Hippo's Bar Hamtramck Closed and Demolished

A fire in September meant that the future of Hippo's in Hamtramck was uncertain, but the owners decided that rebuilding was just too much, closing the doors forever and demolishing the building this morning.

Owner John Hypnarowicz had been nearing retirement before the fire, and said that reopening depended on what happened with insurance, but a hopeful message on the bar's Facebook page suggested that that wasn't the end for Hippo's. Written right after the fire, the post reads:

The question is, will Hippo's be back? Mr. Hippo answers that question. "We're going to rebuild!"

Unfortunately, it seems that they decided to demo instead. A post earlier this weekend noted that retirement was near and demolition of the building was to follow:

"The end of an era is very near!!! Hippos will be torn down tomorrow March 31st! Come out and wish the Hippos family good times in their retirement. We are so very grateful to everyone that passed through our door, support the bar, played for our baseball teams, attended our parties, cruised the Clinton River with us and more! We were a success because of you! THANK YOU"

The building was officially destroyed this morning, meaning that Hippo's, which inspired the name of "The Hippo Club" in the film Grosse Pointe Blank, is now officially a part of the city's past.
· Hippo's Official Page [Facebook]
· Disaster Report: Hippo's Burns In Hamtramck [-ED-]