McIntosh Poris Associates Prime + Proper

The architects transformed the traditions and pushed the boundaries set for the classic steakhouse, juxtaposing modern luxury inside a 1912 building in Detroit’s Capitol Park Historic District. The design reflects the proprietor’s vision of “prime meats and proper service,” focusing on elevating the standard dining experience. The restaurants décor and cuisine meet at the intersection of luxury and artistry. The restaurant is intentionally arranged into distinctive spaces, breaking up the redundancy of steakhouse dining. A combination of booths and banquettes provides areas for intimate conversations, while the open kitchen showcases a custom-built wood burning grill, glass-enclosed interactive butcher counter, raw bar, and wine displays to allow the cuisine to be part of the décor. The chef’s table features walls lined with projecting butcher block pieces—the same wood used to cut steaks.