[DetroitSky]

Stanley Hong's Mannia Cafe addition receives Historic Commission approval

One of the most unique buildings in Detroit is another step closer to its planned rehab. On Wednesday, the Detroit Historic District Commission approved plans for additions to Stanley Hong's Mannia Cafe building, which will be turned into a performing arts venue.

The building was purchased by Jen Lyon of Mean Red Productions earlier this year. Plans include a large arts space with capacity for 700 people, a lounge for 150 people, and a restaurant. Elise DeChard of End Studios is the architect for the renovation.

The building was designed by noted Black architect Nathan Johnson, who passed away this week at age 96. Johnson was a prominent architect in Detroit, with buildings including the addition to the Second Baptist Church in Greektown, the People Mover stations, and Grace Episcopal Church.

Stanley Hong's, located in Milwaukee Junction at 249 East Baltimore, had a second life as the Rhythm Kitchen in the 1990s, and was owned by various churches after. The building has been vacant since 2013 and became a single building historic district in 2017. It's one of the few Googie style buildings in the area.

Detroit Food Commons lands state funding

A proposed food co-op, event space, and kitchen nabbed key state funding yesterday, as the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant and Brownfield tax capture for the Detroit Food Commons. The development will include a new two-story building on the corner of Woodward and Euclid, plus space for outdoor vendors.

The project received a $1.5 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved $509,634 in state tax capture for the City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

When built, the first floor of the Detroit Food Commons will have a grocery co-op and cafe, while the second floor will have a kitchen, event space, and office space for the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, who is working with Develop Detroit on the development.