Besides, anything worth going to you wouldn't know about. It's Detroit after all...

Been there once for a Church thing. Auburn Hills actually. Might go again. but if I go downtown at night I will be exercising my right to bear arms.

It'd better be the arms of Jesus you're talking about.

Been there once for a Church thing. Auburn Hills actually. Might go again. but if I go downtown at night I will be exercising my right to bear arms.

 

Caucasian please...

zoicks -- gotta love the church thing/bear arms juxtaposition!  :-o

It'd better be the arms of Jesus you're talking about.

 

Desert Eagle 50 cal on my ankle and Jesus' arms keeping back the fury!  .lol.

 

Caucasian please...

 

It's Cracker .. thankyou much!

To clearify.. I have a ccw.. Its valid in Mich...

Remember the words of dear teddy.. "speak softly and carry a big stick"...

 

Or in the words of me: "I lived there for 36 years and never had a problem."

kinda makes ya wonder....wwjd?

He'd sell crack at Mack & Gratiot...just for that desert eagle!

zoicks -- gotta love the church thing/bear arms juxtaposition!  :-o

 

 

..... wow .....  no sleeves like that red neck guy... whats his name.. the one that really isnt a redneck...

I personally don't carry weapon anywhere I go in Detroit, and never intend to, but I don't find it unreasonable to be carrying one.  There's been some incidents downtown within the last few years where people had guns stuck in their face demanding their car or money.  One incident happened directly in front of the police station.  The victim usually won (having a gun). 

 

But why do you plan to walk around Detroit at night?....why not during the day where there's other people around. 

Or in the words of me: "I lived there for 36 years and never had a problem."

 

36 years in Detroit and you've never had a problem?! I've been robbed on the street, had our house broken into by a crack head, and vandalism (from a crazy old lady living next door so I'm not sure if that counts since it wasn't too threatening - she threw spaghetti and an expensive raw ham through our windows) in a neighborhood in Cincy that I never thought was really that bad. Also had to put up with some really aggressive panhandlers downtown that make threats but I've never had a problem in OTR at all for some reason minus the more harmless panhandlers.

 

 

 

Downtown Detroit seems like one of the safest parts. It's the city that seemed to be bad. I stayed at the Renaissance Center 2 years in a row and walked around the area a little bit at night but also spent some time driving around east Detroit a little bit.

Something ironic... I get on this thread  about downtown detriot and at the top is a advertisement for Front sight firearms training.. thats crazy...

But why do you plan to walk around Detroit at night?....why not during the day where there's other people around. 

 

Because it looks better. 

 

I used to wander around there at night and nobody ever messed with me, except cops wondering if I was nuts.  But they're the ones who seemed nuts because everyone else I encountered just said good evening.  Not just downtown but Mexicantown, up Gratiot (that's where the cop said you've just gotta go home), and around Hamtramck.  One time I walked from my apartment near Wayne State all the way to work, which was in Warren.  Not at night though.  The scariest streets in town, I think, are McCormick and 7-mile. 

You walked to freaking Warren? You're mad.

Indeed I was, and not in the way you imply.  I was livid.

Way to walk it off.

Great video on the old Motown Headquarters.  The city demolished the twin-building structure prior to the superbowl to make way for two dozen parking spaces.  Days before demo, a group of people sledge hammered down a bricked up door at the back of the building drawing numerous explorers to the opened buidling to remove many valuable documents.  The building was so hastily demolished, contents from offices scattered about along Woodward and across I-75.

 

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=videonetwork&videoID=1130560005

^So sad.

The collapsing Fine Arts Building is on its way down.  I'm going to check out the demo site myself tomorrow, but for now go to the link below of the demolition site taken by femaletrumpet.  The old facade facing Grand Circus Park will be preserved.  An overflow office building for the Fox Theater is planned to go up in the current site.  No idea if it will be taller than the existing facade.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/femaletrumpet02/3603727501/

 

I've taken a few photos myself below from a few years ago.  Surprised this building stood as long as it could

 

Nearly all floors in the building were at an angle.  A central structural column had been knocked out.  You can't tell, but even the hallway in the back is angled

 

Nearly all the plaster in the theater portion had merely rotted away exposing a gutted shell

 

Top row seats.  The balcony was actually closed off and made into a movie theater. 

