July 24, 2001

GM Building Detail

Today marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of Detroit and there are festivities down by the river in Hart Plaza. In 1701 founder Antoine Mothe de Cadillac ( some kids refer to him as Tony the Moth) landed along the river banks of the Detroit River (near Woodward) and settled Detroit in the name of New France. City historians will be reenacting the scene today and a large crowd has gathered to see the actors paddle to shore. While wandering around, I meet Bob Pastorino who lives on the East Side of Detroit. A long time Detroit resident, his feet are firmly planted in the city. Recounting on life in Detroit, he mentions that he has seen 2 race riots (1943 -1967), and "a whole hell of a lot more" while living in Detroit. I found it extremely interesting to talk to him because he lived through the rise and fall of the city and experienced it all.

"United Artist's????..........I saw Artie Shaw play there"

"Fort Street Station????.............That's where I went into the army."

I think on how it must be difficult for many area residents to see the state their city is currently in, when they can remember what it was like in it's heyday.  People who have lived in the city since the fourties and fifties have seen and experienced what  takes hundreds of years to happen. The abandonment and removal of a major city that was an industrial empire with insurmountable wealth. A city that helped shaped North America and was used as a model for many urban centers. A city that boasts some of the finest 20th century architectural masterpieces in the world. A city that just seemed to pick up one day and move to the suburbs. It amazes me how unfamiliar many are with the city of Detroit when they only live in the outlying suburbs. While taking the historic trolley up Washington Blvd. a few people who worked in the offices downtown were on as well. They seemed okay till the trolley crossed Michigan Avenue and headed up the main boulevard. Immediately they panicked and asked the driver where they where and where they were going. Getting off at State they asked how to get downtown and were off. While walking around the city ( which is rare for a twenty something white guy to be doing) I am often asked directions by suburban kids looking for the DIA or other cultural edifices. It kills me because, I am not even from Detroit and I feel I know how to get around better than those that live in the metro area. Oh well so is life.

Getting of at Grand Circus Park, I spot a second hand shop on Washington Blvd. and head in. Having a soft spot for antiques, I was looking for something that was distinctly Detroit. Not finding what I was looking for I headed out and traveled around the city on the cities monorail or "People Mover" as it is known. Circling the city, the automated train presents some great vistas of the city while narrowly missing the sides of buildings. If you look out the windows you can pear into abandoned buildings like the Statler Hotel and Wurlitzer building. One of my favorite things to do in Detroit, I circle the downtown numerous times while looking out the front window.  Getting of at the Renaissance Center or RenCen, decide to take in the sites sounds and most importantly, air conditioning. Currently undergoing massive renovations, the glass and steel RenCen is a maze of levels, walkways, towers and atriums.  On the lower level of the building is display of various new and old vehicles GM has made.   The old cars are a relic of a bygone era and are featured on podiums while the new cars are open for the public to inspect. People here love their cars and it seems the bigger, nosier and less fuel efficient, the better. I leave through the front before the exhibition closes and decide to get a bite to eat back at the hotel. 

Charles Nells is a 3 year employee of the Park Avenue and greets me as I come in the door. We get to chatting about the city and he tells me a bit about his life in Detroit since coming to the city in 1972.

"My father passed away and I came for his funeral. Didn't think I'd like it but it (the city) grew on me so I am here for the duration"

We talk about the impact of the auto industry and the drastic changes in the area. Charles states the reason people stopped coming downtown was because there were "too many homeless people bumming, (white people were ) thinking their life was  in jeopardy". In many ways Charles is right.  A vast amount of suburban dwellers are fearful of the city they once called home and have no reason to go downtown. Like many, Charles believes that city council is to blame for many of Detroit's shortcomings.

"What we need is someone who is going to get in their and do something for Detroit. The way it is now, the mayor runs the city but city council refuses to do anything regarding his decisions."

With the mayoral elections a few weeks away, Charles may get his way. That is if Gill Hill doesn't get into office. If you have ever scene the movie Beverly Hills Cop, then you have seen Gill Hill. He was the hard ass sergeant in Detroit that kept yelling at Eddie Murphy. A long time  member of the city council, he seems to be the favorite at the moment.

I retire to my room, take a nap and fix dinner. The common kitchen is on the second floor overlooking the Fisher Freeway and the Cass Corridor. I eat dinner and watch the cars go by. The corridor looks menacing at night which is why I am going to explore it tomorrow morning. Good Night.

Abandoned Building with Foliage, Brush Park

Ransom Gillis House

Fields in Brush Park

United Artists Marquee