Friday, August 07, 2009

Cass Tech to be Demolished

DPS Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb mentioned today on "Inside Detroit" that the district will be using stimulus money to demolish the Old Cass Tech building. Alumni previously stepped in to forestall demolition plans when the new high school was completed. However, no redevelopment plans have ever been put forth and this time around the school's fate seems sealed.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Gold Cup 100 Alpha

The 100th running of the Gold Cup was postponed last year due to high winds. After a year's wait, the thunder returned to the Detroit River this past weekend. VIEW LARGE

Friday, July 10, 2009

The Toledo Strip

Earlier in the week I spent some time in the territory of Michigan's former posession near the mouth of the Maumee River. Please enjoy some action shots of the Toledo Mud Hens vs the Louisville Bats at 5/3 Field.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Rosa Parks Transit Center Almost Ready

The sails have been hoisted and the maiden voyage is set for July 14th with a grand opening celebration.


Monday, July 06, 2009

Tricentennial Park Extension

Things are looking good at the wetlands extension between Rivard Plaza and the Harbor. This just might end up being my favorite section of the RiverWalk.






Thursday, June 25, 2009

Lafayette Building Next to Fall

The 1923 C. Howard Crane designed Lafayette Building could meet the wrecking ball within the next two weeks thanks to a unanimous vote by the Detroit Downtown Development Authority. Detroit-based Adamo Demolition Company will eliminate the historic building for a fee of $1,445,888. The building will be replaced by a "pocket park" of grass and shrubbery.

Monday, June 08, 2009

New Use for Franklin Furniture Building

The Thompson Education Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan recently announced funding for a 94,000 square-foot high school tied to the University Prep Science and Math Middle School in Detroit. The Albert Kahn designed Franklin Furniture building in Rivertown will be renovated to house the high school in time for the 2010-2011 school year.



The building as it looks today.

Click over to Model D for the rendering.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

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.

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Beyond Greektown


Friday, April 24, 2009

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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rebirth


Saturday, April 18, 2009

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.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

One Kennedy Square



Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Greektown and Beyond



Sunday, March 29, 2009

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.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

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.