'It used to be one of those buildings that you would drive by and think, damn, that must have been really cool back when, but, now it just kind of breaks your heart,' Selkerman said. Monday was the opposite of heart break. As Selkerman walked through the sleek Motor Bar, a representative from Westin Hotels explained that the room -- like the entire 1924 building -- was an empty shell for decades, where every piece of furniture and flourish had to be recreated. Selkerman, an IT consultant, took dozens of photos of one of the three handmade chandeliers and an equal number of one of the Italian-Renaissance style columns. 'It's amazing,' he said. 'I'm almost at a loss for words.' The Book, 1114 Washington Blvd., partially opened at 11 a.m. with one of the three restaurants -- the Boulevard -- operating, as well as the Motor Bar, the sleek cocktail lounge. The Boulevard, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, has a lunchtime menu priced from $6 to $8 for appetizers, with entrees in the $10 to mid-$20 range. Drink prices at the Motor Bar range from $12 for such things as the Michigan Avenue Mojito, to $6 for Ghetto Blaster, a local brew made by the Motor City brewery. Much of the street level floor still is under construction and there are final touches being completed on the outside of the Italian-Renaissance-style building. The 453 hotel rooms, which go for more than $200-a-night at times, will be available for guests as of Wednesday, though reservations are being taken now. Two other restaurants, including one created by 'Iron Chef' winner Michael Symon, are coming on line soon. Originally slated to open Oct. 15, Symon's 'Roast' opening has been pushed back to Oct. 21, said John Ferchill, the Cleveland developer behind the hotel renovation. Westin officials intend to name the other restaurant Wednesday. A handful of the condo owners -- 50 of the 64 units have been sold -- begin moving in later this week. A black tie charity gala is planned for Oct. 25, with a street party on Washington Boulevard planned for Oct. 24. More than 100 events, including black-tie galas, North American International Auto Show parties, 25 weddings, 15 holiday parties and various social events already have been booked at The Book. You can reach Louis Aguilar at (313) 222-2760 or laguilardteom.