Downtown Detroit real estate company Bedrock is rolling out an array of outdoor dining spaces to encourage people to return to the Central District this winter. The promoter announced Thursday, December 10 his intention to build several heated open-air pergolas, in accordance with COVID-19 outdoor dining regulations statewide and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.

The project is part of a four-month initiative from the president of Quicken Loans, Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock and Rocket Community Fund called Strait ready to create “safe shopping, dining and entertainment experiences,” according to a statement. The companies worked with the City of Detroit Health Department to ensure the facilities were as safe as possible for outdoor dining and in line with health recommendations.

Restaurants and bars, especially those in the city center that relied heavily on traffic from office workers who switched to working from home, were hit hard during the COVID-19 crisis. And winter, traditionally a tough time for Michigan businesses, is even more difficult this year due to indoor dining restrictions designed to help limit the spread of new COVID-19 infections. Although outdoor seating is permitted, there is limitations to how these structures can be assembled abide by state regulation and building them can be prohibitive – especially if people are uncomfortable eating outside in cold weather.

Guests who dine at restaurants at Bedrock Properties, including Avalon Bakery, Besa, Buddy’s Pizza Downtown, Calexico, Cinnamon by Matt Knio, Cornerstone Barrel House, Eatori Market, Hudson coffee, Maru Sushi, Mootz Pizzeria and Bar, and San Morello can also guarantee eight hours of free parking in Bedrock lots throughout the city center. The free parking offer begins Monday, December 14, and the pergolas are expected to debut on Friday, December 18. Customers are required to follow all state guidelines regarding mask wearing and social distancing. Even more shopping events and activations are expected to be announced soon.

At the start of the pandemic, Bedrock offered rent relief to his tenants and later gave them the opportunity to temporarily modify their leases waive rent and fees for the month of June and instead waive base rent in favor of a 7% gross sales royalty for reopened businesses. These programs are scheduled to expire on Thursday, December 31.

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