Rosa Parks Transit Center Sails=Fail

The first of the Transit Center's canopies went up this week and it has already been shredded by the high winds and rain from Wednesday night's thunderstorms. The center is already behind schedule and over budget. One can only guess how much this failure is going to set the project back.

Hot Fudge Detroit has the coverage.

Beyond Greektown

Shield's Pizza to Abandon Detroit Again?

Over two and a half years ago Shield's Pizza announced their return to the city after an absence of two decades. Work began in the lobby of the Kales building, but as the months went by, numerous opening day announcements went unmet.

In June of 2008 Owner Paul Andoni addressed the delays. Apparently, construction stalled due to an issue with the exhaust ventilation that necessitated the installation of a 19-story shaft to the roof. At that time it Andoni stated that the restaurant would open by mid-September.

Nearly a year later, it is apparent that no further work has been done on the restaurant. At the begining of April the site was in the same unfinished state that it had been when Andoni made his most recent proclimation. A sign on the door states "construction has been haulted." It remains to be seen if Shield's will ever return to downtown Detroit.

Rebirth

Ghetto Driving

Traffic backed up? No Exit? No Problem!

Instead of exhibiting traditional unsafe driving skills by reversing up an entrance ramp, these drivers on the Southfield near Schoolcraft decided to do something new. Tens of drivers opted to make their own exit by driving over a fence to gain access to the service drive.

Schwankovsky Temple of Music/Wright Kay Building

It has been a while since I have taken a good look at this building and was shocked to see the state it is in. Does the Apartment nightclub operate out of it anymore? Was the building been shot-up by club patrons or have a ton of random bricks been thrown through its numerous windows? The south side looks even worse. I hope that the owner does not leave the building exposed to the elements.

The State of the Lafayette

One Kennedy Square

Greektown and Beyond

The Final Four is Coming

Look like the City Pension Board is going to try to recoup some money on the Asian Village fiasco next weekend. Andiamo Champions Club will be opened in the Beaubien Place parking garage during the Final Four. It kicks off April 3rd with a NBA afterparty hosted by Braylon Edwards, Denzell Washington, Isaiah Thomas and Rod Strickland.

Detroit Port Authority Terminal

Foundations have been set for the Public Dock & Terminal to be built near Hart Plaza. The 21,000-square-foot two-story facility will hold a tourist processing area, ticket counters, restrooms, office and a public plaza with space for educational interpretive exhibits.