Elwood Bar and Grill, 1937
National Register listed May 15, 1985

The Elwood is a one-story, flat-roofed Art Deco style structure. Built in 1937 by Charles Noble, it functioned as Woodward’s roadside diner for decades. It was originally located on the corner of Elizabeth and Woodward streets from which it got its name (for ELizabeth and WOODward).

The two street facades are clad in dark blue and cream colored enameled steel panels. One corner of the building is curved and extends above the roofline approximately six feet to form a cylindrical tower. The exterior is decorated with geometric designs and neon signage.

Purchased by Chuck Forbes in 1989 and restored, it became a hip retro bar and restaurant on Woodward. This was until the late 1990s when two new stadiums were proposed to be constructed side-by-side downtown. Neither stadium was to be built on the location of the Elwood, still it was targeted to be demolished. Forbes asked for a delay in demolition and ultimately was able to move the restaurant to its current location at Adams and Brush across the entrance from Ford Field, where he restored the building again.

Thus we have Chuck Forbes to thank for saving the Elwood - twice.

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