The Detroit Area Art Deco Society held its 20th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the Centaur Bar located at 2233 Park Avenue behind the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit. The evening was swank and sophisticated. Those who attended also had the opportunity to see an innovative project that saved the former lodent Building (remember the toothpaste?) from the possible fate of demolition.
While not a preservation project in the strictest sense, owner Shawn Harrington converted the old building into a two-story Art Deco bar and lounge that was picked as the ‘Best Bar in Metro Detroit" by the Detroit News. The French Art Deco interior features a serpentine sofa that wraps the wail on the mezzanine level and a dramatic classic Art Deco chandelier that passes through the mezzanine to the first floor.
The DAADS meeting commanded the second level that featured oversized 1930s stuffed chairs, a magnificent Deco bar and a large hand painted mural that is a reproduction of Jean Dupas' 1925 Les Perruches. Harrington was the recipient of the 2006 DAADS Preservation Award presented by co-president Rebecca Binno Savage.
About fifty members and guests attended the affair, many of them dressed in vintage attire. Tom Rusinow organized the evening and did an outstanding job in selecting the menu. instead of the usual sit-down dinner, we were treated to a delicious assortment of "gourmet bites" not typically found in Detroit bars. All in all, the meeting was a wonderful departure from the usual "restaurant fare" and held in an ambient atmosphere to boot.
Striking life-size French Art Deco mural painted on a wall on the second level at the Centaur Bar.
Member Don Wieland enjoys the congeniality with guest, Judy Grech. The magnificent Art Deco chandelier that hangs through an opening to the main level. Isaac David Kremer and 2006 EMU Preservation article winner, Tami Chapman Slaats share a laugh. Leslie Craig and John Henke share a happy moment with Event Chairman, Tom Rusinow. Co-President Rebecca Binno Savage looks on as Centaur owner Shawn Harrington accepts the 2006 DAADS Preservation Award.
