New Businesses Spark Development Near 11 Mile and Harper

The intersection of 11 Mile and Harper has become one of the busiest areas of development in St. Clair Shores.

City Council recently approved the site plan for a new Biggby Coffee on the northwest corner of intersection. The free standing building will feature a drive-thru and outdoor seating.

"That will provide a little charm to the area," said councilman David Rubello, during the recent city council discussion about the proposed coffee shop. "That area has been an eyesore ... it is great to see something like this."

The Biggby project is just one of nearly a half-dozen new businesses, renovations or relocations within a half-mile of the intersection in recent months.

Developers anticipate construction to start on the 1,815-square-foot building in the spring, with the coffee shop opening in the summer.

On the southeast corner of the intersection, crews have been working through the summer on the first phase of the renovation of a vacant, dilapidated, cinder block which formerly housed a bar. A new brick exterior of the Butter Run Saloon is almost complete, and work is underway on the interior.

"I want a neighborhood, corner bar with food and a full menu," said David Harden, who grew up in the Shores and named the bar after the "butter run" the men in his family would make to a local grocery store that would include a stop at a local tavern.

Harden is partnering with local businessman Eddie Abro to open Butter Run, which will feature Michigan beers and locally produced items, including Faygo and Vernors.

He said he hopes to be open before Christmas.

Other recent changes near the 11 Mile and Harper intersection include:

• Great Lakes Battery moving into a long vacant, but well-maintained building.
• Supreme Floor Covering moved into a former cellular phone store.
• moved into a former sub shop.
• Stylist Ivan Callebaut returned to St. Clair Shores and opened Salon PePe.