TechTown Detroit

Model D TV has put together a piece on the future development of TechTown. It gives a glimpse at the proposed $1.3 billion, 43-acre, 12-square-block multiuse renewal project partnership with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and General Motors Corp.

City of the Strait

City of the Strait, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

Detroit's Downtown Movie Palaces

Detroit's Downtown Movie Palaces is a walk back in time to the Golden Age of Cinema. Authors Michael Hauser and Marianne Weldon have done a wonderful job stitching together the history of movie going in Detroit. Using photos from local archives, as well as Hauser's personal collection, the book provides glimpses of the city's lost treasures as well as rare looks at the survivors of that by gone era.

The origins of Detroit's movie palaces can be linked directly to the city's original entertainment district centered upon Monroe Street. Hauser and Weldon highlight the recital halls, vaudeville houses and burlesque theaters that dominated that area before moving on to cover the establishment of Grand Circus entertainment district. They detail the jewels of the necklace district with chapters devoted to the Capitol, Michigan, Fox, United Artists, Wilson, and Gem Theaters. The book wraps up with a look at the lost theaters of Downtown Detroit.

Detroit's Downtown Movie Palaces provides a comprehensive photographic record of the dozens of theaters that existed downtown during the first half of the last century. The interior photos of these opulent theaters, both lost and restored, are the true treasures to be found within these pages. It is a tragedy that so many of these architectural gems have been lost or damaged beyond repair. For younger Detroiters who weren't a part of the theater-going experience during that fabulous era, Hauser and Weldon have given us wonderful a taste of what it must have been like.

This is another quality addition to Acradia Publishing's Images of America series. Without question, you should make it a part of your own personal reference library.

Photos reprinted with permission from Detroit's Downtown Movie Palaces, by Michael Hauser & Marianne Weldon. Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling (888) 313-2665.

Cobo Arena

Cobo Arena, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

Continental Motors

Continental Motors, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

Last Chance Gas

Last Chance Gas, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

Dark Skies II

Dark Skies II, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

The High Line

I just discovered this amazing new application of railbanking taking place in Lower Manhattan.

The High Line was an elevated freight line that serviced the warehouses and factories of the Lower West Side. At points, a right-of-way was established through existing buildings.

The line has been abandoned since 1980 and much like the forgotten building of Detroit, grasses and trees have established themselves along the line. The Friends of the High Line are working with the City to preserve these viaducts and convert them into an elevated linear park and public spaces along the lines of the Promenade Plantée in Paris.

For a virtual tour check out oldnyc , or to see what's in store visit the design site. Also, check out the flicker cluster

Gutted

Built in 1919, this historic Albert Kahn designed print shop in Midtown has been gutted in preparation for a conversion into a retail/medical complex with indoor parking in the rear.

Lofts at New Amsterdam Phase 2

Work continues at the former Century Florist Supply Company building in New Center. It is being converted into 50 "Loft-Style" rental units.

4130 Trumbull

Recently this house at 4130 Trumbull, in the Woodbridge Historic District, was demolished by the city. Apparently, the front porch collapsed into the road striking a passing car. The city demolished the remains in November.