  French777 Member Username: French777 Post Number: 99 Registered: 10-2006 |
does anyone know how much the lowest Hotel room there would cost!!! | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 209 Registered: 11-2005 |
Any updated pictures of the Detroit Commerce Building Demolition? | ||
Ltdave Member Username: Ltdave Post Number: 23 Registered: 09-2006 |
WHEN will we be able to make reservations at the Book? WHEN WHEN WHEN??? i would love to make it a Forum wide gathering, we could book the ballroom and wear nametags and all that campy stuff... my wife wants to stay there too... david | ||
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek Post Number: 2316 Registered: 12-2004 |
quote: Ouch! SS - you are so right and yet so wrong all at the same time. | ||
Chris_rohn Member Username: Chris_rohn Post Number: 268 Registered: 04-2005 |
Progress on the Detroit Commerce Building... ****[This image has been removed at request of its owner due the fact that the rendering and details are still in negotiations. They are appreciative of the positive responses and will repost the image as soon as it is cleared.]**** | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 1064 Registered: 01-2004 |
So far I think it looks pretty good, even better than I would have expected. I hope it looks that good when it's actually built though. | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2006 |
I must say, that is the most beautiful parking structure I have ever seen, even if it is a parking structure. I bet with the completion of that structure, the Lafayette building won't be far behind. | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 180 Registered: 03-2006 |
That looks fantastic! Chris, where did you find that rendering? I looked for it on KDG's website and couldn't find it. (Message edited by andyguard73 on January 23, 2007) | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 173 Registered: 03-2006 |
It looks like the condos on the new building will all have balconies. Is that what I am seeing? It also looks like they are inside of the structure. THe design looks great, hopefully it turns out that way. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1309 Registered: 11-2003 |
Wow, that parking structure will look nice. That and the BC and this area of downtown is going to sharp and happening. | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 31 Registered: 12-2006 |
That's the nicest parking structure I've seen since the new parking structure MSU built on the north part of its campus. | ||
Chris_rohn Member Username: Chris_rohn Post Number: 269 Registered: 04-2005 |
A street prophet passed it along to me. As much as the Commerce Building is a loss, this certainly looks complimentary and above all it'll be nice to have some building mass on the corner of Michigan and Griswold. | ||
Gmich99 Member Username: Gmich99 Post Number: 158 Registered: 11-2005 |
El_jimbo: I agree with you about the new parking structure at MSU.   | ||
Nellonfury Member Username: Nellonfury Post Number: 211 Registered: 03-2005 |
That pic of The Griswold looks beautiful!! | ||
Cman710 Member Username: Cman710 Post Number: 231 Registered: 07-2006 |
Wow, that really looks nice and complements the block very well. While the loss of the Commerce building remains unfortunate, this appears to be a solid replacement. | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 83 Registered: 08-2006 |
Now is Kraemer for sure designing this place or is it just their proposal much like they did for the Hudson Block? Either way I really like the design and i think it complements the BC and Lafayette buildings well. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 403 Registered: 03-2006 |
this looks absolutely amazing...way to pull through KDG. This is probably for sure Southen, assuming the project goes through. IT was announced by Roxbury group out of the Stott building who probably contracted KDG unlike the Hudsons rendering which was a consulting job for a developer responding to the RFP...it was an amazing design though | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 695 Registered: 10-2003 |
For clarification, because it hasen't been brought up in any of the articles I've seen on this - Will there be first floor retail? | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 404 Registered: 03-2006 |
yeah...its a city rec. for garages I believe, and the rendering appears to have retail | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3474 Registered: 08-2004 |
Wow! Superb! This makes the loss of the Commerce Building acceptable. Especially since it will be as tall, but with a much larger footprint. This is what modern architecture should be about. To get your attention, to make you want to look at and study the building. It has some ornamentation, some detailing, some interest. Now compare this design with 1980's Trolley Plaza, a building with little to offer in the way of making you want to give it a 2nd look. KDG, you guys hit a home run with this design!!! (Message edited by Gistok on January 23, 2007) | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 696 Registered: 10-2003 |
I've been hearing the same as far as city recs. for ground level retail go, but have yet to see it officially declared. if it exists, it came about after the monstrosity on Beaubien was built, and the garage behind the Olde Building. And remember, variances exit for a reason - people sometimes are granted them, and having a garage this good looking with residential on top would seem to me as strong leverage for the developer to wiggle out of the retail requirement. I hope I'm 100% wrong. (Message edited by matt the deuce on January 23, 2007) | ||
Gsgeorge Member Username: Gsgeorge Post Number: 95 Registered: 08-2006 |
BRAVO!!! An exquisite replacement for the Commerce Building. Forget about that shabby, typical nineteen-teens structure. This building is so nice it will be an historic landmark in 2108!! | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5053 Registered: 10-2003 |
Matt, The ground floor retail requirement is only for city-owned parking garages. They also require any new city-owned/developed garages to blend in with their surroundings. To say the least, this is an excellent surprise, and far more than what I expected. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 342 Registered: 12-2006 |
Great rendering. Now I'm not as sorry to see that building go. | ||
Motif Member Username: Motif Post Number: 30 Registered: 06-2005 |
The structure has an old French architecture look to it. I like it.  | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 669 Registered: 11-2004 |
It doesn't matter if the city owns it. The 1001 Woodward and Opera House garages aren't city owned and have retail. As for the developer wiggling out they aren't the building the garage, the city is doing that. The developer is just buying the rights to build on top of it. Really, unless a garage is being built in an area with little chance for supporting retail, like the new Blue Cross/Blue Shield one. Then they aren't very likely to get a variance. Even the Greektown Casino hotel and garage, because of its location along Monroe will have ground floor retail. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5056 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm pretty sure there is an ordinances out there concerning this. Whether I described it correctly is another thing. | ||
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 3648 Registered: 10-2003 |
Now that is nice... Tell me this is what is going up in place of the People's outfitter bldg? | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 702 Registered: 10-2003 |
