Gilly’s is an entertainment destination with three distinct venues: Gilly’s Clubhouse sports bar; an upscale restaurant, The Rooftop at Gilly’s; and Saksey’s, a cocktail lounge in the alley. It spans 12,710 square feet over four levels and seats 350. McIntosh Poris Associates served as architect and Coeval Studio completed the interiors on the two restaurants. Pophouse designed Saksey’s.
The building’s design emphasizes openness and accessibility, connecting to the urban renaissance of Detroit. Sitting vacant for years, the former department store store was was completely updated to complement adjacent buildings.
Gilly’s Clubhouse offers a sophisticated take on sports bars with wood paneling, curated art and comfortable furnishings alongside a collection of sports memorabilia.
The Rooftop features a fully glazed rooftop enclosure and an outdoor terrace overlooking Woodward Ave. and the city’s landmarks. Traditional handmade Mexican furniture and lantern-inspired lighting tie the experience together.
In the alley below the sports bar, Saksey’s is a warm and playful mix of patterns, lighting and heavy drapery. A low ceiling was used to maximum effect to create a space that feels like a retro secret. The design ties back to a 1960s-era restaurant of the same name that was owned by the same family.
Images courtesy of John D’Angelo
