Just Another Afternoon in Detroit - 11.10.2006

[Paradox21]

http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-74.jpg

Ok, so I really don't have much of any introduction or wise-ass commentary to provide here...

Nevertheless, I wanted to hurry up and throw these pictures up on the internet before I forgot, or lost interest, like I usually do.

Props to ColDayMan, Michi, Wolverine, & The-New-Tony-Detroit for making the weekend a memorable experience.

...And despite the lack of organization, I hope you all enjoy at least some of the pictures in this thread...

http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-11.jpg

The Broderick tower, as seen from the David Whitney building, which at 35 floors, is supposedly the tallest currently
unoccupied building in the country:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-1.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-3.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-2.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-4.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-5.jpg

The main foyer of the David Whitney building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-6.jpg

Looking at a portion of the skyline of Windsor, Ontario from the Book Tower:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-7.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-9.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-18.jpg

Inside the lobby of the Penobscot building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-21.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-19.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-20.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-22.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-23.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-24.jpg

In Michigan Central Station, L to R: ColDayMan, Michi, Wolverine, Paradox21:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-25.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-26.jpg

The skyline of Troy can be seen in the background of this photo:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-27.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-28.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-29.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-30.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-31.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-32.jpg

Skyline view from the top of the Concourse level of MCS:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-33.jpg

a view of Brush Park through Michi's dashboard:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-34.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-35.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-36.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-37.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-38.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-39.jpg

Tenth floor of David Whitney:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-40.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-41.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-42.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-43.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-44.jpg

Handheld Grainy Night Shot from the RenCen:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-45.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-46.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-47.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-50.jpg

The skyline of Southfield, Michigan, as seen from the David Whitney building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-51.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-52.jpg

Dearborn, Michigan, seen from the top floor of Michi’s apartment
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-53.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-54.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-55.jpg

Inside the Grand Concourse of Michigan Central Station:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-56.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-57.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-59.jpg

Near the roof of the David Whitney building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-60.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-61.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-62.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-64.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-65.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-66.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-67.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-68.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-69.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-70.jpg

MCS bares it’s ugly ass:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-71.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-72.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-73.jpg

More views from inside the David Whitney building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-75.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-76.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-77.jpg

Scenes from inside the shell of Michigan Central Station…
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-78.jpg

These used to be elevator shafts:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-79.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-80.jpg

The basement was pitch black, we navigated through mostly due to the help of cell phone l.e.d. light illumination and ambient camera flashes, like the one seen in these pictures:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-81.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-82.jpg
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-83.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-85.jpg
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http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-86.jpg

From the top floor of Michi's apartment building:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-89.jpg


-Fin-

[Segun]

how do I get out of here? Where's my damn button at!!!

[skeeter]

eerie and beautiful at the same time. this makes me long for home. excellent thread, paradox.

[ChrisLA]

Wow what a treat and an adventure. You don't pop around here too ofen but when you do, its worth the wait.

Some of the best of Detroit I've seen. Its cool for me to see some of the cities (at least their skylines) that I often mentioned on a daily basis. Since I work for Comerica and monitor the network many of their branches/offices are in Michigan and around Detroit.

Anyway thanks for sharing before you lost interest. ;)

[shappy]

great shots of a fascinating city.

[Kilgore Trout]

wow. once again, you put the wide-angle to very good use here.

[matt602]

Oh man I need to get out to Detroit. So much abandoned shit to explore. Abandoned skyscrapers... damn. That is amazing. It's insane how you're looking down the length of one building, then out the window is another towering mass of abandonment. Detroit is awesome.

[vanman]

Why are there so many beautiful abondoned buildings in Detroit? I don't get it.

[STLgasm]

The boyz are at it again! Some of the best ones yet, fellas.

[HomeInMyShoes]

Speechless. Thanks for posting.

[JivecitySTL]

It should be against the law to be that good.

[matt602]

Why are there so many beautiful abondoned buildings in Detroit? I don't get it.

