515 replies to this topic

[Michi]

Yah, same here.  I was just wondering what will be there when the bull dozers are gone and the crickets start chirping.

[Brother Ray]

detroitfan, on Oct 27 2005, 06:16 PM, said:

Did anyone get any last of shots it before they finished her off?

If I remember correctly they'll just plant grass basically it'll be like the Kennedy block before construction.

This photo was taken yesterday (10/26/05).  I have no idea if the rest is even standing.  You can see below that they already planted the trees and grass on the median.  I guess it's the city's way of saying "Come on, let's get a move on things!  We have a Super Bowl to get ready for!"  The Statler is officially gone.....

Edited by Brother Ray, 01 November 2005 - 11:15 AM.

[Allan]

BR, what time were you there yesterday?  I took the same exact photo.

I just drove by tonight...there is nothing left now.

[rbdetsport]

It makes me cringe when I remember that we are not getting anything out of demolishing this building. It is so horrible that the City did not take any proposals for it seriously and that Detroit did not have a plan for the site set.

[Jin Kim]

How much would the land where Statler used to stand plus the small buildings and the parking lot that AAA owns be in the open market?

[SOSaD]

Any recent photos of the Statler doing its best to not be there?

Edited by SOSaD, 06 November 2005 - 09:49 AM.

[WBG4]

I was looking at this pic and it looks like what ever the tram thing is called runs over part of the basement. This could be interesting

[Allan]

The people mover columns are actually in the basement of the Statler, since the Statler's basement extended under the sidewalk.

[WBG4]

Well surely they'll botch this demolition some where and that looks like a good bet

[wolverine]

Uh Oh.  I was entirely unaware the people mover goes over the basement.  How the hell are they going to work this one out?  Looks like it will be shut down for the superbowl.

[Lmichigan]

Either that, or halt the last of the demolition and cleanup until after the Superbowl.

[Allan]

It's my understanding that they will seal the columns off from the rest of the site and then fill in the rest of the basement.

[Susan0501]

I am new to this forum....

My grandfather was the head chef at the Statler in the late 40's early 50's (I think).  I was able to get some bricks today from the demo site.  I am planning to put together a "thing" for my Dad, Aunt and Uncle including the bricks, photos and possibly items from the hotel (if I can get them.)  

I saw that there was some sensitivity to use of the photos posted.  Can you explain what is proper with regard to using photos?  If anyone has a lead on where I can get historical photos (when the hotel was in use) or items from there, please let me know.  I would appreciate any help.

[Allan]

Welcome to the forum!

As far as the photo usage policy, it is proper to ask the photographer for permission before putting the photo elsewhere.  Most photographers are willing to let you use their photos.  As long as people ask first I always let people use my photos.  

For historical photos check out the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library's main branch.  The collection is free to browsers, although if you are not a city resident you will have to pay $10 if you need a librarian's assistance.  The photos in the Burton Historical Collection can be reproduced at very little cost.

As for items from the Statler, your best bet is to check on Ebay.  They have old postcards of the hotel, and things like ash trays & china come up for auction frequently.

[rbdetsport]

Welcome to the forum, Susan0501!!!!!

[SOSaD]

Great to have someone who can directly relate to the statler in its heyday!

[Allan]

Today as I was driving by I noticed that they were filling in the basement of the Statler.  Wouldn't it make sense for the city to build underground parking in the space while it's open?  After all, you know that the parking is going to be an issue the second anyone decides they want to build something there.  And the excavation is already done for the most part, substantially decreasing the cost of putting one in.  It will cost more money now, but it would be easier to attract development to the site in the next 10 years or so.

[Lmichigan]

It would make since, but look who you have as the current administration, and the overall low expectations the majority of citizens have for the city.  The Statler site would be perfect for an underground structure.  The site is spacious, and they may even have been able to connect it (for pedestrians) to the underground Grand Circus Park underground lot.  BTW, how much of the land beneath both halves of Grand Circus Park is parking? Or is it only one half?

Allen, maybe you should right the city about this.  I wouldn't hurt.

[detroitfan]

It was thinking same thing the other day,but given the cost of building those things I doubt we see one there anytime soon

[gmm1]

Lmichigan, on Dec 23 2005, 12:32 AM, said:

...  BTW, how much of the land beneath both halves of Grand Circus Park is parking? Or is it only one half?
...

The full Semi-circle is used.  2 floors on the West side, 3 floors on the East side, connected by a tunnel under Woodward.  The West side is undergoing some renovation and is now reserved exclusively for Kales residents.