Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:09 am: | |
I'm part of a committee that is planning a major fundraising event for a Detroit-based nonprofit. We'd like a setting that is historical, extraordinary, and pure Detroit. The event will have a Detroit history theme. Where should we throw our party? |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8763 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:14 am: | |
If it is big enough and you have the funds I would suggest seeing if you could reserve the streets of old Detroit at the Historical Museum. |
Pam Member Username: Pam
Post Number: 1253 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:15 am: | |
I was just going to suggest the same thing. http://www.detroithistorical.o rg/hostanevent/index.asp |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8765 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:18 am: | |
WHile it is not as themed one thing that is also seen to typify the spirit/history of Detroit is the Diego Rivera hall at the DIA. I think they rent out for occasions. Maybe it is for fundraisers only. |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 20 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:53 am: | |
We want the event to draw at least 500 people. I'm hopeful that the location itself will be one of the main draws. We plan to spend some money on this to do it right. Here are a few of the ideas so far: Guardian Building lobby (if it's big enough) Top floor of the Guardian Building or Penobscot Building (if they're available and big enough) Westin Book Cadillac (wait until 2009) Belle Isle Aquarium (keep dreaming) Fox Theatre (build a platform to cover seats--$$$) Aboard a Bob-Lo boat ($$$$ if not impossible) Michigan Theater (yes, THAT Michigan Theater) And then all the old standby's: DAC, DYC, The Henry Ford, etc., etc. |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8769 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:54 am: | |
Irvine - Can you e-mail me at jt1_detroit@yahoo.com |
Stecks77 Member Username: Stecks77
Post Number: 313 Registered: 08-2006
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:03 am: | |
The Guardian is limited to about 200 people in the retail promenade. They do have a banquet/conference room near the top of the building but its a little pricey to rent at $5,000. Check out their website for contact info. The staff at the Rowland Cafe in the retail promenade is great to work with. Double check with them about the capacity but I'm pretty sure its 200. |
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff
Post Number: 95 Registered: 03-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:25 am: | |
The Henry Ford |
Everydayislikesunday Member Username: Everydayislikesunday
Post Number: 320 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:31 am: | |
The Scarab Club. www.scarabclub.org 500 standing, sitting, a combo? what is the scenerio? (Message edited by everydayislikesunday on March 30, 2007) |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 21 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:04 pm: | |
Thank you. Good ideas, so far. I checked on the Guardian Building. The banquet/conference room on the 32nd floor accommodates about 300 people. That would be too small. |
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox
Post Number: 1048 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:05 pm: | |
The Savoyard Club. |
Tarkus Member Username: Tarkus
Post Number: 306 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:10 pm: | |
Detroit Opera House. |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 22 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:12 pm: | |
Is the Savoyard Club on the 26th floor of the Buhl Building? |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3983 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:47 pm: | |
I don't believe the Savoyard Club is rentable. It's been closed for at least a decade. Isn't it used as storage space currently? Let me list a few of the locations that Preservation Wayne had their annual meetings at (seating over 400).... The Detroiter Club (on Cass, downtown)... absolutely magnificent! Detroit Yacht Club (on Belle Isle)... an enormous nautical space!! Players Club (East Jefferson)... medieval and intimate! Gem Theatre... seats 454 in a wonderful atmosphere. (Message edited by Gistok on March 30, 2007) |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3984 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:54 pm: | |
Irvine_laird, if you are serious about the Michigan Theatre, give me an EMAIL at istokg@earthlink.net, and I will give you Michigan Building owner Anthony Pieroni's secretary's number. |
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk
Post Number: 42 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:22 pm: | |
The Savoyard club was renovated by new tenants about a year ago. The Redford Theater is available for parties |
Jtw Member Username: Jtw
Post Number: 122 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:29 pm: | |
the American Heart Association hosts the Heart Ball every year in one of the Ren Cen ballrooms; it's spacious and a great site. i can probably drum up a contact if you need one. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3986 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:32 pm: | |
Thanks for the tip Norwalk... do you know what The Savoyard is currently set up and used for? I was at a wedding in there (building owners niece) back in the 1980's... just a spectacular view of not only distant vistas, but close-up views of the architectural details of the tops of the other downtown landmarks. |