The city has been in a deep depression for the last 50 years, mostly due to the decline of the domestic motors market (fall of the big 3). This effect ripples through the economy of the city, and what you see is the result. Of course the record high crime rates don't help any...

[The-New-Tony-Detroit]

And of course we have for the last several years begun to revitalize those buildings - including a deal to renovate the David Broderick Tower.

World Class thread.

[Hed Kandi]

If hell on earth exists, it's in the form of Detroit ~

[ColDayMan]

Mcs = Satan's W Hotel

[pierre-laurent]

the contrast between the first and the second pics is amazing...

[Wheelingman04]

The city might be economically depressed, but is still fasinating. I love the architecture downtown and the tours of abandoned buildings.

[LMich]

Maybe I'm more numb to it than the average person, but I took a lot more away from this than the abandonment. In fact, it wasn't the first thing that crossed my mind, at all.

Great, great tour! Especially the ones taken from higher up showing. I like the Dearborn shots that shows the hills in parts of Southeast Michigan. The actual city and inner-ring sit inside a basin, but out to the north and northwest it's really kind of hilly.

This almost crashed my computer (even with my high-speed connection), but it was worth it.

[CGII]

Absolutely amazing tour. Easily the best ever of Detroit.

But yr Penobscot lobby pics are actually Guardian Building pics.

[Blitz]

Wow, awesome thread. Detroit rules.

[Shasta]

Amazing photos. I don't get freaked by much, but the thought of hiking through a dark basement in an abandoned building definitely made me crap myself.

Thanks for sharing pics of such an interestingly sad place.

[Michi]

Detroit's condition is not necessarily due to the automobile. Just look at the suburbs. Southeast Michigan is still regarded as one of the most wealthy regions in the country. That fortune is obviously in transition, so what goes down in the next few years is going to most significantly affect the suburbs who have enjoyed all of Detroit's blood for the past 50 years.

I have to purchase that last pano from you, frame it, and hang it on my wall! :)

Oh, and too many pictures of me!

[Paintballer1708]

Best pano i have ever seen.

[Urban Zombie]

Truly an amazing thread. Haunting, yet beautiful and poetic at times. Rev'ren!

[Evergrey]

Incredible photos, Paradox. What a skill you have. Looks like you guys had a great time exploring Detroit. These shots are filled with emotions a million stories of tragedy, grief, desolation... and hope.

[bryson662001]

Oh man I need to get out to Detroit. So much abandoned shit to explore. Abandoned skyscrapers... damn. That is amazing. It's insane how you're looking down the length of one building, then out the window is another towering mass of abandonment. Detroit is awesome.
Ten years ago there were many more abandoned skyscrapers but many have been knocked down. Still it is really worth a trip from anywhere just to see it......like nothing you have ever seen before. While your there don't forget the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn....another sight not to be missed.

[Michi]

Thanks, Bryson!

Despite the worst economy in the country, Detroit is making great strides against the grain. It's tough, no doubt, but somehow we're pulling off baby steps. I know that's not good enough for some people, but at the end of the day, there's a much greater sense of pride and comfort in knowing hard work is paying off. I also know that is hard to believe after seeing some of those photos.

And again, the only real highrises left that are abandoned in downtown Detroit are the David Whitney and the David Broderick. And as mentioned, the Broderick's renovation is just getting underway!

http://www.brodericktower.com/index.html

There's other abandoned buildings for sure, and hopefully the near future will bring more fortune to our little untapped gold mine.

[matt602]

Ten years ago there were many more abandoned skyscrapers but many have been knocked down. Still it is really worth a trip from anywhere just to see it......like nothing you have ever seen before. While your there don't forget the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn....another sight not to be missed.

As a fan of Ford power, it is totally on my Detroit to-do list. Along with attending a Red Wings game :) Go Wings!

I didn't mean to paint such a glum picture though. Detroit is totally only going up now. I see a lot of potential in downtown Detroit. I look at it with the same glee and future thinking that I do to my own city's slummy, grimey downtown.

[Wheelingman04]

What great photographic talent!!

[MayDay]

You've got to be sh!tting me:
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-6.jpg

Awesome thread. Just awesome.

