Detroit’s Joe Muer Seafood renovates as officials mull RenCen demolition

If the iconic building is demolished, Gilbert’s Hudson’s site tower will be the tallest building in Detroit

Jul 12, 2024 at 10:51 am

The waterfront Joe Muer Seafood restaurant has a stunning view of the Detroit River. Joe Vicari Restaurant Group

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Joe Muer Seafood is looking better than ever.

The waterfront restaurant recently emerged from a month-long renovation, which includes updated décor and a new bar and piano lounge where you can catch live music from the Spinners’ Keith Ferguson. The entire vibe is like something straight out of Mad Men.

click to enlarge

Joe Vicari Restaurant Group

Joe Muer Seafood has been renovated with a Mid-Century Modern vibe.

The renovation comes as the future of the Renaissance Center building appears to be in limbo. On Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported that officials are considering demolishing the Detroit skyline’s most iconic structure.

According to the paper’s sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, preliminary discussions between General Motors, Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock real estate company, and architectural and construction firms point to at least partly demolishing the RenCen site, which is viewed as outdated and inefficient.

Lapointe: Has the RenCen’s future come and gone?: Plus: Trump trashes Detroit; Tigers TV blackout

The Renaissance Center opened in 1977 and became GM’s headquarters in 1996. In April, GM announced it would relocate to Gilbert’s new Hudson’s site tower under a 15-year lease.

If the Renaissance Center is demolished, Gilbert’s Hudson’s site tower will be the tallest building in Detroit.

Joe Muer opened in 1929 as a small oyster bar. It opened its location in the Renaissance Center in 2011.

Slideshow

Restaurant patios in metro Detroit you have to check out this summer

Rugby Grille100 Townsend St., Birmingham; rugbygrille.comThe Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille has updated its summer menu thanks to a new chef, Paul Jackman, as well as revamped its patio with more seating and improved sightlines for downtown Birmingham. New additions also include the Aperol Spritz Tree, which features Aperol, club soda, and Prosecco and provides six cocktails per group.

Alpino1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888; alpinodetroit.comThis European-inspired spot recently opened in Corktown’s former Lady of the House space. It will launch a live music series on its patio space starting in June.

Belle’s Lounge161 Vester  St., Ferndale; valentinedistilling.comThe former Valentine Distilling Co. Cocktail Lounge and Tasting Room has been rebranded as Belle’s Lounge, following the company moving its production facility down the street to a larger warehouse. You’ll still be able to sip Valentine’s vodka, gin, and whiskeys, just in a larger, reimagined patio setting.

Basan2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703; basandetroit.comLocated in the historic Eddystone building near Little Caesars Arena, Basan serves up high-end Japanese-inspired fare. It recently opened a 40-seat patio space decorated with tropical plants.

Eastern Palace Club21509 John R Rd., Hazel Park; 248-850-8165; epchp.comThis former private club reopened to the public under new ownership and a Key West theme. It includes a patio space furnished with repurposed barrels and spools as tables.

Summertown Fresh Bar2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; summertownfreshbar.comAfter Ima Noodles moved into the former Gold Cash Gold, the Japanese-inspired noodle chain transformed its original Corktown spot down the street into Summertown Fresh Bar, which promises “patio vibes for people of all ages.” Its menu includes coffee, smoothies, tea, wellness shots, wraps, salads, and frozen treats.

BrisaBar800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; brisabar.comThis seasonal beach-themed bar returned in May, transforming Detroit’s Campus Martius Park into a tropical getaway (complete with sand) where guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and island-inspired cocktails. It’ll remain open through September, weather permitting.

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About The Author

Lee DeVito

Leyland “Lee” DeVito is the editor in chief of Detroit Metro Times since 2016. His writing has also been published in CREEM, VICE, In These Times, and New City. He once asked porn star Stormy Daniels to spank him with an issue of Metro Times. She obliged.

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