Gorgeous Boston-Edison Church Gets a Cafe and Bar Revival #DetroitFood

The Congregation. | Tara Turkington [Courtesy photo]

The Congregation opens on Thursday, March 5

A gorgeous circa 1920s church in Detroit’s Boston-Edison is being revived as a coffee shop, bar, and community event space called the Congregation on Thursday, March 5.

The project was spearheaded by neighbors in the surrounding historic district including co-owner Betsy Murdoch. The partners sought to bring an historic church back to into use after years of disuse.

The 2,500-square-foot structure underwent more than three years of planning and the Congregation was a Motor City Match 2017 grant award winner, per a release. Construction began last summer and was overseen by architect David Iannuzzi of Iannuzzi Studio and JJ’s House. Many aspects of the church were salvaged, restored, or repurposed. The cafe features a counter constructed from church pews. The space also features a Casavant Freres pipe organ. The partners further filled the venue with antique furniture and added an outdoor deck on the property, overlooking Gordon Park.

Beginning next month, the Congregation will begin serving as a cafe in the mornings with an espresso bar serving Great Lakes Coffee and pastries from Good Cakes and Bakes, Terri’s Cakes, and Eat Good Cookies. In the evenings, it will transition into a with a small menu that includes items like flatbreads, soups, and salads. Customers can expect a variety of cocktails, local beers, and wine.

Tara Turkington [Courtesy photo]

Tara Turkington [Courtesy photo]

In addition to the food and drink, the Congregation is designed to provide a space for community events and rentals. The owners plan to host local artists, musicians, story hours, and book clubs as well as a biergarten in the summer.

The Congregation is located at 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd.; Once open, the space will have service from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Street parking available.

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