[LMich]

Mayday, fortunately, this is one of the few vacant buildings downtown that's actually half-way maintained for sitting as long as it has. It used to be home to many medical arts (as was the Broderick Tower across the street), and it won't take much to fill this up as it has been in temporary usage from time to time (i.e. using it as a hiring and training center, I believe, for the MGM Grand Detroit Casino).

A few more photos of the atrium arcade:

http://static.flickr.com/46/159041299_3688cd8eff_b.jpg
Southen - http://www.flickr.com/photos/southen/

http://static.flickr.com/53/159042695_5cf252a4ee_b.jpg
Southen - http://www.flickr.com/photos/southen/

The murals during the SuperBowl at the base.

http://static.flickr.com/52/137152184_a569ec948b_o.jpg
daveisnotmyname -http://www.flickr.com/photos/city_blocks/

Exterior

http://static.flickr.com/20/72453264_f44c6c470e_b.jpg
BuildingsOfDetroit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/snweb/

Into the Park
http://static.flickr.com/21/25694791_5f87563e6f_b.jpg
UrbanTiki - http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbantiki/

There is still hope for this one yet, and with the imminent renovation of the Broderick Tower across the street this "guard of Grand Circus Park" group will form a great gateway unto Lower Woodward, once again, not to mention it has a stop on the People Mover and that it has excellent views into Comerica Park.

Sorry about the quick hijack, Paradox.

[MrChills]

Best Detroit Ever!!! Amazing!

[DetroitSky]

Excellent photos!

[Ex-Ithacan]

Maybe just another afternoon in Detroit, but by no means just another Detroit photo thread. Paradox, you gotta get more pics of places and post them on theis forum. That's an order from your elder (please).

Thanks for the tour.:worship:

[Michi]

Sweet pics!

[Exodus]

My world history teacher at the college I attend told me last night that he was once in Detroit. He was on his way to Windsor and had to drive through Detroit to get to the tunnel, but he got off the freeway too soon and ended up driving down W. Fort St. for a few miles. He described it as dangerous and shabby looking, and said he was so glad to finally find the tunnel. Too bad he didn't get past first impressions and stay a little longer.

[pdxstreetcar]

Great pictures

Some damn beautiful buildings its a shame so many are abandoned and falling apart.

Are these abandoned buildings like the David Whitney Tower and Michigan Central Station just wide open and easy for anyone to wander into?

I hope the Whitney tower gets renovated soon since its interior appears to be in fairly good condition, considering its abandoned.

[LMich]

What do you consider "so many" just wondering? I only ask because some people seem to think most of the high-rises in Detroit are abandon when the fact is that there are only three big ones left in downtown to be renovated (Broderick, David Whitney and United Artists).

Exodus, driving down West Fort Street would definitely leave someone with a bad impression of Detroit. It's so industrial I'm not surprised at his opinion. What a bad route to take. lol

[pdxstreetcar]

I was referring to all the buildings in Detroit not just downtown towers with regard to the "so many."

But I'm glad to hear there are only 3 abandoned towers downtown because I had thought there were more empty downtown towers. Is it the Book Cadillac Hotel that is becoming a Westin?

[Michi]

Indeed it is!

http://www.westinbookcadillacresidences.com

Fort Street is not scary at all. It's just an old industrial corridor that leads to the Ambassador Bridge. And how do you get off the freeway too early? Signage to the tunnel and bridge is clear as day. Sounds like your typical Detroit fantasy story to me. Fort Street is harmless and has a lot of nice old buildings.

[Exodus]

Indeed it is!

http://www.westinbookcadillacresidences.com

Fort Street is not scary at all. It's just an old industrial corridor that leads to the Ambassador Bridge. And how do you get off the freeway too early? Signage to the tunnel and bridge is clear as day. Sounds like your typical Detroit fantasy story to me. Fort Street is harmless and has a lot of nice old buildings.Yeah, a city should not be judged because of an old industrial area. Of course factorys can be an eye sore, but that's factorys for you. I can only guess what his real problem about the city was:shrug:

[skyfan]

While we're talking about urban exploration, does any else think that this has become too popular? There was an interesting post today on the subject in Detroitblog. I have to agree that are just too many people trying to showing how cool they are by entering an empty building in Detroit Not enough like in this thread that just want to show the decayed beauty of these buildings.

