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Detroit Plans Unique Boutique in 1929 Firehouse

DETROIT

Aparium Hotel Group has announced plans to reimagine, renovate and redevelop the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room upscale independent hotel.

Together with established Detroit developer Walter Cohen, Aparium is set to embark on a $28 million project that will transform the one-of-a-kind space into a truly original hotel with a "Detroit State of Mind" and a deep appreciation for Detroit's past and a celebration of its promising future.

Scheduled to open in late 2015, Aparium will be responsible for the positioning, pre-opening and ongoing management of the property named The Foundation Hotel. This property represents the fourth consecutive and locally relevant hotel project for the newly formed Aparium Hotel Group by hospitality veterans Kevin Robinson and Mario Tricoci.

Integrating the 1929 former Detroit Fire Headquarters with the adjacent historic Pontchatrain Cellars restaurant building, The Foundation Hotel will showcase a design concept deeply rooted in the heart of the city. Aparium will draw from the heritage of Detroit through innovative and strategic relationships with designers, manufacturers and vendors.

With plans to hire and train mostly Detroit-based employees, The Foundation Hotel, located at 234-250 West Larned Street, is expected to bring over 100 full and part-time jobs to the Detroit market. Both the hotel and restaurant will try to deliver on the Aparium-coined mantra "Translocal Hospitality." This translates to mean a steadfast commitment to genuine service and authentic experiences.

The hotel will include an expansive ground floor restaurant in the former fire engine hall delivering elevated cuisine in an approachable atmosphere. The restaurant will pay homage to the region through partnerships with local distillers, brewers, farmers, and purveyors. The first of its kind in Detroit, a chef's table will deliver a destination prix fixe experience as well as serve as an incubator for up-and-coming chefs and a homecoming platform for great chefs who have left the area.

Like the hotel and restaurant, a ground floor retail experience will showcase Detroit through the collaboration with Detroit- and Michigan-based manufacturers and designers.

"Aparium Hotel Group's investment in Detroit and plans to restore a historic landmark into a destination boutique hotel is exactly what our city has been waiting for," said Dan Mullen, VP of Leasing and Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services. "Detroit's real estate market is prime for unique retail, housing and hotels. I have no doubt that The Foundation Hotel will be extremely successful."