Townhouse Owner’s New Pizzeria Aims for a Spring Opening in Cass Corridor

Heirloom Hospitality is forging ahead with plans for a new pizzeria and Italian market in the former Will Leather Goods building.

The restaurant called Sauce received approvals from the Historic District Commission this week for its proposed changes to the property at the corner of Second Avenue and Alexandrine Street, restaurateur Jeremy Sasson tells Eater.

In promotional materials and plans submitted to the city, Heirloom characterizes Sauce as a “Palm Springs-inspired” Italian restaurant and store. Heirloom, whose other restaurants include Prime + Proper and Townhouse, is working with architecture firm McIntosh Poris on the exterior and with Parini on the interior. Sasson told the Detroit Free Press back in May that the restaurant will seat upwards of 300 people with former Otus Supply chef Myles McVay heading the kitchen.

As part of the building redesign, Sauce’s team plans to add a large outdoor annex to the property on the south-side of the building facing the parking lot. The annex will include retractable glass windows for an open air feel — a signature of Townhouse properties — and skylights on the roof. There will also be a small patio off the front of the annex facing Second Avenue.

Michelle and Chris Gerard

A pink and white awning will run along the front of the restaurant leading to a take-out window. Heirloom also intends to build a privacy wall along the back of the building with a large mural by Los Angeles-based artist Tristan Eaton.

Constructions is expected to begin soon. As of now, the restaurant has pushed back its anticipated opening from November to next March.

Update: This story has been updated with additional information about the interior designer.

• Townhouse Owner Plans Neapolitan Pizzeria for Shuttered Will Leather Goods Building [ED]
• Historic District Commission Proposal [City of Detroit]
• All Eater Tracking Coverage [ED]