Clara’s on the River Property Listed for $1.9 Million

A familiar piece of Battle Creek dining history is officially on the market.

The property that housed Clara’s on the River at 44 McCamly Street North is listed for $1.9 million following the restaurant’s September closure.

The commercial real-estate listing describes an 11,273-square-foot restaurant property in Battle Creek’s central business district.

Clara’s served the community from the former Michigan Central Railroad depot beginning in 1992, turning the 1888-era building into one of downtown’s most recognizable dining destinations.

The restaurant’s own history page celebrates the building’s connection to Battle Creek’s past, while the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau listing highlights its antiques, stories and riverfront setting.

A recent report on the sale says broker Wayne Deering, community leaders and the City of Battle Creek are discussing ways to preserve the building and give it a functional future.

The asking price includes a prominent downtown location and a building that carries decades of restaurant memories, but a sale does not guarantee that Clara’s will reopen or that another restaurant will take its place.

Any new use would need to balance the property’s historic character with the practical demands of maintaining and operating a large commercial space.

The City of Battle Creek’s Downtown Development Authority is charged with encouraging historic preservation, redevelopment and long-term investment in the central business district.

Residents can view the building’s downtown riverfront location on Google Maps.

What is the asking price for the former Clara’s on the River property?

The property is currently listed for $1.9 million.

Is Clara’s on the River reopening?

No reopening has been announced; the restaurant closed in September, and the building is being marketed for a future owner and use.

Why is the Clara’s building important to Battle Creek?

The building is an 1888-era railroad depot that became a riverfront restaurant in 1992 and grew into a recognizable downtown landmark.