 
Defendbrooklyn
Member
Username: Defendbrooklyn
Post Number: 842
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 12:58 pm: |    |
What is this place all about? Does anyone have information about this place? It looks like a cool place but who's renting rooms? |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 535
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 1:57 pm: | |
That building is where crack was born. |
Django
Member
Username: Django
Post Number: 278
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 2:16 pm: | |
Dont forget the disposable syringe |
Jcole
Member
Username: Jcole
Post Number: 482
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 2:18 pm: | |
I think I knew someone who lived there in the 70's, and it was quite the punk crib. I'm sure there are safety pins and studs mixed in with the syringes. |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 2309
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 2:37 pm: | |
Is that the Normandy or the Normandie? |
Defendbrooklyn
Member
Username: Defendbrooklyn
Post Number: 843
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 2:43 pm: | |
Normandie...
Its secretly a crack/meth factory... |
Whithorn11446
Member
Username: Whithorn11446
Post Number: 227
Registered: 03-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 5:31 pm: | |
You mean the old flop house known as the Little Normandie Hotel located at 27 W. Columbia ? |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 2312
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 5:31 pm: | |
Thank you , brooklyn. The Normandie I knew was a beautiful French liner which sank in New York Harbor in 1942 due to the the negligence of American workers who were converting the ship to military use, as a result of which she caught fire. Add to that, the negligence of the New York Harbor Fire Department which kept pouring tons of water on her to put out the blaze when it was not necessary to do so. A great loss.
I hope the Hotel was not named after this most beautiful of all passengers liners. Sounds like the Hotel is a disgrace. |
Ladyinabag
Member
Username: Ladyinabag
Post Number: 585
Registered: 03-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 5:53 pm: | |
I don't even like to drive by there. It's too scary. You can just imagine who lives there. People who like to get ripped off on a daily basis. You'd never sleep. Who needs it?
(Message edited by Ladyinabag on May 05, 2008) |
Alley
Member
Username: Alley
Post Number: 109
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 6:05 pm: | |
11626 Woodward Ave
|
Markopolo
Member
Username: Markopolo
Post Number: 25
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 6:23 pm: | |
Ah, the old Normandie. Back-in-the-day it was the hotel of last resort for many folks. I stayed there a couple of times in the 1960s when I came home from school and didn’t want my parents to know I was in the city. But by the early 1970s the place was even too much for me. Dope fiends renting rooms and ripping people off in the hallways and outside. The shady ladies plying their age-old trade out front, and then bringing the Johns to their rooms to finish the business negotiated outside. It was horrible way back then. I can’t imagine what it is like today. However, just from the picture posted here, I wouldn’t go in there with an army division. |
Mschievous
Member
Username: Mschievous
Post Number: 42
Registered: 04-2008
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 6:30 pm: | |
I think the one in the picture is at Woodward and Webb, right at the Highland Park border. However, all you said was true in the late 70s, early 80s. Dope house, flop house then, probably has not improved since then. |
Hpgrmln
Member
Username: Hpgrmln
Post Number: 441
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 6:03 am: | |
One time I drove by there and about 30 people were just loitering in front. One was a big white guy with facial hair, just standing there.It was then I realized, "Silent Bob" from the movies was based on a real guy and hes from Detroit. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 539
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 9:47 am: | |
I wonder who owns that building and has the patience to deal with collecting rent, maintaining it, etc. Would the money be enough to make it a worthwhile venture, with all the hassles involved? |
Rjlj
Member
Username: Rjlj
Post Number: 517
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 10:00 am: | |
What hassles? People need to live somewhere and you don't get paid without working. Seems like it would be like any other job. Glad it has stayed in business and has not been abandoned. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 542
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 10:05 am: | |
Hassles like dealing with prostitutes, druggies, and other derelicts. You think these kinds of people are on time with their rent, ever?
How about dealing with overdosed tenets laying in the halls or throwing up all over the place. I'm not saying that happens every day, but surely it happens.
I give credit to the person who is willing to deal with all of those extra headaches, that's all.
If I had the money to buy that place and run it, I would invest the money in a stable financial investment instead, like bonds or a starbucks. |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 1819
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 11:27 am: | |
I would imagine they probably pay up front there. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 546
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 11:47 am: | |
That, and it's probably run as a cash business to avoid paying proper taxes. That would make it a money maker. |
Jenniferl
Member
Username: Jenniferl
Post Number: 435
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 6:52 pm: | |
There was a fire at the Normandie several years ago, but they repaired the damage (from the outside, at least) soon afterward. Usually when there's a fire at a hotel like that, it ends up being abandoned. |
Detroitrise
Member
Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 2055
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 7:02 pm: | |
I'm surprised a hotel like this has managed to thrive beyond its prime, unlike other hotels like the Eddystone or Lee Plaza. |
Terryh
Member
Username: Terryh
Post Number: 736
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 7:56 pm: | |
On the surface it appears to be shady. I second that surprise Detroitrise. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 552
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 8:01 pm: | |
Here's a forum dare ... I dare any of you to go inside the Normandie, snap a few photos, and post them here.