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk
Post Number: 43 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:18 pm: | |
Web design company I believe. I was up there with a friend It was a huge space for such a small firm. |
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal
Post Number: 1055 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:24 pm: | |
The "Map Detroit" folks are in the Savoyard space. http://www.naviciti.com/ |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 23 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:25 pm: | |
Someone at work told me the Savoyard Club is not handicap accessible. |
Sumotect Member Username: Sumotect
Post Number: 271 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:45 pm: | |
How about the Masonic. They have some beautiful rooms. http://www.themasonic.com/hist ory.html |
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia
Post Number: 845 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:09 pm: | |
What about that place near Centaur and the Town Pump that they opened up for the ESPN party during the superbowl? |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:17 pm: | |
I'm sorry, Irish Mafia, I wasn't back in town yet from my exile in Texas. Your idea has me curious. Does anybody know where ESPN threw its Super Bowl party (near Centaur and Town Pump)? |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8787 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:45 pm: | |
I believe it was kitty corner from Centaur but I think it was a one time thing like the firehouse that has the Chrysler Auto Show party every year. |
Hybridy Member Username: Hybridy
Post Number: 83 Registered: 08-2006
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:10 pm: | |
opera house they put a floor over the seating area ren cen wintergarden sweet venue looking out onto the river with plenty of space not historic though |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 2016 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:15 pm: | |
The Century Club is what I think you are thinking of, across from the Town Pump/Hotel Park Avenue. Chuck Forbes owns it, I believe. There was a party there during SBXL, but it wasn't ESPN was it? They took over the whole Centaur/Iodent Building. Savoyard is cool but not handicapped accessible. Scarab Club is very cool too, but 500 would be really packing 'em in, and it would be in a series of rooms, not one single space. I had a really good experience throwing an event in the Masonic Temple too ... they had a ton of cool different options for spaces. Fisher Building lobby could be interesting. |
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch
Post Number: 2200 Registered: 06-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:21 pm: | |
DH -- It was the ESPN Party. The Iodent building was shared by ESPN, Gillete, Cadillac, and Miller Lite. Each with a floor. And then the "chill zone" lounge on the top floor. You should know, you were there. Ahhh...good times. |
Reetz12 Member Username: Reetz12
Post Number: 154 Registered: 09-2005
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 6:45 pm: | |
Ford Field has conference rooms or the main atrium.....brings in the old Hudson Warehouse. |
Jjw Member Username: Jjw
Post Number: 280 Registered: 10-2005
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:05 pm: | |
outdoor soiree at Fort Wayne |
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia
Post Number: 848 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:58 pm: | |
Thats the place DH and Dabirch. I thought it was owned by the same guy (I know everyone on the board knows his name) that owns town pump and centaur. Supposed to be a nice location. |
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch
Post Number: 2202 Registered: 06-2004
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:00 pm: | |
It was a great spot for a party. The fact that there is a ballroom like that hidden in that building in amazing. Just not sure if they are renting the space out for functions -- believe it was a one time deal. |
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix
Post Number: 108 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:08 pm: | |
belle isle casino--- |
Tompage Member Username: Tompage
Post Number: 14 Registered: 01-2005
| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:16 pm: | |
The T-Plex without a doubt! The full name for the T-plex is the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex. This is the birthplace of the Model T. Web site: http://www.tplex.org/. You can't get more Detroit history than this! Pat Linklater handles the events at the T-plex. Mobile Phone: 248-885-2215 |
Harsensis Member Username: Harsensis
Post Number: 211 Registered: 07-2005
| Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:19 pm: | |
To bad Carail (might be spelling it wrong) is gone. I went there for a party a long time ago and it was definately a cool place with lots of old cars, lionel trains and peddle cars. The fist place that comes to mind now is the Streets of Detroit in the basement of the Historical society. |
The_rock Member Username: The_rock
Post Number: 1670 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 7:42 am: | |
Having just completed a $100,000.00 refurbishing, the Dossin Marine Museum on Belle Isle is now advertising its location as a venue for banquets, weddings, receptions etc. Detroit's marine history is well preserved here and it would be a very unique experience for your group. |
Yaktown Member Username: Yaktown
Post Number: 138 Registered: 02-2006
| Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 3:02 pm: | |
The Booby Trap on 8 Mile. |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 25 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 2:52 pm: | |
The Booby Trap! Think of all the "donations" we could collect in those little pieces of underwear! But seriously...do I read correctly that there is a ballroom in the Iodent Building? Or is the ballroom in a building adjacent to the Iodent Building? |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4039 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 2:57 pm: | |
That ballroom is in the Century Club... it is a wonderful 2 story 18th century Louis XV ballroom, on the 2nd and 3rd story of the Century club. Absolutely great detailing. The 2nd and 3rd floor elevator lobbies are just beyond the arched entranceway of that great space. In fact the 3rd floor elevator lobby overlooks (via balconies) the ballroom from above. One of the little known interior glories of Detroit... Chuck Forbes owns that building, so any questions about using that space, should be referred to his offices in the Francis Palms Building (State Theatre building). (Message edited by Gistok on April 03, 2007) |
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk
Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:31 pm: | |
The Ballroom in the Century Club. Is that the old City Club from the early 80's? |
Detroit_girl Member Username: Detroit_girl
Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:47 pm: | |
No. The Century Club is part of the Gem Theater. The City Club continues to operate today in the old Leland House/Ramada Hotel. |
Lakesuperior Member Username: Lakesuperior
Post Number: 170 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:51 pm: | |
I cast my vote for Fort Wayne- having an outdoor party with lanterns by the limestone soldiers' quarters? SWEET. Very elegant, very unique and very Detroit. |
Flybydon Member Username: Flybydon
Post Number: 104 Registered: 01-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:59 pm: | |
Perhaps an aviation theme held at Detroit City Airport a.k.a. Colman A. Young International. One or two giant seventy seven year old hangar bays. Playboy held parties in bay one and two for the super bowl. (Great Parties) Lots of free parking and very secured. The airport could sure use the action. It’s like a tomb now. Contact: General Number: 313.628.2146 General Fax: 313.852.4777 Departmental E-mail: BrownD@detroitmi.gov Tell them Flyby sent you. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4050 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:13 pm: | |
Detroit_girl, yes I am familiar with both of those... but the building they were talking about earlier on this thread right across the street from the Town Pump on Park Ave. is the one I was referring to. I cannot remember exactly if it is called the Century Club (also), or just the Century Building. |
Plymouthres Member Username: Plymouthres
Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 9:33 pm: | |
Unfortunately, Fort Wayne would be a little risky right now. The Historic Fort Wayne Coalition is good, but we really need more volunteers to help bring it to that point. Perhaps you haven't heard of them until now, but they have 150+ very dedicated members and a work day each month, the last of which(March 24) had 40+ people there! It will be back soon, but we need more help to get there. The Fort is coming back, just stay tuned!!! Events like this WILL take place again, but only when it is safe for all to enjoy. Please visit the website, http://www.historicfortwayneco alition.com/, for more info. Hope I didn't hijack here! |
Bob_cosgrove Member Username: Bob_cosgrove
Post Number: 505 Registered: 03-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:17 pm: | |
I fon'y believe the Scarab Club has been mentioned. Bob Cosgrove |
Alan55 Member Username: Alan55
Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:32 pm: | |
- No one has mentioned the Masonic Temple yet. I am sure that they have several rooms that could hold 500+ people. It is a beautiful, historic facility. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 2021 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:56 pm: | |
Well, actually two people mentioned the Masonic Temple, but who's counting? |
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 28 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:31 am: | |
How does one connect with Chuck Forbes? |
Detroit_girl Member Username: Detroit_girl
Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 4:12 pm: | |
Has anyone ever been to a wedding at the Masonic? If so, how was the atmosphere, food, service, etc? |
Tegwor Member Username: Tegwor
Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2007
| Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 12:20 am: | |
What about Orchestra Hall? They have a floor which goes over the seats (used for recording) The main party could be there, with hor d[oevres, bar etc. in the newer part of the Max Fisher Music Center. Another thought, what about Govinda's the Indian restaurant in the old Fisher Estate on Lenox. The dining room alone would never do, but if you could get the run of the mansion it could be very unique. I don't know what the rest of the mansion is used for, and the restaurant is vegetarian, so that may be too many obstacles to overcome. And finally, the runaway best place (if it was a summer party) would be Tiger Stadium. But the City is so determined to get it down, that they probably wouldn't let you in. Maybe best to stick with Orchestra Hall. |