Magnificent. It not only fits into the architecture of the area...it makes that successful transition forward. This is the kind of stuff that we, in our optimistic moments, see sprouting all over the city. KDG, Congrats on a a skill set that so many of us can only admire as an observers. I hope that we can all buy you a drink at the Book to celebrate! | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 703 Registered: 10-2003 |
Of course, that would thousands of drinks, so please take a cab. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 349 Registered: 12-2006 |
Trying to kill him there? | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5057 Registered: 10-2003 |
Just got an email back from a contact at Kraemer Design who informed me that this is a preliminary rendering, and not the finalized product. I'm wondering if someone leaked this...? | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 350 Registered: 12-2006 |
Send an email back, saying that the whole forum approves of it. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3475 Registered: 08-2004 |
I don't know what the ordinance is, in regards to ground floor retail for parking structures. But the Opera House Garage has a small portion of the structure dedicated to retail and some office space above that. However, most of the first floor is a garage. | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 705 Registered: 10-2003 |
SCS...Kraemer is a German name (I think), that should make him/her/them good for the first hundred and then the crowd should get them a room at the Book! | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 351 Registered: 12-2006 |
If that's the case, a hundred would be easy. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5058 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gistok, the Opera House Garage still had to include retail with the project, and it was because of the ordinance. I'm not sure why you're trying to pick a fight. Why don't you try emailing the city if you have such strong doubts about it? | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 181 Registered: 03-2006 |
Gistok, I think I remember reading that the Opera House garage built the retail the way they did because of the unusual shape of the lot. If I can find where I read that I'll post it, but I'm pretty sure they built it that way to meet the retail requirements. I'm certainly not an expert though and would welcome any corrections. On another note, Lowell, is there anyway you can split this page up into a third? The internet's been pretty slow lately and this page takes quite a while to load, what with some 200 posts on this second page. Thanks. | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 179 Registered: 07-2006 |
That's a fantastic looking building - I wouldn't have guessed it was mostly a parking garage at first glance. Given Lmichigan's report that this is only preliminary, I hope that the final design is merely tweaked from this, and doesn't end up something else entirely. Sacrificing the Commerce building for this doesn't seem so bad anymore, especially since a surface lot is being removed. Great job, KDG! I'll second andy's request for this being split; this takes forever to load. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 447 Registered: 01-2006 |
So this ordinance says nothing about there actually being retail spaced used, I presume...just that it has to appear that something could go in there. This is the impression I get when looking at the opera house garage over the last two years. It might as well just be more freaking parking spaces. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3479 Registered: 08-2004 |
Lmichigan, no fight picking here... I assumed that the Opera House Garage was built (or under construction) before the ordinance was in place. I remember some folks complaining on a different thread about the lack of retail on the Centre St. side. Andyguard73, I think that the block is either parallelogram or trapezoid in shape... and I agree about the slow build of this huge thread page! Actually the garage/condo diagram could have warranted a new thread... | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 15 Registered: 01-2007 |
I really like the style. It reminds me of the best attributes of the old Ponchatrain Hotel with that roof style. How about throwing a few more floors on top just for fun?(Sometimes more is always better). | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 3597 Registered: 10-2003 |
****[The image of the Commerce building replacement has been removed at request of its owner due the fact that the rendering and details are still in negotiations. They are appreciative of the positive responses and will repost the image as soon as it is cleared.]**** I would add that I like its look too, a nice fit for the corner. [Thread shortened and archived as requested] | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 182 Registered: 03-2006 |
Thanks Lowell, that's much faster! | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 1266 Registered: 12-2004 |
I wish I would have visited this thread earlier, to see the picture - there has never been such a completely positive response to any proposed building before, on this site. If someone saved a copy before it was removed, would you please email it to me at david @ grandcircuspark.com. I would be eternally grateful! | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 1268 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thanks for the pic Papa Hemingway! I agree with everyone else - this building design is terrific. They should build it just as they've drawn! | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 1010 Registered: 10-2003 |
just for the record, not everybody is in love with that design, nor do they get orgasmic over replicating designs that are a century old. | ||
Gsgeorge Member Username: Gsgeorge Post Number: 97 Registered: 08-2006 |
quote: This is a good point. Though I'm not a fan of the new Ernst & Young building at Campus Martius, recently-deceased architect Kenneth Neumann put it best when he said, "In their cell phones and other gadgets, people want the very latest thing, from their TV sets to their toaster, and yet they still want to build like they did in the 11th Century. It doesn't make sense." I would agree with him in theory, but there is something about the style of the architecture of the past that makes us feel more responsible for our present. When combined with modern elements, an 'old looking' building can be a marvelous addition to any city. If you want modern, look to Calatrava and Pelli. But the last thing this country needs is more glass boxes. If you want to build one of those, stick it in Southfield or Troy. Detroit's rich architectural history means it deserves better when adding something downtown. The Griswold--whatever its tweaked final design may look like--will look beautiful among Detroit's building stock and stands out on its own as a classy and modern structure. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3489 Registered: 08-2004 |
When modern architects actually start producing designs that the public as a whole actually likes, then we (the public) can get away from our liking of 11th or 19th century designs. But unfortunately that doesn't seem to be happening. Either they have a deaf ear to public sentiment, or worse, they think of us as uninformed. It's obvious that professors today don't teach their architectural students to design building to please people, and not each other and not the professors. I always get a laugh out of the disdain that architects have for other architects that actually do like to produced architecture that people like. It's like they are a traitor to their cause, and are prostituting themselves for the masses. Sorry to ramble... (Message edited by Gistok on January 25, 2007) | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3490 Registered: 08-2004 |
