Kilwins Closes, New Business Already Interested in Downtown Space

And the hits just keep on coming: Kilwins Chocolates has been added to the already growing list of prominent downtown Birmingham businesses to close in 2013.

Still, Principal Shopping District Director John Heiney said a new business is already interested in the Kilwins space on North Old Woodward, and there may soon be new tenants in another recently-closed downtown restaurant.

Kilwins has been at 162 N. Old Woodward since 2000, selling handmade specialty chocolates, fudge and ice cream. Originally founded in 1947 and known as a northern Michigan landmark, the company is now based out of Petoskey and has a network of more than 50 shops across Michigan.

The closest Kilwins are now located in Plymouth and Ann Arbor.

Still, Heiney said the owner of the North Old Woodward property has a "strong prospect" for the space and is looking to move forward on a deal.

"We do not expect this space to remain vacant for long," Heiney added.

Similarly, Heiney said there is already a deal in the works for the , citing a lack of business. Heiney said more information will be made available once a lease is signed.

The news of the downtown closures comes on the heels of news that .

Still, Heiney said 2012 was a good year for business in Birmingham. The city's downtown occupancy rate is currently at 96 percent and Heiney said they're optimistic for 2013.

"We have several store openings planned for the first half of the year, including Francesca's Collection on Old Woodward in early April and Found Objects, an apparel boutique on Merrill Street, sometime during the first quarter," he said.

Will you miss Kilwin's? What was your favorite ice cream flavor or candy there?