FeedsMajor changes proposed at eatery
A prominent corner in downtown Wayne may soon look drastically different if a plan approved recently by the Wayne City Council comes to fruition.
The owners of the U.S. 12 American Grill at Michigan Avenue and Second Street have proposed a major overhaul of the restaurant that will combine the two facades into one and improve them both, according to planning officials.
“I think it has the potential to be the best looking building on Michigan Avenue,” said Planning Commissioner Kurt Kuban.
The plan shows major work on the exterior of the 4,000 square foot space, according to City Planner Matt Miller. The two buildings it occupies have different elevations and the new plan would be to commonize the trim there and combine with an architectural feature to make it look like one contiguous structure.
“This whole project will make the two buildings flow together,” he said.
Architectural improvements are planned for the south elevation and the side facing Second Street, too.
The portion of the property now dedicated to outdoor seating will remain, while the part of that closest to the intersection will be improved into a short wraparound deck, according to Miller.
Interior improvements are planned, too, to make better use of the space.
John Gocaj, who owns the property, said he hopes to get the renovations started soon.
“As soon as we get the (financing),” he said.
He said he doesn’t anticipate closing the restaurant and bar down during the project, either.
“We have two sides, so we can do this on a phases approach,” he said.
City Councilwoman Susan Rowe said she was impressed with the plans.
“I think it’s going to be a real nice addition to that block,” she said. “Hopefully it will get some of (his) neighbors to do something to their buildings.”
