The Red Grape Lounge, a new wine bar, is the latest incarnation for the Kresge Building, located at 1201 Woodward north of Campus Martius.
Milan Stevanovich, director of "Nebulous Intangibles" for the new watering hole, says construction continues to add a restaurant to the Red Grape by the end of 2011. They're also working on expanding the wine selection, which is primarily based on Australian varietals, to include more Michigan-sourced selections.
The concept, he says, is Detroit's musical heritage -- primarily the sounds of Motown R&B. "That's what's missing in downtown," Stevanovich says. "There's no place to listen to Motown. Isn't that a travesty?"
The music theme is rooted in local history. Stevanovich says the Red Grape was the site for a speakeasy frequented by local performers in the 1960's ("Red Grape" was the code word).
By the end of 2012, expect the Red Grape to be the hub of a two-story entertainment complex located in the former Shops at Kresge space, owned by downtown developer Dennis Kefallinos. Stevanovich says the 20,000 sq. ft meeting and event space will be dubbed the Detroit Music Hall of Fame and Event Center.
"It will celebrate music history, re-purpose and redo the history of this building, and bring it back to life," Stevanovich says.
Stevanovich also says the Red Grape is hiring talented servers, chefs and performers for the kitchen's opening, which he expects to debut in late fall 2011.
"We are looking for great staff and great performers who are committed to being part of something special. We have something special in the works right now."
The Red Grape is located at 1201 Woodward in the Kresge Building. Contact them at 313-964-6700. Become a fan of The Red Grape on
Facebook, and fill out a survey
online to receive a free appetizer.
Source: Milan Stevanovich, Director of Nebulous Intangibles, The Red Grape
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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