I would do it, but that's not the way I want to die. |
Ghetto_butterfly
Member
Username: Ghetto_butterfly
Post Number: 837
Registered: 09-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 9:05 pm: | |
Speaking of which: I read a few years ago in a Detroit photography book from the 80 or so at the downtown library about a similar flop-house style "hotel" building called something with Niagara in its name. It was pretty touching as it had stories related to people living there, down on their luck and some very catching B/W photos. As far as I know, this building does not exist anymore and as far as I remember it was kinda located in the same area, on or just off Woodward, between downtown and mid-town. Anybody has any recollection on that? |
Matt_the_deuce
Member
Username: Matt_the_deuce
Post Number: 812
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 9:49 pm: | |
Maybe government assistance?
Is it true that landlords can have the check from the Government sent right to them instead of the renter?
I don't know anything about it so please school me. |
Sean_of_detroit
Member
Username: Sean_of_detroit
Post Number: 275
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 11:16 pm: | |
I could go on forever telling stories about the cheaper motels and hotels in and around Detroit. Most of them are from some of my rougher years. For some reason, I was never afraid of these places. It must be something you develop with age. I just still had the young and reckless thing going on, I guess. I honestly don't know what was wrong with me. I would never go into some of the places today that I ventured into back in my youth.
I have never stayed at the Normandie, but picked up a friend who was staying there. Didn't step foot inside, but outside was what was described above. People just hanging out outside. I dropped him off later in the evening, and there were at least fifteen or twenty people outside. Most of them had brown paper bags in hand.
I've stayed at almost every other hotel and motel in the city. Some of the more interesting places I had the privilege of staying at;
-Ambassador Inn (I think) on 8 Mile near Greenfield. This was by far the worst in city proper. Actually, I'm not sure if it was on the North or South side of 8 Mile. Anyway, it was bad. Holes in the walls, overgrown filled in swimming pool (from better days). Oh, and three different channels showing non stop porn (no other channels except HBO, which was also showing porn).
-Tele-96 Inn on Telegraph at Jeffries. We got a Jacuzzi sweet for $90. Very nice Jacuzzi, duct tape and all (sarcasm).
-Metro Lodge across from Water Works Park. Nicer than Ambassador, but not much. No working phones.
Oddly, the worst hotels where in the suburbs.
-First, I would avoid any motel or hotel along Plymouth road. They are popular among truckers, which often leads to crack dealing. This actually gets worse in Livonia the closer you get to I-275.
-The second is in Novi. I can't remember the name (something lodge maybe). It is around the 275/696 interchange. Rooms are advertised around $30-$39, which attracts some more than interesting customers. The rooms are slightly nicer than Metro Lodge. I was staying here one time, and a fight broke out. Most of the hotel was closed off as a crime scene.
-Which brings me to the next one, which is the worst on my list...
It was simply called "Motel" located on Michigan Avenue in Inkster. It was a "by the hour" motel, and that is why we stopped there. We were headed to Cedar Point. Because we had to leave the last place unexpectedly, we were not able to shower. So why not stop at a cheap motel for an hour and shower?
I should have just skipped a shower.
The office was in a head shop/liquor store. One hour was only six dollars. Why so cheap? well the building had been struck by lightening. Yes, it was struck by lightening just a few days before. It was actually a group of buildings, and the one attached to the office that we rented still had power (oddly this was the one that was struck). Half of this structure was burnt down. The other buildings all had condemned signs on them. You could not drive to the door. Instead you had to park and walk behind the office past a garbage strewn field. Despite the signs and lack of power (going on a week the office said), there was a ton of people living (and "working") in all the buildings. Off to one corner there was a group of large guys playing dice. Several other people where just sitting around with their 40s. There was also several kids playing near a big muddy puddle with broken old toys. They were dressed in clothes that looked like they would be rejected by even the Salvation Army. The hotel rooms where bizarre. Holes in the walls, with full kitchens. There was actually old green food in the fridge. When I turned on the shower, two roaches actually crawled out of the drain. There was what appeared to be a spy hole in the shower. I covered it with a towel. Much of the rusty pipes where also visible through holes. The bedroom had two queen beds in it with a mirror on the ceiling. Now, this mirror was really strange. Apparently, when you laid down on the bed, you couldn't see yourself. Instead, you saw the other bed. In the bedroom trash can was a ball of used yellow police tape (The word "Police" was visible).
This motel was the most disturbing place I have ever been. The emotions I felt where all bad. The worst of every emotion and feeling imaginable. I was repulsed and disgusted by this place. I felt real fear and uneasiness. I also felt great sadness and depression, especially when I thought of those children actually living in a place like this. No one bothered me though. Let me tell you, an hour was more than enough time at one of the worst places I have ever seen. It was like some of the other urban ruins, except it was full of people. This ruin still had people living in it. Not just people, but families. I've seen some pretty poor living conditions before, but this was by far the worst.
