Greatlakes Member Username: Greatlakes
Post Number: 47 Registered: 07-2007
| Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 6:37 pm: | |
So ever since I saw the above photo, I was intrigued by this massive hotel. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any information on it besides some more photos such as this one. Anyone have any more info? Paris of the West indeed. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 5581 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 7:05 pm: | |
That hotel was built in 1907 on the site of the former Russell House Hotel. It only lasted 13 years. It was demolished in 1920 to make way for the First National Building of 1922. One of the reasons that it didn't last long was because it didn't have private baths in most rooms. With the advent of other grand hotels in downtown that had private baths, this beautiful Belle Epoche style hotel was doomed. |
Johnberk Member Username: Johnberk
Post Number: 72 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 8:49 pm: | |
This thread reminded me of a post card I have of this hotel. Can't remember where I got it.
Its kind of hard to read, but it says "Detroit is a very pretty, clean, city." |
Zimm Member Username: Zimm
Post Number: 34 Registered: 10-2006
| Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 8:58 pm: | |
"Its kind of hard to read, but it says "Detroit is a very pretty, clean, city."" --- i believe that slogan was used by the Detroit Chamber of Commerce. maybe Ookpik can find it in his new Detroit City Guide... |
Parkguy Member Username: Parkguy
Post Number: 127 Registered: 04-2007
| Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 10:41 pm: | |
The mansard roof and the top floors were added a few years after the hotel was built. I have an old photo looking up Woodward, and the large hazy hotel looks great in the distance. It gave the city a distinct look. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 5644 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 3:57 pm: | |
Here's an interesting site about the old hotel. It explains what I mentioned about the hotel becoming outmoded almost as soon as it was completed. The 1916 addition added hotel rooms that did have baths, but it was too little too late... http://www.merit.edu/~jimmoran /detphot/ponch.html |
Drifterlee Member Username: Drifterlee
Post Number: 19 Registered: 09-2007
| Posted on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:32 pm: | |
Wasn't there a hotel by that name with a restaurant on the top floor back in the late 1960s??? |
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1008 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 - 1:15 am: | |
https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/118335.html?1194302896 |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 5663 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 - 1:29 am: | |
Ironically the name Hotel Ponchartrain was only in use starting exactly a century ago... from 1907-20 on Campus Martius, and again from 1963-2007 at Jefferson & Washington Blvd. The Top Of The Ponch was the restaurant that was formerly located at the top of the Jefferson/Washington Hotel Ponchartrain from 1963 to circa 1980. The 2 hotels are not related, except by name. |