Detroit, Michigan, April 2, 2008 – On Saturday, May 3, Taste of Java Café owners, Erkan Chase, Marcus McDermott and Gregory Worrell will open the doors of a 4000 square foot coffee and pastry café, on the main level of a former warehouse, owned by Chase and Detroit resident, Attorney Coral Watt. The five-story building housing the café was built in 1909 and is located at 2630 Charlevoix Street, north of the Eastern Market, near the intersection of Chene and Gratiot, in Detroit.

Chase, a New York native, caught his first glimpse of the building, in 1999 while driving through the community bordered by Chene, Gratiot, Joseph Campau and Vernor – near the former Black Bottom district. The then vacant building was located in a trash strewn lot but, ironically, had a façade and masonry reminiscent of many beautifully well-kept buildings in New York.

After purchasing the building in 1999 Chase went to work uncovering, renovating, restoring and upgrading the building. In addition to carpentry, excavation and masonry work completed by local independent contractors, Chase and his family members (New York residents) contributed labor to every project, from installing bathroom tiling to replacing the building’s elevator.

With over 2-million dollars invested in the building’s revival it is now a sheer architectural beauty. The bricks composing the exterior façade appear gleaming and neatly placed. The building’s lot is set apart by decadent iron gating. Patrons will enter a cozy lobby featuring ceramic tile flooring, exposed brick walls paired with soft oatmeal toned drywall, and leather bench styled seating beneath ceiling-high windows. The lobby provides access to a beautifully spacious lavatory and the café’s main level. The main level showcases an exposed brick interior, a varnished cement floor, marble counter tops, cherry wood toned table tops, leather cushioned chairs, and a refreshing display of art accented walls. Taste of Java Café also has a 4000 square foot second-level that reflects contemporary loft style decadence, with large windows, exposed brick, and Brazilian Maple hardwood floors across an open floor plan.

Taste of Java Café is equipped with a full line espresso bar, free unlimited wi-fi, flat screen televisions, and a surround sound system. The café dining area provides seating for more than fifty patrons. The menu includes a full array of barista prepared espresso drinks, gourmet coffees, juices, soft drinks, and mouth watering pastries.

In the eight years it has taken to renovate the building, Chase has had experiences with contractors, both good and bad; has hired inner city teenagers to maintain landscaping surrounding the building; and has paid for repairs of broken windows and other damages caused by vandals. Perseverance, vision, hard work and patience have given rise to a true Detroit gem.

The general public is invited to attend the Taste of Java Café’ Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 8 p.m. The celebration will feature live entertainment, an art showcase and a unique opportunity to meet the café’s owners. A full array of gourmet coffees, espresso drinks, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more information contact Taste of Java Café general manager, Javay Johnson at 248-747-2229 or Tasteofjava@hotmail.com.

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