The arts group Playground Detroit has settled down in Corktown, calling a 500 square-foot space at 1535 Sixth St. its new home. Dubbed "The Playground," the private exhibition space serves as headquarters for the company. Also new for Playground is a website featuring an e-commerce platform.
The company is marking the opening of its space with an exhibition of work by Detroit artist Cristin Richard featuring mixed media collages and sculptures. Richard manipulates animal casings to become dresses, skirts, and shoes, among other things. The art is for sale and may be purchased online or by appointment at The Playground itself.
The Playground will feature rotating artist showcases, solo exhibitions, and a semi-permanent collection of work by emerging artists.
Meanwhile, a wine-centric restaurant has been announced as future tenant of The Ashley, a recently renovated downtown apartment building. Located at 1538 Centre St., Vertical Detroit should open in September 2015.
Father and daughter team Jim and Remy Lutfy are behind the restaurant, and the co-owners plan a high-end business with over 250 vintages by the bottle and 43 by the glass. The team has hired Detroit native Alex Knezevic as head chef. He'll provide locally-sourced appetizers and small plate options. Roughly 325 to 350 wines will be available for purchase in a retail section.
The Lutfy family has been in the wine industry for more than three decades, owning Fine Wine Source in Detroit suburb Livonia. This is the first restaurant for the father-daughter team.
"From marble bar tops and elegant chandeliers to salvaged pine tables and raw steel accents, we really wanted to accentuate the elements that make Detroit and The Ashley such a great location," says Remy Lutfy.
The Lutfys have hired Detroit firm Rossetti Associates to design the space. A full bar complements a 75-seat dining area while patio seating will make its debut next spring.
Writer: MJ Galbraith
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