Elwood Bar and Grill
Detroit, MI
Photos and info courtesy Richard Weiss

Here's the Elwood Bar and Grill  which is one of Detroit's greatest preservation success stories. Originally built in 1936 on Woodward Avenue, this beautiful Art Deco restaurant was saved from demolition by being moved eight blocks to its current location when Comerica Park was built. It's hard to believe an entire building like this could simply roll down the street. 03-07

Designed by Detroit architect Charles Noble, the Elwood stands out with its blue and cream porcelain panels, rounded corner windows, and classic Streamline Moderne styling. Even after the move, it still looks every bit like the neighborhood landmark it has always been.

For years I've wondered why the building had to be moved since the original site seemed to sit empty afterward. It turns out the land became part of the open pedestrian and security area surrounding Comerica Park, helping accommodate the crowds that gather on game days.

Thankfully, the move paid off. The Elwood was carefully restored, its historic character was preserved, and it continues serving customers just a short walk from the ballpark.

UPDATE: Elwood Bar and Grill remains open in its relocated home near Comerica Park. Its beautifully restored Art Deco building continues to be one of downtown Detroit's architectural highlights. 06-26

Burch's Family Restaurant (Demolished)
Gary, IN
Photo and info courtesy Kevin Heggi

Burch's Family Restaurant was one of those classic diners that always seemed to have a full parking lot. Housed inside a genuine 1953 Mountain View diner, it served the Gary community for years and became a favorite breakfast stop for everyone from neighborhood families to police officers and nearby university staff. 10-08

Before becoming Burch's, the diner had already lived a few different lives, operating as both a Miner-Dunn hamburger stand and the Chuck Wagon. By the time it became Burch's, though, it had earned a reputation for generous breakfasts, especially its popular "2+2+2" special that kept customers coming back.

Burch's Family Restaurant (Gone)
Gary, IN
Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi

Sadly, the diner was destroyed by a fire in the early 2000s and demolished soon afterward. It's always disappointing to lose an authentic diner like this, especially one with so much history behind it.

UPDATE: Burch's Family Restaurant was demolished following a fire in the early 2000s. Nothing remains of the 1953 Mountain View diner today. 06-26

A view from across the way Gary, IN Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi	The Diner shut down Gary, IN Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi

Cindy's Diner
Fort Wayne, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The downtown skyline in Fort Wayne isn't where you'd expect to find a classic 1950s diner, which is exactly what makes Cindy's Diner such a fun find. Tucked into the corner of Berry Street and Maiden Lane, this tiny stainless steel diner looks right at home among the modern buildings. Whether you're hungry or just appreciate a classic diner, it's well worth seeking out. 12-08

Built by the Valentine Manufacturing Company in 1952, the diner has had quite a journey. It originally opened elsewhere in Fort Wayne as Noah's Ark before changing names and moving around downtown over the years. In 1990, John and Cindy Scheele restored the diner and gave it the name it still carries today. It made one more move in 2014 to make way for new downtown development, proving that some landmarks are simply too good to lose.

The diner seats just 15 people, so don't expect much elbow room. That's part of the experience. One of the most popular menu items is the famous "Garbage," a hearty mix of eggs, potatoes, onions, ham, and cheese cooked together on the griddle. It may not sound fancy, but it's become a Fort Wayne tradition.

UPDATE: Cindy's Diner remains open under owner Angela Rowedda, who began working there as a teenage dishwasher. The historic 1952 Valentine diner and its iconic neon sign continue to welcome customers downtown. 06-26