515 replies to this topic

[Allan]

Most of it is covered in that black fabric. Structural demolition work should start anytime now.

[monsoon]

Allan, on Mar 19 2005, 02:15 AM, said:

Most of it is covered in that black fabric.  Structural demolition work should start anytime now.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How about some photos of the building covered in fabric. That would be interesting to see.

[joeDowntown]

Has anyone bid to take the ornamentation? It is a cool building, it would be nice if someone could save and reuse some of the details...

Joe

[Allan]

I will take some photos of the fabric-covered walls the next time I go down there. I was there today, but I did not take photos because it has been raining all day.

Joe, I highly doubt the details will be rescued. They will probably end up in the landfill.

[SOSaD]

Im new here and would like to give out a big hello! I passed by this building in the 80s and havent seen it since. This is going to sound uncool but i do think its better that they are dismantleing it instead of blowing it up. Although in retrospect...we have to watch it SLOWLY meet its demise. I no longer make my way to Detroit often and hope you guys who do keep a good chronicle of the demoltion.

[bobliocatt]

So they're taking it apart brick by brick. I wonder if one of those recycled brick companies has purchased the bricks for future projects in other cities?

[Lmichigan]

I seriously doubt it.

[Allan]

Lmichigan, on Mar 23 2005, 11:19 PM, said:

I seriously doubt it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed. Unless they found someone willing to pay top dollar for them, it just isn't going to happen. I'd be happy if they'd at least salvage the base, but I doubt they'll even do that.

[Lmichigan]

Yeah, things don't work like that in Detroit. Just look at Lee Plaza. It's ornaments were stolen from it's structure and sold to Chicago developers. And even that's rare that some thief would take so much time to remove them.

[bobliocatt]

Didn't they get the ornaments back from that Chicago development?

[Allan]

The Lee Plaza situation is rather unique. Architecture elements like that command very high prices, so I can see why they did it. They did get most of the elements back, but many are still missing, which will only make renovation less likely because of the additional costs associated with replicating the details.

I have heard of people stealing bricks off abandoned houses in the city so that they can build an addition or make repairs and still have it blend in well. In fact, several scavengers were out picking up bricks when I went to photograph the Scovel Presbyterian Church shortly after the fire.

[Allan]

thelakelander, on Mar 23 2005, 11:53 PM, said:

Didn't they get the ornaments back from that Chicago development?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

42 lion's heads and 5 gargoyles were stolen from the building. To my knowledge, the FBI has recovered 24 lion's heads and 4 gargoyles, which are sitting in a DPD lockup where they can't be stolen again. 30 lions and one gargoyle remain missing. I believe the six lions used in the Chicago development are still there, but I'm not sure. It's been a couple of years since I've heard anything.

[SOSaD]

Welcome to a world where art is nothing and money is everything.

[rbdetsport]

Welcome to the forum, SOSaD!!!!!

[SOSaD]

My condolences for the warm welcome!! I hear from SNWEB.org that this building will be a meer pile of once urban glory. Is this true? I was going to make my way to see it once more in its sound state in may, but i guess that is not fiesible.

[Allan]

SOSaD, on Mar 24 2005, 05:49 PM, said:

My condolences for the warm welcome!! I hear from SNWEB.org that this building will be a meer pile of once urban glory. Is this true? I was going to make my way to see it once more in its sound state in may, but i guess that is not fiesible.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'll be able to see it in May....it's just that the whole thing won't be there. And by June, well, it will be a pile of bricks.

[wolverine]

Here is an update taken this Friday from the Broderick Tower. Not only has the scaffolding gone up, but a flashing light has been installed to warn of the people movers approach.

Edited by wolverine, 25 March 2005 - 10:03 PM.

[Allan]

I never noticed the flashing light. I have some photos from Thursday to post, but I'm too lazy to do it now. Maybe in a few hours....

[Lmichigan]

I can't help but wonder every time I see a new pic why in the world are they bringing this down. I know the reasons, but they baffle me, still.

[Allan]

I was just thinking...it's too bad we can't get rooftop access to the Whitney Building. That would provide perfect views of the destruction of the GCP area. Well, actually it is possible, since I know of some people who went into the Whitney Building, but you'd get caught for sure.

Anyway, here are a few photos from Thursday, March 24.