 

 

I have more photos, but I'm having trouble finding them.  It's ironic that I'd use this building to extensively photograph the Statler Hotel demolition, now it too will be gone.

 

 

 

 

Great video on the old Motown Headquarters.  The city demolished the twin-building structure prior to the superbowl to make way for two dozen parking spaces.  Days before demo, a group of people sledge hammered down a bricked up door at the back of the building drawing numerous explorers to the opened buidling to remove many valuable documents.  The building was so hastily demolished, contents from offices scattered about along Woodward and across I-75.

 

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=videonetwork&videoID=1130560005

 

What a shame...the narrative is terrible and the fact that the building was so gorgeous makes it even worse.

Took a drive to Detroit today and got some pics.  Not much action going on at the demo sites, except clearing some sorted scrap metal.  Tiger stadium was uneventful as well, despite that there have been some pretty dramatic moments in the past (light towers come crashing down)

 

FINE ARTS / ADAMS THEATER

 

Footings for the support structure.  The facade is being preserved.  Not sure what role all those small wood blocks are for. 

 

A better angle.  You can see the building is not that deep.  That's why one knocked out column years ago made such an impact on the structure.

 

Looking through the alley.  A pile of bricks stand where a connector bridge went between Fine Arts and the Adams Theater

 

Back of the Fine Arts, looking over the rubble of the Adams Theater

 

Pan out of the Adams Theater

 

Here you can see how both buildings are disconnected.  Theater patrons entered through the front of Fine Arts, ascended a stairway up over the alley to a mezzanine level where there concessions.  They could then go up another seating level.  These concourse areas were so rotted beyond recognition, not to mention shrouded in complete darkness.

 

A good view of the connector.  You can see Fine Arts has a small 3 story addition.  I recall a photography studio being on that 3rd level of the addition from the chemical smells. 

 

Bonus shots of some building within the vicinity.  A new hockey arena is planned for nearby, and pretty much all the land has been cleared.  Hopefully this area can become part of an arena district.

 

 

TIGER STADIUM

 

The parking lot had a bunch of cars near the pedestrian bridge.  The demo site has become a tourist attraction and there always seems to be at least a dozen people there throughout the day.

 

Basically, the demo team seems to knock out the inner most sections, and then move to the edge.  Not a very good view from this location

 

 

 

Extra Bonus!  A interesting factory building on Warren Ave.

 

Packard Complex on Fire. 

 

http://freep.com/article/20090609/COL27/90609008/At+night++crews+let+Packard+Plant+burn

 

The flames will not be extinguished because entry into the complex is too difficult and dangerous for firefighters.

 

 

I've outlined the portion of the complex that is burning below:

 

So is the theater being turned into another fabulous surface lot? That had a little bit of sarcasm in there.

Well, probably.  It's supposed to be occupied by an office building serving as an annex to the Fox Theatre, but that's being too optimistic.  I predict parking

 

------------------

Not related to demolition, although its possible the additional span could create more hardships on the surrounding area, the Coast Guard has blocked Matty's bridge construction attempt.

 

http://www.freep.com/article/20090616/NEWS05/906160307/Moroun+s+plan+for+2nd+U.S.-Canada+bridge+hits+hurdle

 

I was stunned one day driving down Fort Street and suddenly see a second bridge under construction.  We'll have to see how this pans out, but whether he's violating local, state, federal, or international law doesn't matter.  He's too powerful.  It amazes me that some people can get away with this stuff, like building a bridge over an international border without permission (allegedly), lol.

