Real estate beat: East Liberty Street space occupied by Cafe Japon placed on the market

By Janet Miller Freelance reporter

Posted on Tue, Apr 5, 2011 : 6:55 a.m.

The space now occupied by CafÃ© Japon at 113 E. Liberty was recently been placed on the leasing market.

The space is expected to become available sometime in early 2012, said Deb Pearson, agent for Bluestone Realty Advisors. The Oxford Co. of Ann Arbor is property managers for the building.

It has been on the market for a couple of weeks and there’s been interest from at least two restaurants, Pearson.

CafÃ© Japon, a Japanese restaurant and bakery with a French influence, is under a lease that expires later this year, and they may extend it for a few months, Pearson said. CafÃ© Japon could renew the lease if they decide to continue, she said.

“We would love it if they stayed.” CafÃ© Japon has been in that location for four years.

CafÃ© Japon owner Miyoko Honma said she plans to stay in her current location at least through the end of 2011, and maybe longer.

“Things are up in the air,” she said, declining to further discuss any pending plans.

Asking annual rent is $28 a square foot plus taxes and insurance. The space has 1,400 square feet and has seating for about 20 people. It will most likely attract another restaurant, Pearson said.

The office space above CafÃ© Japon also was recently placed on the market and will be available at the end of the summer.