The Metro: Temple Bar owner talks reopening after building collapse

Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name. That’s the kind of place that Temple Bar owner George Boukas has tried to establish. 

The spot for drinking and dancing sits on Cass Avenue in Detroit, and is known for its inclusivity, openness, DJ sets and longtime bartenders. 

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That dream came crashing down in May, when Temple Bar partially collapsed. To help save the bar, Boukas and the bar’s manager raised almost $24,000 on GoFundMe and went through a seven month-long process with Detroit’s historic commission to make the proper repairs. 

Boukas joined The Metro to discuss the restoration process at the bar, which reopened in December. He says a sinkhole in front of the building that has been there for around 20 years is likely what caused the collapse. 

“It’s been repaired and re-repaired, but I don’t think it was ever really repaired properly,” he said. “And later on, my bartenders were telling me, you know,‘ You’re not here when it’s dead, but like when we’re here, and there’s just a few people, and there’s trucks driving down Cass, you can physically feel the building shake.’”

Listen to the full conversation using the media player above.

More headlines from The Metro on Jan. 6, 2024:

• The LIVE Outreach is an organization with the goal of empowering young Detroiters to be the best versions of themselves. The organization is currently looking for funding for a mobile unit to bring much needed support to young people and their families. Founder of the organization and published author Malika Williams joined the show to discuss the project. 
• Also on the show, The Metro team shares stories they’re following in 2025 and a few favorite conversations from 2024.

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