State Dumps Dirt on Ramp

 

With the approaches for a new cable stay suspension bridge already built, the state dumped dirt all over the pavement in attempt to stop further construction.  http://freep.com/article/20090623/COL12/90623037/Detroit+bridge+company+accuses+state+of+dumping+dirt+on+newly+paved+ramp

The DDA voted unanimously to demoish the Lafayette building.  Demolition could begin in less then a month :(

 

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090626/METRO01/906260361/1409/METRO/DDA-votes-to-raze-1923-Lafayette-Building

This frustrates me greatly.  Another "V" shaped building bites the dust.  Have fun filling that one up.  We tolerated the Tuller, the Statler, and now this?  I can't believe it.  I could care less what the DDA voted, I'm more frustrated with DEGC since this was their idea in the first place.

I'll have to dig up more official info, but basically if you want a chance to see Michigan Central Station LEGALLY, now is your chance.  It's open to everyone.....but only if you are wiling to help clean up a little.  Groups of people have volunteered to sweep and remove debris station at no cost to the billionaire owner to help extend the future of this building.  Qualified individuals are removing alot of the heavier stuff such as ductwork and broken plumbing.  Many aesthetic improvements are being done to make it less of a ruin.  Last time I rode past their on my bike, it looked almost like a major construction site.  Props to people volunteering to give this building a little TLC.  Just think, you can be a part of the action too!

 

The owner has made somewhat muted commitments to saving the building, although we haven't seen much action as far as deterring vandalism and trespass.  There is now talk of the GSA renovating this building into a trade center of some sorts or possibly department of homeland security, being that it's close to a border crossing.

 

At one time, the city wanted to make this the police hq, having it act as a centerpiece of the new justice center.  The costs of renovating the building were relatively undetermined, and with the city in a budget crisis the plan pretty much fell apart.

Sad. Seems as though its just really about feeding the pockets of the demolition industry. I wonder if anyone received kickbacks. Lots of money made in demolition. I am sure a vacant gravel lot will look very attractive, though.  :x

Great video/song.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L12aHsVl_q0

I was just in Detroit, that video shows some of the more powerful decaying spots.

 

Tiger Stadium was such a shame, here's all that's left of it as of 2 weekends ago:

 

It was announced the historic Cass Tech will be demolished soon.

 

Photo from wikipedia:

 

I think the above image might be a year old.  Currently it looks like there was a fire, all the windows were stolen, and parts of the interior look heavily damaged from neglect and the elements.

 

 

^All that within a year?  Jesus.

There's really never any effort to protect vacant property in Detroit.  Alot of the local laws and relaxed enforcement make it difficult to prohibit unauthorized entry.  You basically have to hire a guard when the building goes empty, but that's even proven useless in the past.

 

Only two vacant buildings in downtown Detroit currently post security staff 24/7: The David Whitney and the Book Tower.  The DW has been abandoned since the late 90's and was in the same [excellent, and I mean EXCELLENT] condition when the guard was briefly let go in 2006.  In just one month the interior underwent severe damage from scrappers and vandals.  Fortunately, the guard was put back on duty and the building was surprisingly repaired.  The Book tower was only open for a couple weeks after it went vacant in 2008.  Scrappers hadn't reached it yet, and it was basically a bunch of urban explorers getting in and a couple petty vandals who scribbled in permanent marker on some of the walls and windows.  A guard was immediately staffed on the ground level and a security system was installed.  Just a few weeks ago they walled off the entire ground floor.  It was just announced the tower will be renovated last week by Ferchill Group, the developer who successfully renovated the Book Cadillac.

That's a bummer about Cass Tech but it doesn't really surprise me.  Beautiful old school though!  Demolition of the Lafayette Building is about to begin.

A block away, expect to hear some good news soon about a couple abandoned/90% vacant buildings around Capitol Park.  This will be the next area of focus for redevelopment.

 

 

Tiger Stadium is now completely demolished.

Just got word that some building(s?) in Greektown were demolished today.  No word on their replacement.

 

Lafayette demo is in full force.

