We're way too persnickety about language to use the word "trend" based on four examples, but branching out from Birmingham to Detroit seems to be a thing, at least.
Townhouse restaurant took that route last July, followed by two art dealers -- David Klein Gallery and Wasserman Projects -- in September. (Klein has a pair of sites now, while Gary Wasserman left the suburb for a renovated firehouse in Eastern Market.)
Number Four in this 2015 set is Jabs Gym, a three-year-old fitness studio in the Rail District on Birmingham's far east end. Its six-hour "Punchdrunk" opening party Thursday in Detroit had cocktails, drinks and free half-hour classes.
The third-floor gym at 2501 Russell St. has a weight room, full-size boxing ring, more than 40 punching bags, a private training area and three showers. Group classes feature one-hour boot camps, hour-long kickboxing and two levels (60 and 90 minutes) of boxing and yoga ("BOYO").
The third-floor workout club at 2501 Russell St. has an elevator. (Facebook photo)
Participants can pay a $16 walk-in fee, get a pass for 10 ($139) or 20 classes ($259) or buy an unlimited membership (up to $124 monthly after lower initial rates). A 20-percent break is offered for students, military members, veterans and police officers and firefighters.
The gym has a foot in traditional Detroit and another in emerging Detroit.
It's at a vintage brick building in the meat-packing district and offers "nightclub-style" classes with dance music and black-light glow drama, according to Crain's Detroit Business. A four-paragraph item says:
Jabs hopes to tap into the re-energized downtown world of office workers and apartment dwellers. Classes are offered as early as 7 a.m. during weekdays; after-work classes begin at 6 p.m.