There are others, but those where some of the more interesting. |
Django
Member
Username: Django
Post Number: 289
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 12:13 am: | |
Sof D
I LOVE the police tape story, thats hilarious. I may be able to beat you though. I stayed at the Hotel Ansonia, everyone in the Cass knows of it,Corner of Cass and Jeffries (I believe its the Jeffries right?) I was goin through a rough patch. I lived directly above the "office" which also rented "short stays" for probably $5. You could also get your cans of beer or pints of cheap bourbon after hours. I remember the beer truck would actually stop there to deliver cases as well as the party store across the street.
Like I said, Im living DIRECTLY above the office. About 3am one night I heard someone slamming doors, I figured someone was havin a temper tantrum, no big deal, I was used to them, they slammed that door like 6 times, HARD. Next day Im talkin to my junkie neighbor and he says to me, "did you hear about Harry?" (the late nite deskclerk) "I found him dead this morning in the office, shot 6 times in the back" I didnt hear someone slamming a door, I heard Harry gettin shot in the back, about 10 feet away from me as I was directly above him at the time.
That place was a trip. I used to photograph the homemade signs the other day doorman would put up. They were really beautiful, always spelled wrong, and in ghetto speak. I should look through my negatives for them.
Ah. the Hotel Ansonia. Only place worse is the Doghouse, Which is one building north of Temple on Second. And yes the owner of the doghouse does take checks directly from some of the renters government agency. It was the most discusting pisshole Ive ever been in, and Ive been around.
(Message edited by django on May 07, 2008) |
Pgn421
Member
Username: Pgn421
Post Number: 539
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 12:47 am: | |
whats the Dog House like? |
Softailrider
Member
Username: Softailrider
Post Number: 152
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 1:08 am: | |
I was in the Normandie once , back when It had that fire someone mentioned . Honestly , it didn't seem that bad . Office had cubbyholes for mail and roon keys , like an old style hotel ( which it was ) I'm not saying that the place was like a charming bed and breakfast ot anything like that .As you all are aware , not everyone can afford to stay at the Ritz - Carlton . |
Django
Member
Username: Django
Post Number: 290
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 1:10 am: | |
I got along with the owner but I or nobody I know has anything nice to say about him. Im not sure how all that works with government checks and all, but I know he collected them, gave the elderly a place to stay, but some of them wouldnt make it to the bathroom down the hall. Or couldnt make it down the hall. Seems that if the checks were commin in thats all he cared about. The guy in the next room would just piss on the floor off the side of his bed. I complained about the smell once and the owner tried to convince me that he had once "whacked the guys di**" with a rolled up newspaper to teach him a lesson. The man needed to be in a nursing home. Often times the nursing homes cant handle the boozers though, so they wind up in places like that. Ive never seen anything so rough. Im embarrased to say I stayed there for a month or so. Rough times back then. It was an experience though. |
Hpgrmln
Member
Username: Hpgrmln
Post Number: 445
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 8:11 am: | |
"-The second is in Novi. I can't remember the name (something lodge maybe). It is around the 275/696 interchange. Rooms are advertised around $30-$39, which attracts some more than interesting customers. The rooms are slightly nicer than Metro Lodge. I was staying here one time, and a fight broke out. Most of the hotel was closed off as a crime scene."
I am not familiar with this one, but have been in that area many a time. Might this be the old one-story motor lodge on Grand River? I want to say its near Beck or Taft.Don't know the name, but with all the upscale development going on in novi, its very out of place. |
Softailrider
Member
Username: Softailrider
Post Number: 153
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 8:40 am: | |
There was a place called the West Vernor Hotel , which was similar to the Normandy but somewhat smaller . It was right on West Vernor but I can't remember the cross street . It still there , owner who had it during the 70's, 80's and 90's sold it to a young hispanic guy . He couldn't handle it ,it's boarded up and stripped now . |
Sean_of_detroit
Member
Username: Sean_of_detroit
Post Number: 291
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 3:07 am: | |
Hpgrmln,
I think that's it. |
Vetalalumni
Member
Username: Vetalalumni
Post Number: 1014
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 3:54 pm: | |
Ambassador Inn might the name of one of the hole-in-the-wall hotels I visited a few times in the very late 70s. There were a couple of very seedy hotels/motels near the intersection of 8 and Greenfield. There was one on the SE corner near the bowling alley, just south of the car wash and north of the Lodge Service Drive and the park. There was another dive on the northbound Lodge Service Drive south of 8 Mile.
Later, after leaving Detroit, on vacation visits I'd sometimes stay at the Hampton Inn on 696 Service Drive in Southfield east of Telegraph. It became too dangerous for my wife and kids and I in the early 90s. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 561
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 7:53 pm: | |
After closing a club one time (The Majestic), a friend showed me the Hotel Ansonia where we bought a six pack after hours at the front desk, then he took me to some speak easy near Wayne State in some house. |
Django
Member
Username: Django
Post Number: 313
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 8:08 pm: | |
Spacemonkey, You know Jefhuff ines? I wonder If I know you?
I dont remember any afterhours in any houses, Now you got me curious. |