Some thought the day would never come: Work resumes at Shield's downtown location

After a significant build-out delay due to construction and financing issues, work has resumed on the downtown Shield's Pizza to be located in the Kales Building. Owner Paul Andoni hopes to be open in early to mid-September.

The 7,000-square foot first floor space will feature separate bar and restaurant spaces connected only via the basement, which is also where the restrooms and kitchen will be located.

The construction delay was due to an issue with the exhaust ventilation that necessitated the installation of a 19-story shaft to the roof. "That had to be addressed before we could move forward," says Andoni. "It's a heck of an exhaust."

The downturn in the economy also slowed things down. "The franchisee's portfolio had to be evaluated," he says. "Those were the two major hurdles we had to get over."

Andoni says the interior design will retain much of the structural elements of the historic Albert Kahn structure. Of particular note is the turquoise terrazo floor, which is original to the 1914 building. With exposed brick and wood work as well as high ceilings, he characterizes the look as "a nice, contemporary, urban upscale space."

Source: Paul Andoni, Shield's Pizza
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh