Brush Street Reopens in Greektown Marking Major Project Milestone
DETROIT – A significant milestone was reached on Friday as a portion of Brush Street in Greektown reopened to traffic, completing nearly 90% of the ongoing Monroe Streetscape Redesign Project.
Owen Burke, owner of Firebird Tavern, expressed relief, noting, “It’s been about eight years from the time we started meeting with architects.” He highlighted the supportive role of the construction company and loyal customers, as his business had suffered a 50% decrease in traffic during construction.
The redesign, initiated by the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership in March 2025, features wider sidewalks and curbless roads, allowing several businesses to introduce outdoor patios for the first time.
Burke noted the improvements come at a favorable time with the Detroit Lions season starting, attracting new visitors eager to enjoy the revamped area. “You feel like you’re in another city, but you’re in Detroit,” he remarked.
Owner of TABLE No. 2 Restaurant, Omar Mitchell, also looks forward to a renewed start after experiencing a staggering 90% drop in business over two years of construction. He plans a grand reopening next month alongside a new venture, Great Lakes Burger Tavern. Mitchell urged local support for Greektown establishments as they strive to recover.
Despite the progress, additional construction will continue, with closures beginning Monday at the intersection of Monroe and St. Antoine Streets for about three weeks. The project is set to conclude by the end of fall.
