Big Boy restaurant at entrance to Belle Isle torn down

DETROIT – There aren't any more Big Boy Restaurants left in Detroit after the legendary restaurant across the street from Belle Isle was torn down Wednesday.

Big Boy occupied the location for 50 years before its owner decided to close down.

The demolition of the renowned diner makes room for a mixed-use development at East Jefferson Avenue and East Grand Boulevard.

An eight- to 10-story building will bring retail shops and apartments to the Detroit Island View neighborhood.

Developers said Detroit neighborhoods haven't seen a development of this scale in some time.

The project is expected to start in late 2018. Detroit residents can expect the high-rise to open in mid-2020.