New development breaks ground on Jefferson Avenue

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Elected officials, the owners of the business and esteemed guests broke ground on a new development along Jefferson Avenue on Dec. 19.

The location for the development, Dox Water Bar, was once the Gourmet House, a venue that hosted weddings and other events. Councilman Ron Frederick, Councilman Chris Vitale and Mayor Kip Walby said the lot sat vacant for more than 15 years.

“It’s incomprehensible to me that this stayed vacant so long because this is so much more of an attractive venue for events and a bar, something like that,” Vitale said.

Patti Kukula, one of the owners, said they bought the land in 2022. The other owners are Anthony Mancini and Chuck Mancini.

“It was a quick purchase, actually. Anthony and the previous owner hit it off and within two days we had a deal,” Kukula said.

She said Anthony Mancini researched different places near water all over the country to get ideas for the design, menu and other aspects of the restaurant.

The total amount of the investment was not disclosed.

“I think we’re trying to move past some of the traditions but provide more excitement for the young families that are in St. Clair Shores,” Kukula said.

They’re looking to create a family-friendly and fun place with moderately priced items, Kukula said.

Kaleigh Carwile, marketing and communications director from Ronnisch Construction Group, said the project should be done around August 2024. It took close to a year to complete the architectural drawings and other aspects of the development, said Armen Derderian, Ronnisch Construction Group project manager.

Carwile also said there is going to be 3,000 square feet of rooftop bar area.

Kukula said the rooftop will be covered.

“That’ll actually be able to accommodate event space for groups,” Carwile said. “Wedding showers, brunches, baby showers, things like that, and then it will also be open to just individuals to eat and dine up there.”

There will also be indoor and outdoor seating options.

“And you will be able to see the lake,” Frederick said. “You’ll be able to look right down that canal and see part of the lake.”

Councilman John Caron said it’s going to be a great development.

“The fact that the new restaurants that have launched in the last couple years in St. Clair Shores have been incredibly successful shows there is a greater need for new dining varieties that the whole community is willing to support,” Caron said.

During the groundbreaking, Walby said he speaks on behalf of the city when he said they’re excited for the new development.

“We have a lot going on in St. Clair Shores and this is just going to be terrific,” Walby said. “So we really appreciate this development. It’s great for St. Clair Shores, it’s great for the Nautical Mile and it just keeps it all going.”