" with the Bagger Dave's logo that was hung over the weekend at 1224 Randolph Street next to the recently-opened Buffalo Wild Wings in Greektown. While the restaurant is still a long way out from opening, Southfield-based Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. is moving forward with plans to open this as a Bagger Dave's despite some unforeseen setbacks.
 
After the lengthy Buffalo Wild Wings renovation that soared into the millions ($3.5 million for the renovation work alone; $5 million when factoring in other opening costs like purchasing equipment), Diversified is now focused on Bagger Dave's. This will be the first Bagger Dave's in Detroit and the fifth in metro Detroit. There are 12 locations total in Michigan and Indiana, and seven are planned to open this year.
 
Because of the old infrastructure on this block, construction has been delayed as they have been working with DTE to bring electrical power over to the building. Michael Ansley, president and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc., hopes construction will start this summer and be completed in October.
 
The short, narrow building was built as a bank in the late 1800s. Only 18 feet wide, the lower floor will seat roughly 60 while the second-floor bar will seat another 70. One of the building's key features is a skylight that extends the length of the building on the second floor that the bar will sit directly beneath. "It's going to be really cool," says Ansley. "We're really excited to get (this project moving forward)."
 
The building has already been completely gutted. In addition to retaining the skylight, they will also be restoring the building's limestone façade and preserving the historic front window. This renovation is expected to cost about $1 million.
 
Though it has previously been reported that Diversified might move its corporate offices to the third floor of the Buffalo Wild Wings, the company will no longer move forward with those plans.
 
Source: Michael Ansley, president and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc.
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, "Sky Bar" was a bit of a misnomer, what with the bar and lounge being located on the ground floor of the David Stott Building in downtown Detroit.
 
"We are in the process of a rebranding," says Marshal Simons of Impakt Digital, community manager of SkyBar & Lounge. "When the owners first opened they were new at the bar industry and wanted to get in on the ground level of Detroit" … so to speak.
 
Owner Lynn Kassotis, president of the Florida-based real estate company CID Investments (which owns the building), fell in love with the art deco architecture of the 37-story David Stott Building and was drawn to the space on the 33rd floor, but because of issues with the sprinkler system they were not able to get a liquor license and open in the upper-floor space initially. They now have a 180-day temporary approval of occupancy as they complete the final necessary repairs, and are currently open on Fridays and Saturdays offering unparalleled 300-degree views of downtown Detroit and the Detroit River.
 
Prior to opening they completely stripped the 33rd floor space down to the studs and totally restored it with a granite and marble bar, tile floors, and three private rooms including a plush library with leather chairs and an oak bookcase. One of the rooms is also designed as a cigar lounge with the proper air filtration system, though they have not yet been approved for the cigar licensing.   
 
The ground floor space, which has been the bar's home for a little over a year, is now undergoing a half-million dollar renovation and expansion which includes a new stage built in partnership with WDET. They hope to have this renovation completed in the next few weeks. There will be live music downstairs on weekends while upstairs will be more relaxed with music played over their internal speaker system. Both floors will continue to offer an upscale environment for drinks and small plates.
 
Source: Marshal Simons of Impakt Digital, community manager of SkyBar & Lounge.
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Clothing and accessories shop Johnny Rags (formerly known as "Rags") has relocated from its previous downtown Detroit space at Broadway and Grand River to a brand-new location at 440 Congress.
 
The store moved late August but the owners waited until last Friday to celebrate their grand re-opening, wanting to display some fresh product with a fresh new look. "We wanted to wait until we had spring items to showcase," says co-owner Bliss Cureton.
 
After eight years in the previous location it was time for them to move on. Cureton and her business partner John Mangrum knew they wanted to stay downtown, and already they have seen a significant increase in business with their new proximity to Greektown and the central business district. "Women walk over on their breaks from Blue Cross, the GM Building, Greektown… It's just a better spot altogether."
 
Cureton describes the new store as being a little bit of southern California in Detroit. The space is very open with many windows that allow plenty of natural light. At approximately 1,400 square feet, the new store is much larger than the old store (which was further segmented into three separate rooms). The color scheme is an L.A.-cool aqua compared to the previous two-tone beige. The overall look and vibe is drastically different and, Cureton feels, greatly improved.
 
Rags has been open in different locations including Southfield and Dearborn since 1994. Originally opened by Robert Allen Grumet ("RAGs"), longtime employees Cureton and Mangrum took over the store four years ago.
 