Although I have to say that not all modern architecture is bad, there is much great architecture. It's just not in the majority. England's Prince Charles, an architectural critic summed it up best in his book "A VISION OF BRITAIN, A Personal View of Architecture": "The fashionable architectural theories of the 50's and 60's, so slavishly followed by those who wanted to be considered 'with it', have spawned deformed monsters which have come to haunt our towns and cities." "As a result of thirty years of experimenting with revolutionary building materials and novel ideas, burning all the rule books and purveying the theory that man is a machine, we have ended up with Frankenstein monsters, devoid of character, alien and largely unloved, except by the professors who have been concocting these horrors in their laboratories... the rest of us are constantly obliged to endure the results of their experiments..." | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 837 Registered: 11-2003 |
I much prefer the alleged "mediocrity" of One Kennedy to buildings that purport to be old-fashioned, but with cheap materials. Something about the copper, terra cotta, granite, marble, etc. used on old buildings made their historical motifs work better. When cheap materials are used, it too often ends up looking chintzy. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3491 Registered: 08-2004 |
Burnsie, I agree with you there. Nothing looks worse than the Las Vegas chintzy look. However, that said, One Kennedy looks like a design that any one of us could whip up within 10 minutes in the latest version of Sim City. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 1014 Registered: 10-2003 |
yes, instead of demanding better modern design lets be content with regurgitating the same thing over and over again. remember that all of the designs people are drooling over now were revolutionary when they were built. great modern architecture is in the minority because it has only been around for a half century. remember that over half of our city, including the "classic architecture" has been demolished because it was deemed poorly functioning. but this whole argument linking the success of a function of a building to it's style is asinine. good design is good design no matter what your opinion. there is no way you can generalize. i guess the main thing i'm bemoaning is the apathy towards innovation. what i consider to be a high artform (due to it's expressions and functionality) is primarily being used as a drug to placate the masses and people are defending that fact. [end rant] | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 184 Registered: 07-2006 |
to me, it's not that it's an old style, or a new one, or anything in between. it's that it HAS some style, rather than just a run of the mill concrete parking garage that you'll find almost anywhere. i could have been just as happy with something really contemporary, as long as it has some style, and not a bland building that i won't ever remember walking past. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3492 Registered: 08-2004 |
Rsa, I agree with you 100% on "Innovative Architecture". But innovative needs to be "interesting", and not just because other architects like it or dislike it. On your other comment, I disagree however. Half of the architecture in our city was NOT destroyed because it was poorly functioning. If that were the case cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Queens, etc, would also be devoid of this same architecture. It those cities it is still mainly intact. Its social problems that led Detroit to be depopulated and desecrated, not the architecture. In fact it was the lack of development that has preserved much of the old downtown fabric, especially movie palace, etc. I do find it humorous that architects and architectural students absolutely detest pastiche. Rehashing old styles has been done since Imhotep built Pharoah Zoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara Egypt in the 28th century BC. Why now in the last 60 years do architects so detest it? To paraphrase Prince Charles... just because we're in the machine age, doesn't mean we're machines. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8205 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Is that you Howard Roark? | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 1015 Registered: 10-2003 |
gistok; i was never making the claim that it was unfunctional, just that it was deemed unfunctional, as in used as an excuse to get rid of it. i pointed that out because that seems to be one of the main arguments for the lack of "success" or the reason to get rid of modern architecture. as for pastiche, yes it is detested. why? because it's fake, an imitation. it's like a "paint by numbers". it's aggrivating to people that dedicate their entire lives (or are about to) a field for a "building out of the box" get built because of the driving forces behind it, rather than the function or design of it. i would not agree with you that re-hashing old style has happened for centuries. styles of old were learned from and improved. the step pyramid came first, the flaws were studied, then the great pyramids were built from it. [remember that the step, or bent, pyramid design was abandoned due to structural failures.] the early skyscraper may have used some older styles to adorn it, but it was not constructed in an old style, nor was it replicating anything from the past. you do realize that prince charles has no education or practice in architecture, right? i'm not pointing this out to be condescending, just that your opinion is perfectly valid to me; you don't need someone else's to back it up. jt1; lol. i'll take that as a compliment. | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 87 Registered: 08-2006 |
I also think a major problem with architecture these days is that the people building these structures dont put the money into it as was done in the past. The Book brothers building on Washington Boulevard or the Fisher brothers building the Fisher Tower with no budget. Those things just dont happen anymore. Theres always a bottom line and people want the most bang for their buck, not soo much the status and pride that comes with a great structure. One Kennedy is a more contemporary structure that was clearly built on a tight budget. Its not a fantastic building and its stuff like this that really turns people off to modern architecture. It isnt just the style, but the amount ofmoney and time invested. I like the design for The Griswold, but Detroit needs architectural diversity. For this building its good to go with an older look because of its surroundings but in the future we cant just keep replicating the past. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3494 Registered: 08-2004 |
