:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61729455/43952256_163643431235667_4857326227561644032_n.0.jpg)
One of downtown Detroit’s longtime cocktail lounges Centaur Bar appears to be in the midst of a transition, but the future of the business is unclear. The Art Deco bar known for its flavored martinis has been closed for the past month. Posts to Facebook describe the closure as the result of “staffing issues.” The bar’s voicemail offers a similar explanation for the abrupt closure: “Centaur Bar is temporarily closed due to staffing issues. We hope to resolve this issue shortly. Thank you.”
Eater reached to Centaur Bar’s manager Sean Harrington several times and has not received a response. Harrington is also the operator of Hot Taco and Iodent Lofts in the building at 2233 Park Ave. as well as the Town Pump Tavern. Sources with knowledge of the bar’s operations allege that the property along with Park Avenue House across the street — both owned by the Harrington family — have been sold to a hotel developer. However, others have suggested that the Centaur may reopen in early 2019. Eater has also reached out to the hotel developer for more details.
Meanwhile, tipsters at the Harrington-owned Park Avenue House at 2305 Park Ave. reached out to both Curbed and the Detroit Free Press this week with word that residents in the 180-unit apartment building had received eviction notices. The building is home to primarily low-income residents. The building was previously listed on LoopNet with a sales tag of $15 million, but city records have not been updated to reflect the sale.
We will be temporarily closed do to staffing issues until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank You
Posted by Centaur Bar on Sunday, September 9, 2018
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it develops.
Update, 9:25 a.m., October 11: In a statement Wyndham Hotels has denied any involvement related to a Ramada at the Park Avenue House site: “Wyndham Hotels & Resorts does not currently have plans to license a franchised Ramada hotel at this location. Please note, all Ramada hotels are individually owned and operated under franchise agreements.”
Tipping is essential. Have a tip regarding a restaurant or bar? Send it to Eater Detroit’s tipline and we’ll investigate.
• Residents at Park Avenue House Downtown Receive Eviction Notices [CDET]
• Detroit Hotel Residents, Many Low-Income, Given 30 Days to Move [Freep]
• All Centaur Bar Coverage [ED]
