Community rallies for Corktown bar workers condemned after construction accident

DETROIT (WJBK) - Construction crews damage a popular Corktown bar.

Now, some question whether the damage to the UFO Factory was really "just an accident" or a just a way to put the bar out of business.

There was an incredible show of support with a fundraiser at the El Club and online, after what many are calling a shady blow to the UFO Factory.

"We just want to make sure we're not getting bullied, and that we can come together and stay strong," said Daniel, a UFO Factory patron.

Local bars and other Detroiters have pulled together more than $20,000 for the UFO Factory less than a week after a construction crew happened to bash into its wall while digging a trench. The building is now condemned.

FOX 2 caught the confrontation between the bar and crew soon after the damage was made.

The crew was working on the $150 million Elton Park project by Soave Enterprises to develop the surrounding area into businesses and housing. And the UFO Factory was one of the last businesses in that area of Corktown to holdout.

The owner previously battled in court, refusing to sell to Soave.

"At first I thought it was an accident," said Justin Carver, DJ, event-co-organizer. "But then as I learned more about what happened, I got a little suspicious. It seems very convenient and coincidental."

"It's very suspicious," said Paul Malyn, UFO Factory patron. "The big development going on, and they wanted to buy the building and it wouldn't happen, so they had an accident."

Even with the fundraising goal reached online to rehab the business and put employees back to work, even more money was raised at the El Club Monday night, with donors hoping to make a point for small businesses in Detroit.

"I see it as an act of bullying basically," It would have to be a pretty big coincidence if it was an accident, given the history of the company.

No word on if the owner of the UFO Factory plans to take legal action, still not commenting, under the direction of his attorneys.

The largest donation of the day by far is a $15,000 check from Soave Enterprises themselves and the Monahan Company. They say this is a sign of good will and an apology for what they insist was just an accident.

All Soave and Moynihan are saying is they're continuing to work to develop a more solution, implying this $15,000 check is just the first step.