Rsa, I don't save my criticism of architecture just for new stuff .... There's plenty of old stuff I find fault with. I think that the top of the Book Tower DOES look like wedding cake frosting. It looks like Kemper took the (world famous) Wall Pavilion decorations of Germany's Dresden Zwinger (Palace), and applied it to the top of the Book. I find the Book Building much more tastefully done than the tower. I also find fault with Kemper's Book Cadillac. The top of the tower is more of a jumble of designs than anything cohesive. And I think that the top of the Broderick, although very interesting, is nothing more than a Gothic Church octagon bell tower slapped on top of an office building. On the other hand, many architects deride the Comerica Tower. I find that the German Gothic top is a much more successful design, than the architects other works, such as the Pittsburgh Paint & Glass Bldg. (British Parliament in glass) design of Pittsburgh or the Transamerica Tower in Houston, or that German Renaissance topped tower in Milwaukee. And although I do like Post Modern architecture, I think that the AT&T Building in NYC looks silly with that "Chippendale Highboy" top. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 1017 Registered: 10-2003 |
lol; that's good to hear gistok! and, believe it or not, i don't only prefer modernist architecture. it's my favorite, yes, but i appreciate most other styles as long as it's good design. but, i usually tend to get a little to theoretical about design when it comes to my preferences. i don't like post-modernist or neo-classical architecture in theory, but i can't disagree that the comerica tower is a handsome structure. i don't even mind the at&t building's top; in fact, i only learned about the chippendale reference in architectural history and theory in college. [perhaps that's why i don't mind it so much; something completely foreign to create something new. and, it's not literal.] i think southn brings up an excellent point: developers aren't willing to spend the money for quality design. spaces have become financially based, not people based anymore. and, let's not forget, that an architect is a service based profession; he or she must ultimately bend to the will of those who are paying them, no matter how persuasive they are. [unless you obtain the rarified status that archy's like frank gehry, et.al. enjoy.] have a great weekend all! | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 24 Registered: 10-2006 |
As an update to the Book Cadillac project itself, yesterday I spoke with one of the engineers for Marous Brothers Construction (the project's general contractor), and he told me that they are in the process of framing the walls on floors 10, 11, and 23. This means that the past few weeks can be considered somewhat of a milestone in that after hauling all the crap and debris out of the old girl for so many months, they have actually begun hauling construction materials in! | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 870 Registered: 04-2006 |
Today's news has a pic of the new garage/condos. The building looks great! This is not on the e-freep. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 352 Registered: 10-2006 |
The image on the efreep site is in the real estate section, but is about 1"x1". Perhaps the developer has it on their site, somewhere, maybe? | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 373 Registered: 12-2006 |
Check the Griswold thread for the original picture. | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2006 |
I'm not sure if this has been covered already, but is the cornice on the book-cadillac going to be replaced? | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2006 |
The cornice discussion has been covered extensively on this thread and others. Both the main upper (27th floor) and lower (~6th floor) cornices were removed in the 1950's, and they are not planned to be replaced with this current renovation. | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 184 Registered: 03-2006 |
Todays Detroit News' front page story is about the renovations of the Book-Cadillac and the Pick-Fort Shelby. It's got a pretty extensive group of articles, ranging from timelines, interviews, videos, slide shows and documents on restoring specific aspects of the B-C and the Fort Shelby. The articles also mention that the Paper will be doing follow-up pieces throughout the renovations. Makes for an interesting read, anyway. Here is the link to the main article. There are links from this page to all the extra stuff I mentioned. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/B IZ/701290345 | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1373 Registered: 04-2005 |
"Rivets in a girder of the grand ballroom, which will be restored." WOW they are even restoring the rivets! Thats a serious renovation | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2006 |
After continuing at a blistering pace without many serious delays, progress has finally been slowed over the past few days at the B-C. The buck hoist elevator (on the west side) has been out of commission for over a week. Here is an article in the Detroit News that tells more about the effect that the weather is having: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20070206/U PDATE/702060425 | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3607 Registered: 08-2004 |
Beantown, do you know if they are planning on restoring the ornate plaster ceiling that still exists above the false ceiling of the hotel lobby. I believe you or someone else posted some pics of it in the first BC thread bundle. We've all heard that that the Grand Ballroom and Italian Garden would be fully restored/recreated... but I was wondering what the decision was on the lobby ceiling? It would be a shame to get rid of it since it has survived all these decades hidden above those fluorescent ceiling light fixtures and drop ceilings. | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2006 |
Gistok, I don't have specific information on that ceiling, but my potentially unsatisfying response is that they are saving everything they can. I know which ceiling you are talking about (through photos), and if they can do spot repair to the plaster and believe the portion that survived would last, then they will use the original where they can. They are applying the same mentality to the exterior brick - leaving along all that are solid, and replacing all that are loose or missing. BTW - I was at the Model D speaking series event last Friday at the Guardian Building, where the main speakers were Peter Zeiler of the DEGC (who was a very good speaker) and Chris Ferchill of The Ferchill Group. One of the most surprising things that was discussed is that they are "completely rebuilding" the north tower. We've all seen photos of how rough it looks on the outside (check out the link Eric posted in November: http://static.flickr.com/100/2 94225998_8f54d220f8_b.jpg), and it is already encased in scaffolding, but I didn't know that it would need to be torn down and rebuilt. | ||
Dnvn522 Member Username: Dnvn522 Post Number: 178 Registered: 11-2004 |
quote:Did he say he hates buildings? ;) | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 371 Registered: 11-2003 |
Does anyone know what floors were first shut down when business started going sour? Is this even true? If so, are these floors in worse condition than say the floors used up until the end? | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 1021 Registered: 10-2003 |
the hotel portion closed first in 1984. the retail arcade on the first floor was kept open until 1986. http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/history.html | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3609 Registered: 08-2004 |
Here's the specific pics from Rsa's link that shows the original lobby: http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/h05.htm and the 1950's updated lobby (the site calls it "mutilated"): http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/h16.htm The ceiling may be the only part of the original still relatively intact, although it's hard to say. Also, that older pic doesn't do the ornate ceiling plaster any justice. | ||