There is no better example of that than the Whitney Building while it's still in good condition, until this year the place was pristine. Now you have people like UE bloggers wideopendetroit, that tagged buildings they've explored. With scrappers aggressive as ever, a lot these people are leaving buildings even more open to attack.
http://www.detroitblog.org/

[LMich]

I think it's an issue of sour grapes, personally. People don't have a problem with exploring a building, but have problems with other's doing it. It smacks of hypocrisy, as if you can somehow judge that your motives for urban exploration are better than everyone elses. I think all urban explorers need to remember (including those that started it) that the access to these buildings is no more your own than anyone elses. And that, in fact, the building belongs to someone else so you have no right to elevate yourselves above others. The original explorers also need to realize they are opening a Pandora's Box, in the first place, by shooting within these buildings. It's an elitism that's always bothered me, and I can understand that there are some people that are experienced and less helpful than others, but who are you to judge the whole?

As the old saying goes, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, and this is no exception.

[mSeattle]

The Detroit Story... excellent stuff.

[matt602]

While we're talking about urban exploration, does any else think that this has become too popular? There was an interesting post today on the subject in Detroitblog. I have to agree that are just too many people trying to showing how cool they are by entering an empty building in Detroit Not enough like in this thread that just want to show the decayed beauty of these buildings.

There is no better example of that than the Whitney Building while it's still in good condition, until this year the place was pristine. Now you have people like UE bloggers wideopendetroit, that tagged buildings they've explored. With scrappers aggressive as ever, a lot these people are leaving buildings even more open to attack.
http://www.detroitblog.org/

As someone who is deeply vested into the hobby, I agree with you. The hobby has gotten too publicized and there's a lot of people who just take it too seriously or on the other extreme, not serious enough. It has introduced a lot of the wrong people through this over publication and really... this is a hobby that belongs in the underground, like the places we go. People will never understand it like us, and I don't think we should want them to. Really the bottom line about it is to experience these old nooks and crannies and to document them... because some day they won't be around anymore, and it's all we'll have.

I can't believe someone under the guise of an "urban explorer" would have the heart to tag up a place as beautiful as this. I could never imagine doing that, simply experiencing the sheer beauty would be enough for me. I know this is Detroit, but damn. That doesn't mean you have to follow suit on the mentality. Leaving the buildings open is even worse of course. I always make as much as an attempt as possible to leave a building in the same way I came across it. As a thank you for being able to experience it. We may be trespassing, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't give a shit about the security of the place.

Anyway sorry to rant, bottom line is I agree with you. The Whitney building is just beautiful beyond nearly any place I've ever seen. The picture of the roof with Comerica in the background is just awe inspiring. What an angle.

I also have a question. What state is the Wurlitzer building in? Looks nice.

[LMich]

Check this out, Matt:

http://www.buildingsofdetroit.com/places/wurl

[oliveurban]

Incredible. There's really no other word. One of the best Detroit threads yet. Some magnificent old buildings. Eerie, fascinating and beautiful.

Question: What is that MCS building ?

[Michi]

MCS stands for Michigan Central Station. It was built as Detroit's "Grand Central Station" and was in fact designed by the same architect.

It was built during a time of high growth in Southeast Michigan. The structure was built about a mile west of downtown and it was anticipated that downtown Detroit would grow into the MCS. But the Great Depression hit and everything took a turn for the worst. It was also built in this location because downtown had no land left to built a transportation hub.

Today, the MCS is a beast of a ruin. Plans have come and gone to renovate it, but obviously it's been proven too massive of an undertaking. The dose of good news, however, is that Corktown (the neighborhood adjacent to the MCS) is under a pretty impressive revival. Michigan Avenue has a lot of reinvestment occurring on it and the neighborhood is very diverse. The MCS towers over a transition-space between Corktown (traditionally Irish) and Mexicantown (Latino).

