We’ve long admired the historic Hotel Detroit Condos at Jannus Landing, with their modern interiors. And now that modern look will be matched with a dramatic makeover to the West side of Jannus Landing as well, as part of a project that includes three new restaurants.
Jannus Landing owner Jeff Knight plans to construct a New Orleans-style balcony along 1st Ave. No., which will run roughly 160 feet from MacDinton’s eastward down to 2nd St., culminating in a 1,600-square-foot octagonal deck.
The balcony, which will extend out 16 feet, is pending approval from the city. Knight said he consulted with zoning officials before creating the design. “They like it because it’s covered sidewalk,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s another enhancement for downtown.” The overhang will come equipped with drop-down awnings with available air conditioning and heat, Knight said.
The most ambitious of the restaurants will be called The Hide, featuring a speakeasy theme and upscale continental cuisine. It will occupy the space long used as Jannus Live’s Crystal Head Lounge VIP room. Knight was never able to repurpose the space because it lacked a façade and access from 1st Avenue N. That changes with the addition of the balcony and new staircases.
The space that housed the shuttered Calypso Rum Bar and Island Grill, and before that the Garden Restaurant, will become the Central Avenue Sports Bar. The space’s general configuration — two floors with an outdoor courtyard — will remain the same. Knight expects it to be open July 3. Different rooms and levels will be outfitted with colors and memorabilia from local sports teams. Another feature will be an interactive video gaming concept that includes 5-by-7-foot HD screens with Wii and Xbox. Knight sees gaming tournaments as part of the bar’s programming.
The third restaurant element is what Knight calls a “home style breakfast diner” that will take the place of Angie’s Café at the corner of 1st Avenue and 2nd Street N. The small space will be converted mostly into a working kitchen, which will also help service The Hide upstairs.
Knight is being joined in all three eateries by a local restaurateur whose name cannot be disclosed at this time due to legal reasons.
He expects to start constructing the balcony in August, and estimated the overall cost of the project at $750,000.
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