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit Post Number: 261 Registered: 11-2006 |
Why the hell did they "update" that lobby. yikes. That is mutilated. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3026 Registered: 10-2003 |
^ May 1953. "Modern decor and functionalism keynote the redesigned lobby of the Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan. The automobile insignias that decorate the far wall are artificially lighted, creating an effective and significant touch in Detroit's largest and finest hotel. The renovated lobby is part of an eighteen month rehabilitation program, the completion of which the hotel will celebrate at a cocktail party for 5,00 guests on Friday, May 8th [1953]" | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 3610 Registered: 08-2004 |
The room that I lament the loss of was the Venetian Dining Room. It was spectacular: http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/h03.htm It appeared to have an old world opulence that even exceeded the main ballroom: http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/h04.htm But the Venetian Dining Room only lasted about a decade before they turned it into this, the Casino Room in the late 1930's: http://www.forgottendetroit.co m/caddy/h14.htm I assume that the old room no longer exists, otherwise it would have been mentioned among the rooms that were being returned to their former opulence. A pity. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 679 Registered: 11-2004 |
Gistok, today's story about weather stalled work at the BC, has a video with one the architects on how the lobby and ballrooms will restored. http://info.detnews.com/video/ index.cfm?id=366 It also has pics of work taking place inside, many from the three basement levels. There was talk earlier in the thread on how exactly the place was heated/cooled. One the pics is that of a boiler and they say that there are coal bins in basement. http://info.detnews.com/pix/ph otogalleries/newsgallery/02062 007ColdCadillac/index.htm | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 105 Registered: 08-2006 |
Those pictures of the work taking place are fantastic. I wish I could get in there before they do too much to take some shots. | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 192 Registered: 03-2006 |
Those are awesome pics. Definitely gotta credit the workers for sticking through it as much as they did to get the jobs done. Too think I was bitching about just walking to class. | ||
Mcwalbucksnfitch Member Username: Mcwalbucksnfitch Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2006 |
Pure awe-inspiring photos. | ||
Dtrain Member Username: Dtrain Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2003 |
Wow! That is great that even Magic Johnson is helping out with the Book Cadillac. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 704 Registered: 11-2003 |
That guy is all over the place. He could just sit back and count his money if he wanted to, but instead he is giving back to the community. On the other hand, maybe he needs the work. | ||
Dalangdon Member Username: Dalangdon Post Number: 129 Registered: 03-2006 |
Sheraton "mutilated" the lobby to keep pace with their core business clients (the automobile industry) which was essentially calling the shots, design-wise and otherwise, in the country at that time. To really understand it, I think you need to put yourself in the mindset of the people of that era: After the poverty of the depression, and the deprivation and tragedy of the war years, people didn't want that old-fashioned look. They wanted fresh, clean lines. | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 373 Registered: 11-2003 |
Of course, its completely understandable. Especially considering that original look wasn't really historic in peoples' eyes. It was a passe look from 20-30 years ago. Think about it, it would be like us wanting to remodel a building that that resembled the 70s or 80s, which is very common! However, in 50 years people might look back and wonder why the hell we would want to do that! | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 16 Registered: 05-2006 |
Magic Johnson covered my shift at the coffee shop the other day. He really helped me out in a pinch, I will be forever indebted to him. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 448 Registered: 10-2006 |
I liked the line for that last photo, "After a multi-million dollar renovation, The Book-Cadillac might become the spirit of Detroit." | ||
Bertz Member Username: Bertz Post Number: 548 Registered: 11-2003 |
wow | ||
Deandub11 Member Username: Deandub11 Post Number: 84 Registered: 05-2006 |
Any new pics or has it been too cold for new work to be done? | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 863 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bump. Two weeks since any new photos. If I didn't live 90 miles away, I'd be providing updates. | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 32 Registered: 10-2006 |
I was able to tour the B-C for over an hour last week. I will post some photos in the next couple of days. Some of the most surprising things: 1. How rough the penthouse levels (29th-31st floors) look. With the de-construction of both the north and south towers, it resembles Berlin after WWII. Bricks and rubble everywhere, with more of both to come. 2. How rapidly portions of the hotel room floors are progressing. Floor 10 is almost completely framed out, and floor 11 is about halfway there. 3. That the hotel hallways will run down the middle of the building, instead of on the north side (which is the case with the condos). That means that approximately a third of the hotel rooms will have vastly inferior views facing other portions of the building's north side. 4. How eerie the basement levels are. After being underwater for so many years, I guess the smell down in basement levels 2 and 3 shouldn't be so much of a surprise, but it was intense. 5. How much rubble is left in some of the common areas of the building (like the 3rd floor). I would have thought that those areas would be cleared first, but the demolition company still has much work to do on a few of the first floors. Gistok, while the construction team will be creating replicas of all ceilings (like the lobby ceiling), I think it is safe to say that none of the original plasterwork will be left standing after the demolition for them to work around. They really are tearing everything down to the steel and concrete. The condo documents state that the opening deadline is October, 2008. At first I was optimistic that they would finish early, given the companies involved and the progress to date. After seeing the insides, I can no longer envision a summer 2008 opening. Not because of any delays per se, but because of the enormous amount of work left to do. At least it appears the brutal cold is behind us, so that they can get a full work force back in there... (Message edited by beantown on February 21, 2007) | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 864 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thnx for the updates, Beantown. I read on here or somewhere else that to qualify for historic tax credits, the hotel floor corridors had to be in their original locations. When it finally reopens, I don't care where my room will be when I stay there. But I bet a lot of people (i.e., those who aren't rabid fans of the BC like us) won't like looking out their windows and having some or all of the view blocked by another side of the building. | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 203 Registered: 03-2006 |
