Detroit’s East Riverfront Is Getting a ‘European-Style’ Food Hall

Detroit’s East Riverfront is poised to get a big, new dining addition come 2020. The City of Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and developers Banyan Investments today revealed plans for a $27 million redevelopment of the historic Stone Soap Building near Franklin and Riopelle Street. The mixed-use project includes residential units and condos, a performing arts space, and what appears to be a food hall.

The “European-style, open market” will occupy roughly 13,000-square-feet within the building, according to a release. Details are limited at this point but the project is expected to include retail, food, and beverage vendors geared toward building residents and visitors. The food hall is being styled after similar food hall projects such as Union Station in Denver and Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The Stone Soap redevelopment is expected to break ground in spring 2018 with a projected debut in fall 2020. Eater has reached out to Banyan for more details.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation released an RFP for the Stone Soap Building back in March requesting redevelopment proposals, according to Curbed. The industrial building, which dates back to the early 1900s, has been vacant for roughly 20 years. The Stone Soap project is part of a massive plan to redevelop the East Riverfront area that includes the expansion of Detroit’s greenways, housing, pedestrian and bike-friendly street improvements, and the upcoming Atwater Beach redevelopment.

Banyan Investments is a well-known group that has worked primarily with developments in Detroit’s West Village and Islandview neighborhoods. Some of their past work includes the old bank building at the corner of Kercheval and Van Dyke, which houses Brix Wine & Charcuterie.

When the new dining venue arrives, it likely won’t be the only game in town. Detroit is slated to receive its first food hall, Detroit Shipping Company, later this year.

• East Riverfront’s Stone Soap Building Redevelopment Plans Revealed [CDET]
• Historic Stone Soap Building First Up For RiverFront Redevelopment [CDET]