I'll have to dig up more official info, but basically if you want a chance to see Michigan Central Station LEGALLY, now is your chance.  It's open to everyone.....but only if you are wiling to help clean up a little.  Groups of people have volunteered to sweep and remove debris station at no cost to the billionaire owner to help extend the future of this building.  Qualified individuals are removing alot of the heavier stuff such as ductwork and broken plumbing.  Many aesthetic improvements are being done to make it less of a ruin.  Last time I rode past their on my bike, it looked almost like a major construction site.  Props to people volunteering to give this building a little TLC.  Just think, you can be a part of the action too!

 

Seems those volunteers got more than they bargained for:

 

Asbestos Found at the Train Station

Reported by: Heather Catallo

 

DETROIT (WXYZ) - They just wanted to clean up a Detroit landmark. But what some local high school students didn’t count on was putting their health at risk while they were trying to help.

 

^One of the comments suggested that they set up a trust fund for anyone who might develop mesothelioma. (though I think it's fairly unlikely that anyone will)  I think that's a great idea.

Just got word that some building(s?) in Greektown were demolished today. No word on their replacement.

 

Yup, go to the link below for a picture of the building.

 

http://www.planet99.com/detroit/restaurants/new_hellas_cafe.html

I'll have to dig up more official info, but basically if you want a chance to see Michigan Central Station LEGALLY, now is your chance. It's open to everyone.....but only if you are wiling to help clean up a little. Groups of people have volunteered to sweep and remove debris station at no cost to the billionaire owner to help extend the future of this building. Qualified individuals are removing alot of the heavier stuff such as ductwork and broken plumbing. Many aesthetic improvements are being done to make it less of a ruin. Last time I rode past their on my bike, it looked almost like a major construction site. Props to people volunteering to give this building a little TLC. Just think, you can be a part of the action too!

 

Seems those volunteers got more than they bargained for:

 

Asbestos Found at the Train Station

Reported by: Heather Catallo

 

DETROIT (WXYZ) - They just wanted to clean up a Detroit landmark. But what some local high school students didn’t count on was putting their health at risk while they were trying to help.

 

 

It's a longshot any of them will develop mesothelioma, even handling, cutting it, whatever.  The problem is no one actually knows for sure what is a "safe level" of asbestos exposure.  So the best advice is to avoid it whenever possible to theoretically reduce exposure to 0.....Although that's impossible.  Everyone has been exposed to friable asbestos in their life.  The interesting thing about MCS, is that it's pretty easy to identify and remove it.  They should have let in the professionals do the dirty work and let the kids do the rest...if you really aren't worried about falling bricks.

Here is where the demolished building in Greektown was.

 

..and Lafayette

Detroit should seriously just consider giving away buildings like the Lafayette to anybody interested in doing something with it.  Now what, they'll have yet another empty lot to deal with?

 

 

And Why would they raze that building in Greektown?

It looked perfectly fine in the picture.

I hate to see stuff like this lost anywhere.

Detroit should seriously just consider giving away buildings like the Lafayette to anybody interested in doing something with it.  Now what, they'll have yet another empty lot to deal with?

 

That idea doesn't work.  Say I walked up to you and said "I'm going to give you my student loan debt."  I doubt you want that?  The building is a financial liability. 

 

Physically, yes it can be renovated.  That would be easy; paying for it not so much.  But when you take the cost per square foot by the total building and divide by the number of units.  The cost per unit is outrageously high.  Detroit doesn't have that kind of market. 

 

My own solution would be to mothball it until someone with a very abstract creative solution to getting this fixed up, but it's too late now.

 

 

 

My own solution would be to mothball it until someone with a very abstract creative solution to getting this fixed up, but it's too late now.

 

 

I'm starting to work on a thesis involving something along these lines, if you're interested.  I haven't selected a site yet but there are a few in Detroit I've looked at, some in indiana, although it will likely end up being in Cincinnati because that's where I am.

 

There's nothing on my blog about it yet, but over the weekend/next week i will begin posting some early thesis research, if you're interested (http://zfein.blogspot.com is the site).