Great info Beantown, thank you. Its obvious they would never get it done when they said, but does it really matter, the work just keeps getting done. | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 115 Registered: 08-2006 |
Here is a quick video I show while downtown today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =zUgyIR4PwPQ Here are a few pics I got as well http://i141.photobucket.com/al bums/r50/fareastsider/TowerTop s012.jpg http://i141.photobucket.com/al bums/r50/fareastsider/TowerTop s035.jpg http://i141.photobucket.com/al bums/r50/fareastsider/TowerTop s037.jpg it was a bit foggy out... | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 205 Registered: 03-2006 |
Very good, the pic of the top of the Book was well done. I couldnt get your youtube to work but its all good. Thank you FE By the way can anybody guess where he/she took the pic from | ||
Bohemianrobot Member Username: Bohemianrobot Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2007 |
I would guess the pics were taken from the Book Tower. | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 118 Registered: 08-2006 |
You guessed right...and it seemed pretty dead in there...a tenant told me that the landlord sucks....I hope that the investment promises come true at the book, I love that building! | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2446 Registered: 02-2005 |
Thanks for the video and photos. Book Tower is all offices right now, right? It was recently purchased by a NYC firm and renovations are pending. | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 33 Registered: 10-2006 |
Here are the pics from my excursion inside the Book-Cadillac last week: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58485135@N00/sets/72157594550068282/ I fixed the hyperlink above. Thanks, Jimaz. (Message edited by beantown on February 23, 2007) | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 1589 Registered: 12-2005 |
I removed a %20 and typed \newurl{http://www.flickr.com/photos/5 8485135@N00/sets/72157594550068282/,B eantown's Book-Cadillac excursion} (without the spaces between the 5/8 and B/e) to get this: Beantown's Book-Cadillac excursion Thanks for the pics! (Message edited by Jimaz on February 22, 2007) | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1424 Registered: 04-2005 |
While returning from a great FSC tonight, I talked Gumby to drive by the Book Caddy, (not to hard to convince)> Demolition was going on under the lights. Sorry for the poor quality, its a picture phone.  | ||
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk Post Number: 321 Registered: 11-2005 |
More photos of People's Outfitting demolition: https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/94782.html?1172213392 | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3101 Registered: 10-2003 |
   | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 513 Registered: 12-2006 |
Mike, did you have fun tonight? | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3102 Registered: 10-2003 |
It would have been better with beer. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 514 Registered: 12-2006 |
I can understand that one (somewhat). | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 39 Registered: 10-2006 |
Bump... I'm not letting the tongue-in-cheek "What's going on with the B-C" thread take the place of this one for more serious B-C renovation discussion. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 455 Registered: 03-2006 |
that thread sucks | ||
Flybydon Member Username: Flybydon Post Number: 87 Registered: 01-2005 |
As of 2/28/2007     Don | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 208 Registered: 03-2006 |
Thanks for the great pics Don. Looking at these pics its amazing to think how different that part of town will be when the B-C and the Griswold projects are finished. If the Lafayette would be renovated that would be incredible.   | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 698 Registered: 11-2004 |
Nice update Don. Looks like they're prepping the back lot for the addition | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 248 Registered: 11-2005 |
Update: Most of the building is gone. And thank god that they put a sign and a rendering of the new building out front so it doesnt look like they are just tearing down density. I saw someone taking a pic of it as I was walking out of Lafayette Coney Island today around 12:30. I am sure it was somebody from the forum, so just post them. | ||
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2007 |
Always looking for more pics of BC and MGM Check Back later | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 703 Registered: 11-2004 |
A couple more BC photos from detroitsky http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.g ne?id=419412801&size=l http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.g ne?id=419412799&size=l | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 473 Registered: 03-2006 |
lookin good | ||
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2007 |
I agree; Thanks Eric | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2006 |
The Book-Cadillac project recently received some national online publicity. AP writer Sarah Karush wrote an article that appeared online at USA Today and Yahoo! News: http://www.usatoday.com/travel /destinations/2007-03-12-detro it-hotel-renovation_N.htm?csp= 34 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_tra vel/20070312/ap_tr_ge/travel_t rip_cadillac_of_hotels Nothing really new or profound, but it is nice to see Detroit getting some national attention for something other then crime. | ||
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed Post Number: 32 Registered: 03-2007 |
Are there any updated photos. If so, please post. Also any links for up to date river-walk photos all downtown photos Thanks | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1730 Registered: 04-2005 |
Just keeping it alive | ||
Mallory Member Username: Mallory Post Number: 100 Registered: 05-2006 |
I'm sure it was a syndicated article, but this past Sunday an article about the restoration of the Book appeared in the Ft. Myers News Press. It made me feel proud. That and the fact that I keep finding people telling ME that the Tigers will win it all this year. Hell yeah! | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 717 Registered: 12-2006 |
bump | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 765 Registered: 11-2004 |
Neighbors blame Book-Cadillac for dust http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20070406/NEW S01/704060333/1003 | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 718 Registered: 12-2006 |
Construction = Dust. Idiots. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 598 Registered: 04-2006 |
There'd probably be a lot more dust if they imploded it... | ||
Lvnthed Member Username: Lvnthed Post Number: 107 Registered: 03-2007 |
Updates and pictures please | ||
Skamour14 Member Username: Skamour14 Post Number: 97 Registered: 03-2005 |
lemoneheads we all are.... danny tell them about the ghettohoods!!! | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 416 Registered: 03-2006 |
I checked out the work Friday. A lot going on. Saw them framing for windows and cleaning the exterior. The differance between the clean parts and untouched parts was very obvious. I will post pics later | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 787 Registered: 10-2006 |
Kenp, you mean like on the Book Building where half of it was cleaned and the other half not? | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 871 Registered: 12-2006 |
Yes, it's kind of like that. Just the Book Building is a lot more obvious, at least in my opinion. | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 418 Registered: 03-2006 |
      | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 928 Registered: 06-2006 |
thanks for the pics kenp... I think I'll have to see it in person in order to see what you mean about the clean v. dirty parts of the building | ||
Toog05 Member Username: Toog05 Post Number: 136 Registered: 03-2006 |
Thanks for the pics, I can see the differences but it will be better to see in person. | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 60 Registered: 10-2006 |
I always find it amazing how much grime is on these buildings and how different they look once they're cleaned. Although it does seem to take away a little bit of the character. I think just the right amount of scum makes all of the minute details on these buildings really pop and look nice. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 489 Registered: 06-2005 |
Mdoyle, to me, "patina" has a much better sound to it than "scum." | ||
Boshna Member Username: Boshna Post Number: 168 Registered: 01-2005 |
lol neilr | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 142 Registered: 08-2006 |
Nice shots. You really can tell the difference between the clean and dirty parts. | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2006 |
Embrace it for what it is. "patina" brings about the thought of that beautiful green that copper takes on. Scum though.. thats got charm. Have you ever wiped your finger across the stonework on the upper floors of these buildings? Its thick black scummy soot... beautiful scummy soot. Gives em character... lets ya know they've been around for a bit. (Message edited by mdoyle on April 16, 2007) | ||
Busterwmu Member Username: Busterwmu Post Number: 376 Registered: 09-2004 |
Wow- From someone who wishes he could visit downtown daily and only gets there once every few months (I live 3 hours away), THANKS for posting these images. It'll be great once real windows start going in again. And that exterior scrub sure looks good too. Keep up the good work... thanks! | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 943 Registered: 11-2003 |
In that last pic Kenp posted, it looks like new windows on the 19th thru 21st floors have already been installed, unless they're still the old ones and haven't been removed yet for whatever reason. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 770 Registered: 11-2004 |
No, all the old windows were removed. Those definitely look like new ones. | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 425 Registered: 03-2006 |
I dont recall any new windows, though I could go by and check. All the windows appeared to be covered with plastic. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 941 Registered: 06-2006 |
I think they're talking about this section... when you zoom in, they sort of do look like new windows...  | ||
Dan_the_man Member Username: Dan_the_man Post Number: 13 Registered: 07-2006 |
When I was down there over the weekend it definitely looked like there were new windows on those few floors. | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 426 Registered: 03-2006 |
They sure are windows, cant believe I didnt notice it. I will try to post a pic later | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 427 Registered: 03-2006 |
window  | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 943 Registered: 06-2006 |
I drove by today and all I could say was "Wow!"...the building looks amazing under all that grime... So far it looks like they're cleaning the flat surfaces...I can't wait to see what the more-detailed parts of the building look like once they get cleaned as well... | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 875 Registered: 12-2006 |
Have they taken the blue paint off of that one head on the Washington Blvd side? | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 218 Registered: 04-2006 |
The contrast of the cleansing of the building is nothing short of amazing. You can see it in those pictures just as well as you could in person. It's almost as if you didn't know any better, the dirty facade was actually suppose to look that way. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 976 Registered: 06-2006 |
detroitnews.com has a 26-photo set linked at the top of their page right now titled "Spring Cleaning at the Book-Cadillac" I don't know how to link to java popups so if someone else does, please do so... | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 496 Registered: 07-2006 |
http://info.detnews.com/pix/ph otogalleries/newsgallery/04212 007BookCadillacSpring/thumbs1. htm | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 977 Registered: 06-2006 |
Thanks Scottr... I really enjoyed looking at this one in particular...the building's color and detail is amazing under all that grime...  | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 498 Registered: 07-2006 |
no problem. i thought that had some great pics that we don't usually see. i'm glad to see the effort going into the restoration, and they're not taking shortcuts (at least none immediately obvious). i know historic tax credits require it to stay within certain guidelines, but still, it was good to see the detail kept in areas few will see except from a distance, like the 'ziggurats' (i think they used the wrong name, a ziggurat is a stepped pyramid, but they used the word to refer to the piece on top of them. unless the word has come to mean something else...) | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 780 Registered: 11-2004 |
I loved the pics of the rebuilding of the ziggurats. That's really going to make the BC look like it did the day it first opened. http://info.detnews.com/pix/ph otogalleries/newsgallery/04212 007BookCadillacSpring/index4.h tm http://info.detnews.com/pix/ph otogalleries/newsgallery/04212 007BookCadillacSpring/index5.h tm http://info.detnews.com/pix/ph otogalleries/newsgallery/04212 007BookCadillacSpring/index9.h tm | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 84 Registered: 01-2007 |
bump | ||
French777 Member Username: French777 Post Number: 164 Registered: 10-2006 |
that washing makes it look alot better!! | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 4281 Registered: 10-2003 |
Can the pressure from the powerwashers damage the facade or brick in any way? | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3818 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yes, the contractor [Marous Brothers] are saving close to $350,000 by using powerwashers in order to cut costs on the $186 million budget. They figured the building has a life of about 20 years once rehabbed anyway, so why not? | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1385 Registered: 10-2003 |
What great pictures! The other day I was driving down Gratiot and a clean BC jumped out of the skyline at me. The building is much more prominent now that it’s clean, it looks terrific! I can’t wait to see it with architectural lighting and all. (Message edited by dan on April 27, 2007) | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 860 Registered: 10-2006 |
Its akin to polishing silver. The tarnished layer has to be removed. What method they use, who knows, but it takes a layer of the exterior of the building off that is 'tarnished.' | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 961 Registered: 11-2003 |
That's disturbing to read Skulker's info that the building is figured to have a life only 20 years after re-opening. What then-- have it slip into rot for another 20 years, then another renovation? | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 103 Registered: 05-2006 |
