Oct 31, 2016

Abandoned Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan

The fact that abandoned structures are so notable in Detroit, Michigan is unfortunate, but it's made the city an irresistible location for urban explorers. Even in Detroit's downtown core, it's amazing how many incredible buildings are unoccupied or completely abandoned. 

abandoned detroit brush park michigan buildings
Just a short walk outside of downtown we stumbled upon Brush Park, a once affluent neighborhood full of grand homes and mansions. Large portions of land have since been cleared of derelict properties as the area declined, so many of the streets now have more vacant lots than standing structures. A few of the homes have actually been restored, others look prepped for renovation, and a number of them are completely abandoned or in ruins.

What makes Detroit's abandoned locations so fascinating is the wealth that existed here. When you see the architecture, the level of craftsmanship, or the historical status of many of these places you can't help but feel a bit heartbroken about the entire situation. This is just one neighborhood, but we were only a 10 minute walk away from the heart of downtown. It paints a picture of just how serious Detroit's decline has been.


abandoned detroit michigan buildings brush park
abandoned detroit brush park


abandoned detroit michigan buildings brush park


abandoned brush park mansions detroit


abandoned detroit michigan buildings brush park


abandoned detroit michigan buildings brush park



abandoned detroit michigan buildings







abandoned detroit michigan buildings

abandoned detroit michigan buildings brush park

abandoned detroit michigan buildings

abandoned detroit michigan buildings


abandoned detroit michigan buildings
abandoned detroit michigan buildings

abandoned detroit michigan buildings



abandoned detroit michigan buildings




abandoned detroit michigan buildings


abandoned detroit michigan buildings



Oct 28, 2016

Exploring Downtown Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has a reputation that's hard to shake, but love it or loathe it, there's a lot of incredible history here. The juxtaposition between abandoned buildings and the top-tier architecture in downtown Detroit, Michigan truly is something to behold. From the echoes of motown to the undeniable imprint of the auto industry, I found it easy to fall in love with this place.

downtown detroit michiganWe  stayed at the Book Cadillac, a beautiful restored hotel that itself was an abandoned skyscaper just a decade ago. Downtown was literally on our doorstep. With the North American International Auto Show just a few blocks away at the Cobo Center we already had an easy excuse to get out and explore. The People Mover only made that decision easier. 

The winter brings out the cracks a bit more, but if you think Detroit isn't beautiful you're not looking close enough. Structures like the Guardian Building, Fisher Building, and Cadillac Place represent some of the finest architecture that was being produced when they were built. The Renaissance Center, headquarters of General Motors, is also a sight to behold. When it was completed in 1977 the central hotel was the tallest hotel in the world.  

downtown detroit michigan
downtown detroit michiganWandering around downtown Detroit we stumbled onto a lot of memorable visuals - painted murals, graffiti, vintage marquees, giant sculptures, old churches, and amazing architecture. Also, quite a few nods to the Tigers and Red Wings. We enjoyed a hockey game at the Joe Louis Arena ourselves. It's obvious that Detroit isn't the same place it once was, but with examples of revitalization already in progress, there's no question, this city continues to fascinate.

Explore more from my Motor City photo series here.
       
downtown detroit michigan


downtown detroit michigan
downtown detroit michigan




downtown detroit michigan greektown
Greektown in downtown Detroit.
downtown detroit michigan fox theatre

downtown detroit michigan
The surprisingly vacant Wayne County Building (Courthouse).

downtown detroit michigan


downtown detroit michigan


downtown detroit michigan dime store

downtown detroit michigan dime store
Breakfast at the Dime Store.


downtown detroit michigan tigers
Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.

downtown detroit michigan tigers

downtown detroit michigan
View of the David Stott Building.
downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan
Guardian Building in downtown Detroit.

downtown detroit michigan cobo naias
Cobo Center hosting the North American International Auto Show.
downtown detroit michigan


downtown detroit michigan david stott
David Stott Building in downtown Detroit. Vacant and under renovation.

downtown detroit michigan david stott

downtown detroit michigan fire truck
downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan spirit
The Spirit of Detroit statue.

downtown detroit michigan
Book Tower in downtown Detroit. Vacant but awaiting renovation.

downtown detroit michigan comerica park

downtown detroit michigan tigers

downtown detroit michigan gm hq
GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.
downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan fox theatre



downtown detroit michigan spirit

downtown detroit michigan fillmore
downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan fox theatre
downtown detroit michigan


downtown detroit michigan

downtown detroit michigan