By: Deborah Johnson Wood
They were once the Alma Latina Bar, but for several years now the two buildings at 45 South Division in Grand Rapids have been vacant eyesores. That's all about to change.
“The Alma Latina connected the two buildings into one building on the main level,” says David Reinert, who is developing the project with his brother, Paul, and his parents Monte and Denise. “We’re dividing the main level and creating two separate restaurants.”
The restaurants share a kitchen, but offer distinctly different menus. Both eateries have a full bar and access to a deck off the west side of the building. Each restaurant will seat 130, with seating on the main and mezzanine levels.
Republic, the venue on the north side, specializes in pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers. The main and mezzanine levels each have a handcrafted bar of maple trimmed in teak, and exposed brick walls.
“We want Republic to reflect the surrounding arts community, so we’re collaborating with the UICA for most of the artwork, and will contract with local artists for the bigger art pieces,” Reinert says.
The restaurant in the south building is Rockwell’s, a tip of the hat to artist Norman Rockwell, whose work represents classic Americana. Exposed brick and wood-paneled walls, hardwood floors, and a 31-foot mahogany bar are the backdrop for photographic art and a menu of American comfort food, including baby back ribs and grilled cornbread.
The restaurants will open in late March and create nearly 100 jobs, most of them part-time positions.
Cornerstone Architects did the architectural design of the building and the interior design for Rockwell’s. Paula and Dave Graf designed Republic’s interior. Pinnacle Construction is handling the build-out.
Photos and rendering courtesy of Cornerstone Architects
Source: David Reinert, Republic and Rockwell’s; Tom Nemitz, Cornerstone Architects
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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