After a seven-month hiatus following a partial building collapse, Detroit's renowned Temple Bar has triumphantly reopened its doors. Early yesterday afternoon marked the comeback of this beloved local dive bar, which has served the Detroit community since its inception in 1927. According to Audacy, owner George Boukas passed the final state inspection last Friday, freeing the establishment's liquor license from escrow and allowing patrons to return.
On May 24, the facade of this historic location gave way, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the collapse, the local community promptly rallied to support Boukas and his iconic bar. A GoFundMe campaign, kick-started by staff member Larry McCloud, raised over $23,500, as WXYZ reported. McCloud shared that the influx of community support was "overwhelming," underscoring the bar's role as a cornerstone of local camaraderie and kinship.
The journey to reopening was not without its challenges. Being situated within the Cass Park Historic District implied that any reconstructive work needed to painstakingly mirror the original 1920s design, as mandated by the Detroit Historic District Commission. According to Boukas, during his interview, as reported by WXYZ, there were moments when the pressure nearly pushed him to forsake the venture. Nonetheless, the community's support was the bedrock that kept his perseverance alive through periods of doubt.
