Basan, Eddystone Restaurant

Located on the ground floor of the historic Eddystone building, Basan, named for the Fire Rooster of Japanese folklore and mythology, is a 4,500 SF fusion of unique Japanese-American restaurant with an abundance of hospitality rolled into one. As Architect of Record, KDG coordinated closely with Simeone Deary Design Group to integrate the communal dining experiences of Japanese Izakaya bars with the innovative small-plates menu created by Four Man Ladder within this historic Italian Renaissance site. The project includes a 32-seat open-kitchen dining experience and separate 40-seat bar/lounge with private dining area nestled within, all with easy access to Little Caesars Arena and the burgeoning Detroit theater district. Dining is extended to a 32-seat outdoor patio area, fully immersing diners in the District Detroit neighborhood.
Extensive coordination across the ceiling space was required to ensure all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were held tight to the underside of the floor above and still be sensitive to multi-family units directly above the space, unit infrastructure and sound isolation, along with the historic limitations of the tall, arched windows. The display kitchen required a large hood for the Robata grills and covers nearly the entire first floor kitchen ceiling. Elaborate suspended wood screens above the Chef’s Bar and Main Bar required careful structural engineering to not only support the structure, but also storage cabinets and rolling ladders. The pieces ultimately fit together like the Kumiki puzzles that inspired the design.
The design blends Italian Renaissance architectural language and planning strategy, the warmth of northern Japanese farmhouses and the origin of Robatayaki cooking, with the edginess of the Japanese Sukeban subculture. Basan becomes authentically Detroit with vases and hand-painted art by local artisans in a theatrical environment with luxury materials, moody lighting, and a front row seat to this unique dining event.