DETROIT – A portion of Brush Street that runs through the neighborhood reopened to traffic Friday, marking a major milestone in a project that has been years in the making.
“It’s been about eight years from the time we started meeting with architects to do a vision, and today, opening up Brush Street, I’d say we’re about 90% done,” said Owen Burke, owner of Firebird Tavern.
The Monroe Streetscape Redesign Project, led by the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, began in March of 2025.
Burke said his business saw about half its normal traffic during construction. He credited the construction company and customers for helping the bar remain open.
“I think I could speak for a lot of the folks on the street; it was about 50%, I’d say, but I have to give credit to the construction company for keeping our doors open the best they can and for people still coming down here to support us during that time,” Burke said.
The redesign includes wider sidewalks and new curbless roads. The changes have allowed several businesses to open patios for the first time.
Burke said the improvements come at an ideal time, with the start of the Detroit Lions season now underway.
“There were people here that we haven’t seen in quite a while asking questions, and they were amazed at how gorgeous it is,” Burke said. “You feel like you’re in another city, but you’re in Detroit, and you’re in Greektown.”
At TABLE No. 2 Restaurant, owner Omar Mitchell is also looking forward to a fresh start. The restaurant opened three years ago, before construction began.
“We lost 90% of our business throughout that construction timeframe. It was almost two years, and it was just a difficult time for us,” Mitchell said. “It’s probably the hardest part of my career, to be honest with you.”
Mitchell said the upgrades were worth the wait. TABLE No. 2 is planning a grand reopening next month, and he also plans to open Great Lakes Burger Tavern next door.
He encouraged Detroiters, businesses, and community groups to support Greektown establishments.
“Whether it’s corporate America, private, or family and friends, book your events with folks in Greektown so that we can play a hell of a game of catch-up,” Mitchell said.
There is still additional construction. Beginning Monday, the intersection of Monroe Street and St. Antoine Street will close for about three weeks for repairs.
The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of the fall.
