For weeks, downtown denizens were abuzz over a glowing martini
silhouette atop of the David Stott building, a vacated Art Deco
skyscraper looming over Capitol Park at the corner of Griswold and
State.
Consider that question answered, as the Stott becomes the
latest formerly empty downtown building to reopen this year. The
37-story skyscraper, constructed in 1929, saw new life last Saturday
with the opening of
SkyBar Lounge Detroit.
Contrary to the name, the SkyBar now occupies the first floor and
basement floors of the David Stott building. Lynn Kassotis, president of
the investment company who owns the Stott, says they spent close to $1
million on renovations of the ground floor, basement lounge, and lobby
space.
"My goal is to make a place that's completely beautiful,
but also that people can come in, whether they're businesspeople or
girls on a night out, and make them feel like they're a part of
Detroit," she says.
There are also plans to put another lounge on the top floor of the building.
It
has gorgeous views of the city and skyscape," Kassotis says. "We're
not sure, but it may be a private-type club. We want to bring some life
to the building."
The building is owned by the Florida-based real
estate company, CID Investments, which was also involved in the
acquisition of the Detroit Free Press building three years ago. But
Kassotis says they chose to renovate the Stott building first. "The
David Stott, the integrity of the building was better," she says. She
says they plan to build out the remaining floors of the David Stott into
condos, while turning the first floor into commercial space.
Kassotis
also confirmed they have finished the permitting process to open an
upscale burger bar with a full liquor license on the first floor next to
SkyBar. "It's going to be very fun, very unusual decor inside. Our name
is Jack Rabbit's," she says. Expect Jack Rabbit's to open in 2011, with
more renovations to the rest of the Stott building continuing
afterward.
"When we start doing our construction on the floors of
the David Stott, we like to do one thing at a time and preserve the
building as much as possible," Kassotis says.
Visit the SkyBar
website.
Source: Lynn Kassotis, President, CID Investments
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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