DETROIT – As Founders Brewing prepares to open its first Detroit location in Midtown next year, fans are getting their first glimpse at life inside the formerly vacant building it plans to occupy.

Founders Brewing, a Grand Rapids-based brewer is planning to open its first Detroit taproom on Charlotte Street, just west of Cass Avenue, near Little Caesars Arena, next year.

The vacant building has gone through a transformation in recent months, now showing signs of life - and a literal sign to prove it.

The Founders Brewing Company sign is now featured and lit on top of the building and it looks great. (See above)

Lights are on inside the building, as well, and work continues around the building.

"We’re not looking to build a carbon copy of our home-base taproom here in Grand Rapids. There are few other cities who know who they are as much as Detroit does and we want that confidence and attitude to inform the feel of our Detroit taproom. While we’re still in the process of developing menus, building design, layout and logistics, we expect there to be some parallels, but without the cookie-cutter franchise feel."

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Founders will be the latest in a slew of breweries to move to Detroit, including Jolly Pumpkin, Motor City Brewing, Batch Brewing, Brew Detroit and Detroit Beer Company.