Coinciding with LMich's link above, I'd encourage you to try this one: :)

http://www.buildingsofdetroit.com/places/mcs

[MSPtoMKE]

Amazing tour!

[LMich]

MCS stands for Michigan Central Station. It was built as Detroit's "Grand Central Station" and was in fact designed by the same architect.

It was built during a time of high growth in Southeast Michigan. The structure was built about a mile west of downtown and it was anticipated that downtown Detroit would grow into the MCS. But the Great Depression hit and everything took a turn for the worst. It was also built in this location because downtown had no land left to built a transportation hub.

Today, the MCS is a beast of a ruin. Plans have come and gone to renovate it, but obviously it's been proven too massive of an undertaking. The dose of good news, however, is that Corktown (the neighborhood adjacent to the MCS) is under a pretty impressive revival. Michigan Avenue has a lot of reinvestment occurring on it and the neighborhood is very diverse. The MCS towers over a transition-space between Corktown (traditionally Irish) and Mexicantown (Latino).

Coinciding with LMich's link above, I'd encourage you to try this one: :)

http://www.buildingsofdetroit.com/places/mcs

A few other interesting facts about the Michigan Central Station include the fact that the top few floors were never built out/finished, and that even soon after its completion the developers realized that it was built too far outside of downtown. It's kind of ironic that the problem with it then is the same problem with it now: location and size. Inversely, now, though, the problem with Detroit development seems to be that things not built large enough, whereas the problem used to be that things we built too large.

[1ajs]

thanks for sharing :)

anyhow

they demolishing this building or restoring it?
http://www.spicnspanpicsnpans.com/d-dot-06/detroit-nov2006-byParadox21-29.jpg

[LMich]

Renovation into Westin Book-Cadillac which will contain a hotel and serviced apartments along with restaurants.

http://www.westinbookcadillacresidences.com/index.htm

[1ajs]

Renovation into Westin Book-Cadillac which will contain a hotel and serviced apartments along with restaurants.

http://www.westinbookcadillacresidences.com/index.htm

sweet :cool:

[DANTHEDISCOMAN]

My curious mind is driving me mad...how did you get access to those abondoned buildings?! Surely they they are boarded up right? Also, how did you get down into that dark basement...you were not worried about falling into any shafts in dark?! Please ease my mind of anxious curiousity!

[Cory]

A lot of new and interesting angles in here. Great stuff.

[toog05]

Yea why is some of the building gone, has it always been like that?

[CGII]

http://static.flickr.com/53/159042695_5cf252a4ee_b.jpg
Geez, from this photo it looks occupied and restored.

[Michi]

Yea why is some of the building gone, has it always been like that?
Which building? The MCS or the Book Cadillac? The MCS lost all of its window because of vandalism over the years. Same with the Book Cadillac, however a lot of changes have been made since work crews began attending to her. I'm sure a lot of the windowless holes are due to the renovation.

[boden]

other-worldly

[dfane]

its so sad to see a once great city be turned into a deserted wasteland. i Guess this what you get when you keep voting crooks into office and they run the city like a city in Rwanda and run everything into the ground.

Doesnt Detroit's mayor look like a pimp? lol

I hope the people get smart there 1 day and stop voting for their boys and vote people in who want to bring jobs in etc.

[toog05]

Which building? The MCS or the Book Cadillac? The MCS lost all of its window because of vandalism over the years. Same with the Book Cadillac, however a lot of changes have been made since work crews began attending to her. I'm sure a lot of the windowless holes are due to the renovation.

I'm talking about the Book Cadillac, it seems like the back of the building has been partly cut away or sumthing, im not talking about where the windows were

[Michi]

Doesnt Detroit's mayor look like a pimp? lol
No, he does not.

And what do you mean run everything into the ground?

i Guess this what you get when you keep voting crooks into office and they run the city like a city in Rwanda and run everything into the ground.No, this is not what you get when you vote crooks into office. What you get when you vote crooks into office is what happened in the case with former City Councilman, Alonzo Bates. He is in Federal Court charged with employing "ghost employees", namely his former girlfriend and her daughter.

