Union Joints — the restaurant group behind Vinsetta Garage, Union Woodshop, and Fenton Fire Hall — have announced plans to open a new dining destination in the historic WWJ Building on Eight Mile Road. Designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, the Oak Park building operated as a transmitter for radio station WWJ. While the restaurant hasn’t yet received an official name, the project is being called to as 8MK — a reference to WWJ’s original call numbers.
Courtesy of Union Joints
The WWJ Building was designed by architect Albert Kahn.
Union Joints is working with Quinn Evans Architects and designer Ann Stevenson on the rehab of the property. The plan is to take historical approach to renovations with the goal of having the building added to the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant is expected to seat around 100 patrons with outdoor seating, events space, DJ booth, and a large parking lot. Union Joints’ restaurants are known for “American comfort food” and plan to carry on a similar tradition with the menu at 8MK. The venue will also house catering services. Union Joints estimates the restaurant willdebut in 2017.
8MK will join a growing number of restaurants operated by Union Joints. The company currently owns seven eateries in Southeast Michigan, with plans for two more in addition to the Oak Park Project. A new restaurant, Honcho, is expected to open in Clarkston this fall and last year the company announced an ambitious $10 million plan to develop the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center into a restaurant, bar, and beer garden. Eater has reached out for more details on the project. Stay tuned.