Johnny Rags offers casual men's sportswear, designer jeans, T-shirts, and "funky" leather jackets year-round. For women the focus is more on interchangeable pieces that transition from day to evening for women ages 20-60.
 
Starting April 4, Johnny Rags will host "Champagne and Shopping" events every Thursday with deep in-store discounts 3-7 p.m.
 
Source: Bliss Cureton, co-owner of Johnny Rags
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Detroit's MotorCity Wine, currently at 608 Woodward Avenue on the second floor above Foran's Grand Trunk Pub and Foran's Deluxe Diner in downtown Detroit, is relocating this fall to the space currently inhabited by the Express Bar (pictured) in Corktown. The new address will be 1949 Michigan Avenue.
 
Owners David and Melissa Armin-Parcells have acquired this space and are currently working on the liquor license transfer, a process they expect will take five months under new laws established by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that expedite the process of a license transfer. They will take that time to do some cosmetic remodeling at the new location.
 
"(The Foran's space) was always intended to be a temporary location for us to build our brand and build our capital," says David Armin-Parcells. "It's worked out well for us; we have no complaints. We love the space. We created a vibe that's totally unique. The new place will be different but equally lovely."
 
The new space is 2,000 square feet, effectively double what they currently have. It also includes a large outdoor patio that doubles their indoor capacity, which they plan on making "the best patio in the city." The bar also has its own parking lot with plenty of spaces, alleviating the biggest issue they have in their current location.
 
The new MotorCity Wine will open first as a wine bar; the retail sales license will come a little later. "Basically the core of our plan will be the same -- good value wines, interesting small family producers, a lot of organic and biodynamic products." They will also continue to host musicians and DJs and will expand their kitchen offerings.
 
They will continue to operate in their current location through the summer and welcome any pop-up concepts (sans alcohol) in the new space for the interim period. Contact David on the MCW site to inquire.
 
Source: David Armin-Parcells, co-owner of MotorCity Wine
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

Another iconic Detroit building, the former Pontchartrain Hotel, will breathe new life later this spring after sitting vacant since 2009.
 
The Pontchartrain will soon re-open as a Crowne Plaza, an upscale hotel property owned by the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG). Ohio-based Stephen Berry Architectural Design is the design firm working on the project. The firm specializes in hotel projects nationwide, many of which are IHG properties. The firm has also worked with the previous two owners of the Pontchartrain.
 
Stephen Berry says that the new design concept for the 25-story, 371-room hotel will be sensitive to the building's 1965 modernist design. The vaulted ceiling of the lobby will be completely re-finished with gold and silver leaf. The restaurant and lounge spaces will be totally re-imagined with copper leaf accents, new fixtures and décor.
 
"The lobby and lounge will be very modern and striking. We're really changing the look," says Berry. "(The new design) really gets away from the darkness of the past."
 
The exterior of the building will also see significant aesthetic changes with a whole new color scheme. The face of the building will be neutral beige with green glass. One of the biggest changes includes a new auto-access entrance on Jefferson in IHG's signature plum color, with a white custom-built backlit canopy arcing over it. "It's very colorful. The building was always a monochromatic black and dark gray. Now it will have a whole new look."
 
Significant work is also being done to the second-floor exterior terrace, which Berry describes as a "key feature of the building."
 
Other plans include added ground-floor retail along Jefferson, including a new gift shop concept that internationally-known hotel developer Gabriel Ruiz (who is behind this development) has branded in his hotel chain through North America.
 
Source: Stephen Berry, owner of Stephen Berry Architectural Design
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

You’ve heard all the claims of Detroit as the land of opportunity. You could, for example, wake up one day and decide you want to bring the X Games here. Which is pretty much what happened with Kevin Krease and his friends Ian Studders and Garret Koehler.
 
After hearing that ESPN’s X Games (which includes events like skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and Motocross) were expanding internationally, the three friends thought, "Wouldn’t it be cool to bring this to Detroit in the next round of expansions?" They had absolutely no event production experience, much less for an event of this scale. They started doing research. They started reaching out to people. They got connected to big local names like Phil Cooley (Ponyride, Slows), Jason Huvaere (President of Paxahau), and Susan Sherer (Executive Director of the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee). Then they began approaching major stakeholders like Dan Gilbert, whose "Opportunity Detroit" campaign is epitomized in this grassroots effort.
 