Hear me out: The girlfriend worked full time at a hospital. The daughter attended New York University full time. In other words, SHE LIVED IN NEW YORK. Both were paid middle-income wages to do absolutely nothing for Bates...all at the taxpayers' expense.

I find it offensive that people think Detroiters are going to just vote in crooks, simply because they don't care. You've been listening to people, haven't you?

Another case occurred when former City Clerk Jackie Curry screwed up the voting system so much, that dead people were casting their votes all over the city. Detroiters were just as furious as in the Lonnie Bates scandal, that Jackie Curry's opponent, Janet Winfrey won by a landslide. Curry just bitched and moaned that she did nothing wrong, even though the clerks office was falling apart.

So, to answer your question, no the mayor is not a pimp and no, residents don't vote in crooks. The mayoral race is not just confined to the city. It is in terms of who can vote, but people here are smart enough that the election of the mayor of the city of Detroit is a decision that affects the entire region...all 5 million of us.

Detroit's history goes back farther than the 1980s, when it was possibly at its worst. It takes more than just a mayor for the city to be the way it is today. To think otherwise is just simple minded and lazy.

[Michi]

I'm talking about the Book Cadillac, it seems like the back of the building has been partly cut away or sumthing, im not talking about where the windows were
Oh yah. That's just the way the building was built. It has always been like that. Looking at the front of the building, you would think it was a huge square, but in fact, the Book Cadillac layout is more like an "L-shape", but with like one other corner and side.

This design actually created a challenge for renovation plans because hotel rooms and hallway corridors back then were so small, it was difficult for architects to figure out which walls can be knocked out to create new hotel and condo units.

EDIT:
I guess "U-shaped" would better describe the layout. :)
http://www.forgottendetroit.com/caddy/tour/images/gr-map.gif
http://www.forgottendetroit.com/caddy/tour/guestfloor.html

[James Bond Agent 007]

Wow, it's like the good, the bad and the ugly all rolled into one.

[ColDayMan]

its so sad to see a once great city be turned into a deserted wasteland. i Guess this what you get when you keep voting crooks into office and they run the city like a city in Rwanda and run everything into the ground.

Doesnt Detroit's mayor look like a pimp? lol

I hope the people get smart there 1 day and stop voting for their boys and vote people in who want to bring jobs in etc.

*tears*

[apbest]

its so sad to see a once great city be turned into a deserted wasteland. i Guess this what you get when you keep voting crooks into office and they run the city like a city in Rwanda and run everything into the ground.

Doesnt Detroit's mayor look like a pimp? lol

I hope the people get smart there 1 day and stop voting for their boys and vote people in who want to bring jobs in etc.

What you're saying sounds ignorant and probably racist...what do you really know about Detroit to make this claim

[Buckeye Native 001]

Alright, if I'm ever in Detroit I have to check out MCS. Too freaking cool, and you guys captured everything great about Detroit's past, present and future. :tup:

[partybag]

Like the wide angle shots.

Shots are way over-saturated and have too much contrast, it makes it appear more brighter and thus unrealistic, but they are nice anyways.

Hope you enjoyed the city.

[IntotheWest]

Great shots! Very fascinating place.

[hudkina]

How could anyone think Fort St is dangerous? Sure it is gritty but what early 20th century industrial corridor isn't?

And why do so many think all of Detroit's downtown skyscrapers are abandoned? The only major skyscrapers that are abandoned are Broderick Tower, the UA Building, and the David Whitney building. And the Broderick Tower is slated to be renovated into condos and so that leaves the UA Building and the David Whitney Building that have uncertain futures.

Great pics! I especially love the skyline shot at the end.:)

[The-New-Tony-Detroit]

*tears*

I hope you are *tearing* over the ignorance of the statements and not to fan these flames of ignorance to continue to pollute... especially in light of Michi's thoughtful and reasoned argument to counter such really tactless statements.

[ColDayMan]

^Of course. I can't *tears* anymore?