Allan

Friday, November 19, 2004 The sun sets in Detroit's midtown. On the left is Hotel Eddystone, which is set to be renovated into 60 condominiums and retail space. Currently vacant and home to prostitutes, homeless people and drug addicts, the hotel was designed by famed Detroit architect Louis Kamper. On the right is the 14 story Harbor Light Center.

He's probably never even been to the state of Michigan! So often people base their opinons of Detroit on movies and TV shows.

Why on earth would I want to/need to carry a weapon? Downtown is one of the safest areas in the city. Just last month an off-duty transit worker murdered a homeless man who tried to attack her late at night - murders downtown are very uncommon. There have only been about five so far this year. The only problems I have are with bums asking me for money or trying to sell me little flags on toothpicks and then asking for a donation. There are gangs in the city, but as long as you don't bother them, they won't bother you. I've been in plenty of gang-infested areas and have never had a problem. I have photographed some of the most poverty stricken, run down, and notorious neighborhoods in the city. I have a bigger fear if ghetto dogs than anything else...those are viscious creatures!

November 18, 2004 The rear of the wedge-shaped Metropolitan Building

Yep, they really do park cars there. Go into the Michigan Building (On Bagley Street at Clifford. Ask the security guard in the lobby if you can see the parking garage. He will direct you to it. You will be able to see the lobby and the main auditorium, as well as a few other parts of the theater. On the exterior you can still see light bulbs around the former theater entrance.

November 17, 2004 The gothic top of the Metropolitan Building peeks through between buildings along Woodward Avenue. The Metropolitan was supposed to be renovated into lofts, but the developer is apparently still trying to secure financing.

Nice photo, Aaron. I only got to go to one Tiger's game this past summer. The game was not good (they lost), but at least I got to stare at the skyline for three hours. LOL. Unfortuntately I neglected to bring my camera, but the skyline view wasn't all that great from where I was sitting anyway.

Tuesday, November 16, 2004 When the tenants of the neighboring building demanded a parking garage, the Michigan Theater was gutted and turned into one. The original plan was to tear the theater down, but studies revealed that tearing it down would significantly weaken the structure of the adjoining office building. So the theater was turned into a parking garage, with as little of the theater demolished as possible. Today a portion of the red curtain still hangs above what was once the stage. This photo is of the original lobby. The main auditorium was located on the right.

Monday, November 15, 2004 All that remains of Hughes and Hatcher and the Freud Building is a pile of rubble. Crews are carting off the debris so that they can build a new 13-story parking garage with ground floor retail on the site.

Wow. Snow already?! No snow here yet. We typically see our first snow in late November or sometime in December. It really varies...one time we didn't get a flake of snow until December 24.

Sunday, November 14, 2004 Peering into the David Whitney Building from the window on Park Avenue. The building seems to be in good condition, but apparently there is a leak in the roof of the lobby, since there is water standing on the floor. There have been several plans for the building, including a hotel, and also the conversion of the building into apartments or condos. So far nothing has materialized.

Saturday, November 13, 2004 Last weekend I stumbled onto this helicopter crash scene that they were filming for the movie, The Island, on Bagley Street. I didn't even know that I was on a movie set until I was in the middle of it, and saw the wrecked helicopter. LOL.

Friday, November 12, 2004 Mike Ilitch owns the vacant Hotel Vermont on Columbia Street near Park Avenue. Ilitch owns many properties in the area, and it is rumored that a new stadium for the Red Wings may eventually be constructed in the area.

Yeah, only the ML has a gigantic hole in the roof. LOL. The sun is out in all my photos because I typically take photos on sunny days. Cloudy days make for washed out photos and disappointing shots.

Thursday, November 11, 2004 The Madison-Lenox Hotel in early evening. Although it slated to become another parking lot for nearby Comerica Park, rumor has it that the owners are now looking at redevelopment options because of all the bad publicity they are recieving over the building's poor condition and its planned demolition.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004 The Skillman Branch of the Detroit Public Library reopened last December after a $9.2 Million renovation. The library opened in 1931, but closed in 1998 because of the Hudson Building demolition across the street.

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 David Stott Tower at sunset. Recognize this pic? It's the same one I used in making my avatar.

Monday, November 8, 2004

Sunday, November 7, 2004 Woodward Avenue looking south towards downtown at sunset.

Saturday, November 6, 2004 The Park Shelton Apartments on Woodward Avenue in midtown are being converted into condominiums. The building was originally a hotel, the Wardell Hotel. It was named for Fred Wardell, founder of the Eureka Company, and was known for its inovative service and facilities.

Yeah, I looked into getting an apartment here because then I wouldn't have to worry about annoying roommates. Plus it is dirt cheap - I can get a studio for $475 per month. I would be looking at nearly double the price here in Southfield. The only thing is that it would mean driving from downtown every morning. Also, I'm not exactly sure how ANY of my furniture is supposed it fit in the room, since it is triangular. I really need to look into Lafayette Towers. My friend moved onto the 16th floor there, and only pays $600 per month. It is also within walking distance of downtown, but I don't like that particular area quite as much since it is not as urban.

Friday, November 5, 2004 The Cathedral Tower Apartments in midtown at sunset.

Thursday, November 4, 2004 Designed by Albert Kahn, the 15 story Maccabees Building on Woodward was completed in 1927.

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 The flat topography of metro Detroit makes it possible to see the skyline for miles. Here is a view looking south from McNichols (6 Mile) Road.

Tuesday, November 2, 2004 The Fisher Building in the city's New Center area was designed by famed Detroit industrial architect Albert Kahn. The building as it was built is only a small portion of what was originally planned for the block; however, what has been completed is magnificent. The Fisher Building is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.