It’s been a staple in Windsor for decades, but that’s all about to change as Tunnel Bar-B-Q gets set to close.
At a news conference Friday morning, the University of Windsor and the Mayor’s Office announced the school would be purchasing the property. The site will be transformed into the university's new arts centre, instead of the old Greyhound Bus depot.
Two buildings will be erected on the property, which will house a film production studio, and fabrication labs for metal work, printmaking and sculpting.
“The TBQ property has enjoyed a very high profile in the region as the home of the landmark restaurant at the entry point to Canada from the Detroit Windsor tunnel,” said University of Windsor president, Alan Wildeman. “We see great benefit of this location for the profile of the University of Windsor and for the exciting work of our creative artists.”
The purchase comes at a cost of $4-million, while the new building will have an estimated price tag of $8.5 million. Funding for the project will come from the university’s existing bond proceeds.
The former bus depot will still be included in the university’s expansion, but the building will serve a different program.
TBQ will remain open until September.
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