Detroit has successfully hosted several major sporting events including the Super Bowl, the All-Star Game, and the Final Four. But those are all traveling events, a one-time influx of cash and bodies that are gone as quickly as they came. The X Games would be a three-year commitment.
 
"(Detroit is the) perfect marriage of what ESPN wants for the X Games," says Kevin Krease, Project Director of X Games Detroit. "What Detroit has here is this amazing grit and passion, that whole energy of the action sports scene." Detroit is a destination city for skaters all over the country. There are no competing events, plenty of major host venues already committed to it (including Ford Field, Hart Plaza, and Belle Isle), and a huge opportunity to further re-brand the city. Also, Ford is the largest global sponsor of the X Games. It just makes sense to bring it home.
 
ESPN representatives have already paid Detroit a visit and left with a positive impression, according to Krease. The formal bid is due April 2; the city selection will be announced Aug. 1.
 
Source: Kevin Krease, Project Director of X Games Detroit
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

When Jerry Belanger opened the Park Bar in December 2006, he didn’t even want to open a bar. As a theatre major and a passionate supporter of the performing arts, Belanger really wanted to open a theatre and performing arts space.
 
"It’s really why I bought the building," he says. "This is the fulfillment of a long-term dream."
 
The bar had to come before the theatre out of financial necessity. "I had to do everything that was income-oriented first, and a theatre isn’t income-oriented. It’s all expense-oriented."
 
Over the last six years, the Elizabeth Theatre, located upstairs from the Park Bar and Bucharest Grill, has been a slow work in progress.
 
"We started the renovation up there five years ago and slowly did concerts and shows," Belanger says. Since then they’ve built a stage as well as a full bar in the space, getting it in "good enough shape" to open. "It went from a really raw space (to a fully finished theatre)."
 
In addition to the bar and stage, they’ve now got theatre seat risers that seat 80, professional lighting, a sound booth, a lighting booth, and have just completed all of the major finishing touches to make the Elizabeth Theatre complete, though the labor of love isn’t quite yet complete. "Over the next year we will be doing a lot of detail work."
 
The Park Bar was also closed for a few days last week for some minor renovations of its own, which included refinishing the floor and reupholstering the furniture.
 
The Elizabeth Theatre is open every Friday and Saturday and hosts a variety of events, from concerts to stand-up comedy to film screenings. "We reserve the space for local performing arts. We don’t book anything that tours. These are all Detroit-centric performing events."
 
Last year, the inaugural Detroit Shakespeare Festival debuted at the Elizabeth, and this year they’re bringing it back starting March 14 and running through the end of April with Measure for Measure.
 
Source: Jerry Belanger, owner of the Park Bar and Elizabeth Theatre
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Got a Development News story to share? Email Nicole here.

We certainly aren't lacking for more "traditional" social clubs – i.e., bars – in the city of Detroit, but Drive is a whole new kind of social hub.
 
Drive: Table Tennis Social Club is a ping-pong palace, recently opened on the ground floor level of the Lofts at Merchants Row on Woodward Avenue in the space formerly occupied by City Loft, the pop-up retail space operated by the Somerset Collection.
 
Owner Diallo Smith has lived in cities all over the country but moved back home to Detroit with his wife Jameel in 2008. "Part of that was hearing about some of the exciting things happening in Detroit, the resurgence and renaissance," he says. "We felt like it was a great time for us to move back and be a part of that in some way."
 
Drive was born out of their desire to be entrepreneurs and contribute to the growing number of lively, unique businesses that will ultimately be the backbone of a new Detroit. They chose table tennis because of its world-wide popularity and its familiarity on an everyday level. "Everybody has played (ping-pong) in a basement growing up, or at a friend’s house in the summer."
 
It was also something Detroit didn’t already have.
 
The 4,000-square-foot space is designed to have an upscale look, and they are currently working on obtaining a liquor license and plan on carrying international beers and wines you don’t see in every bar in keeping with the international nature of the sport and their upscale environment. They will also introduce a small food menu of "funky" sandwiches and melts once they start serving beer, wine and cocktails.
 
Drive is currently open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday but will extend their hours once their liquor license is approved, which they hope will happen this spring.
 
Souce: Diallo Smith, owner of Drive: Table Tennis Social Club
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg

Have a Development News story to share? Send Nicole an email here.