Detroit Photo of the Day

[Allan]

Uhhh...me next?

[wolverine]

I nearly got the crap scared out of me walking into that superintendents office. The light was on when I got up there, and I was hearing something moving around in there, when suddenly a bird flew out and almost hit me in the face. It's so amazing how great that building looks inside. The ladders and catwalks going up to the roof still smell like fresh paint.

[Allan]

Well, there were more than a few people in that place when it was open. I myself spent nearly 24 hours in 3 days there. I think I ran into half a dozen groups of explorers. I even know someone who took his entire class into the building for a field trip! There were people walking through the lobby just like the building was open. It was rather amusing, as you could go in one door, and go out the other. I only had to call the owner 8 times before they finally did something about the doors being open...

[wolverine]

Yeah, the building looked secured well last time I was there. It would be a horrible shame to see it vandalized. I'm quite surprised though how popular photographing these structures has gotten. I recently saw a couple of large groups of people on a visit to MCS. Unfortunately, the foot traffic appears to be taking it's toll on the stairways that have had no maintenance since it's closing. I wouldn't be surpised if one of these days if a couple steps begin breaking completely through.

[RustTown]

Great pics, especially the one looking just over the parapet into Midtown and New Center. People tend to forget about those skylines because they are relatively short, but they are skylines nonetheless, and bigger on their own than many Michigan cities.

I wish downtown had more greenspace like Hart Plaza. I'd hope wherever downtown renovation goes, that monumental greenspace is kept in mind.

[okinawatyphoon]

Those skyline shots are spectacular. I can't wait to visit detroit next month!

[dtown]

great pics Allan, i was in Detroit yesterday, but my brother had my camera, so i didnt get any pics.

[Jin Kim]

Great pics of Whitney, guys. What would be the fair market value of building like Whitney? Is the owner waiting to sell or to lease? Any plans?

[RustTown]

I'm not sure about the cost, but the building is owned by a Troy investor, who I assume is doing like all of the others downtown squatting on their buildings until downtown can get to the point of where they can justify the ridiculously high price they are asking.

[statedude3]

For being closed as long as it has, it looks as if it closed just last week. From a quick glance, it almost looks better than a few of the still open buildings downtown that I've been in.

[resourcefulidiot]

I hope whenever the rennovate it there are at least some condos so I can live there

how sweet would it be to walk out your front door and see this

[RustTown]

The bottom floors would almost definitely be retail or office space, though. It only makes the most sense. It's set up perfecting for retail and service-oriented buildings.

The David Whitney housed a lot of medical arts, right?

Edited July 17, 2006 by Lmichigan

[Zissou]

I believe there were quite a few doctors offices there Lmich.

[Allan]

The David Whitney closed in 1999 when the final tenants were kicked out of the building to build that hotel that never happened. A couple of my friends tell me about all the times they'd cut through the lobby after exploring buildings like the UA & Statler.

The tenants in the DWB were very diverse, including several dentist's offices, doctor's offices, & lawyer's offices. In its later days it housed the casting center for the MGM Grand Casino, a Planned Parenthood office, as well as a couple of computer clubs. The first four floors comprise the atrium, which was used for retail-type businesses. Ground floor tenants included Pure Detroit and a pharmacy.

The upper floors of the DWB are in varying states of decay. Some of the middle floors are completely original, including the marble walls and floors, dark woodwork, transom windows, and bathrooms. These floors often contain maze-like configurations of tiny rooms, just like the David Broderick across the street. Other floors were redone in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and have been stripped of any original details - carpet has covered marble floors, paint has covered marble walls, beautiful 1914 bathrooms have been exchanged for hideous modern spaces, and dropped ceilings have covered the original high ceilings. Yet other floors are completely trashed...walls lie in piles on the floor, wall studs remain exposed, marble has been smashed...these floors were demolished in later years. It would appear that the building was being modernized floor by floor. The uppermost floors have significant water damage, particularly on the north side (esp. the NW corner) and the southeast corner of the building.

Regarding Wolverine's comment, way too many people are going into abandoned buildings these days. In the early days or urban exploration, people went into the buildings prepared and properly dressed. Most of the people going today are not prepared in the least bit. Recently my friend observed a guy with his girlfriend walking around in the MCS. He was walking around barefoot, and she had sandals on. Hello?!!! There is broken glass and rusty metal all over the place in there! It's only a question of time before someone gets killed by doing something stupid. The problem only gets worse with all these websites where people post photos and tell you how to get in. The internet has raised awareness for many of these places, but it has also caused them to be vandalized much more than they would have been otherwise. You should see the photos my friend took of the Broderick Tower in 1998...it was literally a time capsule back then.

[MJLO]

that building is an absolute gem! Downtown Detroit, is a goldmine waiting for a few people to find it. Great pics guys. Allan, you never cease to amaze me.

[Aaron]

A full crowd was on hand to watch the Tigers stick it to the White Sox today, tying the series 1-1.

[dtown]

cool pic, i sat like in that same spot just the other day. unfortunately, i wasnt there the day that todd jones hosed down the crowd.

[statedude3]

Last nights game was by far the most energetic game in the history of Comerica Park. Never before have I seem so many people interested in every pitch of the game. I was with a large group, and even people that usually just talk about random stuff or "people watch" as they call it, were watching intently to see what happens. The excitement is back, at the corner of Adams and Witherall!!

[BarGal]

It kinda looks like the the two people on the left with their heads bent downward are praying...must be why the Tigers are doing so well this year...they got some help on their side.

[wolverine]

Actually, does anybody remember that sign last year on the nearby church (not central methodist) that said "Pray for the Lions and Tigers here?"

[Zissou]

Yeah i always got a chuckle out of that sign.

[Aaron]

Farmer and Bates: the 70s and the 00s.

[dtown]

that was definitly a good game today.

edit: aaron, thats a cool compare/contrast thing. Is that the same street sign from the 70's?

Edited July 21, 2006 by dtown

[Aaron]

that was definitly a good game today.

edit: aaron, thats a cool compare/contrast thing. Is that the same street sign from the 70's?

Yep, I went to the game today, as well. Excellent show.

As for the street signs, they've been updated in the last couple of years. The new ones are more reflective and have a white border, as well as a slightly different font. Being greatly fond of the old street signs (don't ask), I always find it interesting to see where in the city they haven't installed new ones. I've seen plenty of the old style on the southwest side, oftentimes right inbetween blocks that have new ones put up.

Also looks like they need to put up the Bates sign at that intersection, too.

[Zissou]

Wow some buildings never go out of style.