Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Baker
Hi Pete, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Lowertown Bar & Cafe breathed new life into one of the city’s oldest commercial areas, while creating a welcoming “third place” for our community.
We saw potential in a modest 1938 building on Broadway St. – once a Pure Oil service station, later a barber shop and bicycle repair garage. This little industrial box, with its cinder-block charm, spoke to us. We knew that with some imagination and a lot of elbow grease, we could transform it into something special.
The process wasn’t without its challenges though. We faced a year of delays and setbacks, but our commitment to the project never wavered. We worked tirelessly to balance the building’s industrial roots with a warm, inviting atmosphere. We added large padded booths, natural wood finishes, warm lighting, and plenty of plant life to soften the space.
Today, Lowertown stands as a hybrid neighborhood space, serving excellent coffee and pastries by day, and a curated selection of beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks in the evening. Our spacious patio has become a favorite gathering spot for locals.
We’re more than just a bar and cafe – we’re a community hub where students, young professionals, and longtime residents come together. Our goal has always been to create a space that feels like an extension of home, where everyone is welcome and comfortable.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our original vision: being a catalyst for the revitalization of the Lowertown neighborhood and providing a gathering place that truly reflects the eclectic, welcoming spirit of Ann Arbor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any new venture, our journey has had its share of twists and turns. The road to opening Lowertown was certainly not without its bumps, but each challenge has only strengthened our resolve and commitment to our vision.
One of our biggest hurdles was the year-long delay in opening. Transforming a 1938 industrial building into a modern, welcoming space while preserving its character proved to be a complex task. We faced unexpected structural issues and had to navigate the intricacies of updating an older building to meet current codes and regulations.
Balancing our dual identity as both a cafe and a bar required careful consideration in terms of design, staffing, and operations. We wanted to create a seamless transition from day to night, which took some fine-tuning.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has ultimately helped shape Lowertown into what it is today. We’ve learned valuable lessons about flexibility, perseverance, and the importance of community support. These experiences have only reinforced our commitment to creating a space that serves and reflects our neighborhood, and will adapt over time to do so.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lowertown Bar & Cafe?
Lowertown is more than just a place to grab a drink or a coffee – we’re a community hub that adapts to the rhythm of the day. Our unique dual identity sets us apart in Ann Arbor’s vibrant culinary scene.
By day, we’re a bustling cafe serving exceptional coffee from Hyperion, paired with amazing pastries from local artisans like Milan’s Botanical Bakeshop, Beara Bakes from Ypsilanti, and Elevated Shortbreads from Blissfield. Our Camo Latte, a unique blend of espresso and matcha, has quickly become a local favorite.
As the sun sets, we transition seamlessly into a sophisticated yet approachable bar. Our cocktail menu, crafted by our general manager David Castleman, features innovative twists on classics, often incorporating elements from our cafe menu and house-made ingredients.
We also offer a rotating selection of local craft beers on our 16 taps, with one tap reserved for our signature cold brew. In the warmer months, we’re offer to-go cocktails for the nearby river front parks, as well as for enjoying on our spacious, dog-friendly patio.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to being a “third place” for the Lowertown and near-North Side area. We’ve created a space where the diverse residents of our neighborhood – from students to young professionals to long-time locals – can come together, connect, and feel at home.
Our brand is built on the idea of accessible sophistication. We take pride in offering high-quality products and experiences without any pretension. Our space reflects this ethos – we’ve maintained the industrial character of our building while adding warm, inviting elements to create a comfortable, eclectic atmosphere.
We’re also deeply committed to our neighborhood. As one of the few establishments of our kind in the area, we see ourselves as helping further the revitalization of Broadway Street. We’re not just serving drinks – we’re serving our community.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about our plans to construct a timber frame pergola on our patio. We envision this as a community project, inviting our neighbors to join in the frame-raising and further cementing Lowertown’s place as a true neighborhood gathering spot.
At Lowertown, we believe in creating experiences that bring people together. Whether you’re stopping by for your morning coffee, ending your workday with a crafted cocktail, or spending a leisurely weekend afternoon on our patio, we want you to feel welcome, comfortable, and part of our community.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
We were fortunate to find our location at 1031 Broadway St. – a building with rich history and character, situated in a neighborhood ripe for revitalization. The timing of our project coincided with a renewed interest in developing Ann Arbor’s north side, which has been beneficial for us.
However, facing a year-long delay in opening could be seen as a stroke of “bad luck.” Yet, this challenge allowed us to refine our concept and build stronger connections within the community. It gave us time to really understand the needs and desires of our future patrons.
Perhaps our greatest “good fortune” has been the overwhelmingly positive response from our community. From the day we announced our project, we’ve had neighbors stopping by, expressing their excitement and offering support. This enthusiasm has been a constant source of motivation, especially during challenging times.
We believe that success in hospitality is less about luck and more about creating your own opportunities. It’s about being responsive to your community, maintaining high standards, and being willing to adapt when necessary.
At Lowertown, we’ve worked hard to create a space and experience that resonates with our neighbors. While we’re grateful for any “good luck” that’s come our way, we’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built and the community we’re helping to foster. In that sense, we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this neighborhood and to have the opportunity to serve our community every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lowertowna2.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowertowna2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowertownA2
