Como's is asking $4M for the closed Ferndale pizzeria

The owners of Como's Restaurant – which was permanently shut down last year over ongoing, serious health code violations – are asking $4 million for the property.

The nearly 8,000-square-foot building sits at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, so it's an excellent spot for a new development.

The Freep reports that city officials are hoping to see someone redevelop the property with a denser mixed-use project instead of simply remodeling the existing building and installing a new restaurant.

The property also holds tax liens worth $275,000, which must be paid by Como's or the buyer, the Freep reports. Como's furniture and equipment – including its sign – are for sale to the highest bidders in an online liquidation auction.

Como's owner George Grego said in November that multiple offers were made for the property. His family owned and operated the pizzeria since 1961. In September 2016, the restaurant was ordered to shut down due to an inability to maintain a clean environment. This past September, it was cited for serving expired food, having soiled surfaces, malfunctioning equipment, and inaccessible hand-washing sinks.

Health commissioner Dave Woodward previously said the county rarely shuts down restaurants, but the board could not ignore the ongoing issues. It voted unanimously to shut down the restaurant.