Skulker, where did you get you're numbers from? It's seems more than likely that the Book-Cadillac will stay structurally sound for more than 20 years. (Message edited by hans57 on April 29, 2007) | ||
Dalangdon Member Username: Dalangdon Post Number: 134 Registered: 03-2006 |
I think what they mean is that the building won't have to be cleaned on the exterior for another 20 years. (Message edited by dalangdon on April 29, 2007) | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 962 Registered: 11-2003 |
Skulker wrote, "They figured the building has a life of about 20 years once rehabbed..." Sounds like he meant the whole building, not just the cleanliness of the facade. Hopefully we'll get a definitive source quote for his estimate and not have to take it on faith. | ||
Dalangdon Member Username: Dalangdon Post Number: 135 Registered: 03-2006 |
But that makes absolutely no sense. The building survived on its own, abandoned, with no heat, power, or maintenance for more than twenty years. No developer would go to all this expense for a building that is only scheduled to last for twenty years. No hotel company would enter into an operating contract - particularly where they were operating residences - for only twenty years. No homeowner would buy into a complex only scheduled to last 20 years - that's not even enough time to pay off the mortgage. A twenty year heavy renovation schedule makes sense, however. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 800 Registered: 11-2004 |
More BC construction pics from detroitsky and pjVargy http://farm1.static.flickr.com /206/473749738_d24a324110.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com /247/460648457_23755cc573_b.jp g http://farm1.static.flickr.com /208/460648381_66b753d06e_b.jp g http://farm1.static.flickr.com /215/460648439_aed17d1a65_b.jp g | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1388 Registered: 10-2003 |
I think skulker was being sarcastic. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 872 Registered: 10-2006 |
Similar to street-scapes needing to be redone every 30 years or so (like the monkey bars), hotels need to keep up with the given times market in terms of their styling. Think of how many ground floors of 1920s building downtown were redone from the 40s to the 60s to give them a more modern appearance... | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 963 Registered: 11-2003 |
It didn't read like sarcasm to me. That's a big problem with message boards vs. face-to-face talk-- sometimes it's hard to tell whether someone is being sarcastic on a message board, whereas in person it's immediately obvious. | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 264 Registered: 11-2005 |
bump | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 993 Registered: 12-2006 |
bump | ||
Emu_steve Member Username: Emu_steve Post Number: 279 Registered: 11-2006 |
Skulker is giving folks applying for 30 year mortgages and their lenders headaches. ;-) | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 76 Registered: 02-2007 |
I think Skulker was implying that the hotel will not last for 20 years and it will fall into the same state of disrepair it has spent the last 20 or so years in. | ||
Gotdetroit Member Username: Gotdetroit Post Number: 39 Registered: 12-2005 |
I think skulker was taking a sarcastic swipe at the guy who asked if power washing the building might damage it. As in, yeah, they’re spending 186 million dollars on renovating the building, but don’t really care if the $350,000 power washing portion will damage the building. It’s kinda of obvious. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 1029 Registered: 12-2006 |
bump | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1230 Registered: 02-2007 |
It's looking good. It seems as if they've put a few of the windows in and they've powered sprayed a good portion of the building today. They haven't broke grounds on the other project yet though. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 1030 Registered: 12-2006 |
The Griswold? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1231 Registered: 02-2007 |
SAme Thing. | ||
Beantown Member Username: Beantown Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2006 |
Bump. Has anyone taken any good photos recently? It would be good to show the out-of-towners all the progress on the roof and the ziggurats. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 994 Registered: 11-2003 |
Double bump. I'd gladly provide updates, but I'm 90 miles away. It's a shame nobody has set up any webcam(s) to monitor the progress. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 840 Registered: 11-2004 |
A pic by Allan over at urban planet showing construction on the mechanical penthouses http://i19.photobucket.com/alb ums/b157/crazyarchitect19/urba nplanet/bookpenthouses.jpg | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 5955 Registered: 02-2004 |
I'm glad that the Book Cadillac Hotel is going to be SAVED. It's one of Detroit prime building jewels and Louis Kamper's dream. | ||
Flybydon Member Username: Flybydon Post Number: 129 Registered: 01-2005 |
May 28, 2007   | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 545 Registered: 03-2006 |
amazing | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 94 Registered: 02-2007 |
When will this realistically be done by? | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 106 Registered: 01-2007 |
flybydon, thanks. It's great to see this restoration take place from a unique vantage point. What is the minimum altitude for flying over downtown anyway? | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 177 Registered: 08-2006 |
In addition to the altitude, what mm zoom do you use for these shots? | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 849 Registered: 11-2004 |
From gab482 a pic showing work on the State street side http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.g ne?id=530288847&size=l | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 549 Registered: 03-2006 |
i cant wait to see the addition rise on that empty part of the wall | ||
Gplimpton Member Username: Gplimpton Post Number: 16 Registered: 05-2007 |
I drove by last night...looks good! But will it ever be at full occupancy? | ||
Flybydon Member Username: Flybydon Post Number: 147 Registered: 01-2005 |
BC 6/26/2007   | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 1425 Registered: 12-2004 |
Great shots, thanks! Why does downtown look like a desert? | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 270 Registered: 01-2006 |
1953, the reason for the triangular lot by the BS looks like a desert is because that is where the Griswold is going. They just demoed the building. It has that nice, about to be built upon look. The triangular lots above the BC in the first shot are part of the MGM Grand development. That desert look is the look of progress my friend. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1047 Registered: 04-2006 |
All the surface parking lots? | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 1056 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's interesting to note that the reconstructed radio station shack has windows on the east side that weren't in the original shack: http://www.emporis.com/files/t ransfer/6/2004/07/279371.jpg I thought that the exterior window arrangements had to look exactly the same or else the project wouldn't qualify for historic tax credits. | ||
Archy Member Username: Archy Post Number: 41 Registered: 07-2004 |
JbKeepsmiling "The triangular lots above the BC in the first shot are part of the MGM Grand development. That desert look is the look of progress my friend." That lot is actually the new DDot bus terminal, MGM is another 3 blocks or so northwest. |
