Shipping container food hall coming to Cass Corridor

It looks like another new restaurant development is headed to the Cass and Peterboro area, this time in the form of a food hall made out of shipping containers. To be known as ShipYard Detroit, the founders James Therkalsen, Jonathan Hartzell, and Timothy Tharp (of Grand Trunk Pub and Checker Bar, who is serving as a limited partner) plan to repurpose 19 foot former freight boxes to create an 11,600 square-foot, two-level space, that will have room enough for about five restaurant venues, two bars, a pop-up gallery, communal dining area, and a huge television for sports-watching, etc.

Sale of the three vacant lots at 460, 468, and 474 has not been finalized yet, but co-founder Therkalsen tells us he expects the team will close within the next 60 days. He adds he is hopeful for a mid to late summer opening date.

Behind the project is architectural firm Independent Arch and Three Squared, the engineering company that also built a condo building made of empty container condos in North Corktown.

Therkalsen tells us the team is looking for a mix of "elevated street food" vendors, so not quite a food truck, but also not necessarily over-priced fare. As for booze, ShipYard Detroit will hold the liquor license and manage the bars.

The area appealed to the founders because of its close proximity to the Red Wings arena, M1 Rail, and Wayne State University, as well as its neighbors, which now include 8 Degrees Plato and Iconic Tattoo (and soon two restaurants, The Peterboro and Jim Brady Detroit). The group had originally vied for a location in Corktown, but the deal fell through.

Folks interested in applying for space in ShipYard can check out the website for more information.