Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2007 » Best place for a history-themed party « Previous Next »
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 19
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 8763
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Pam
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Username: Pam

Post Number: 1253
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:15 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was just going to suggest the same thing.

http://www.detroithistorical.o rg/hostanevent/index.asp
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 8765
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 20
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 8769
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 10:54 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Irvine - Can you e-mail me at jt1_detroit@yahoo.com
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Stecks77
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Username: Stecks77

Post Number: 313
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Spitcoff
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Username: Spitcoff

Post Number: 95
Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:25 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Henry Ford
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Everydayislikesunday
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Username: Everydayislikesunday

Post Number: 320
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Scarab Club. www.scarabclub.org

500 standing, sitting, a combo? what is the scenerio?

(Message edited by everydayislikesunday on March 30, 2007)
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 21
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Toolbox
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Username: Toolbox

Post Number: 1048
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Savoyard Club.
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Tarkus
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Username: Tarkus

Post Number: 306
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroit Opera House.
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 22
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is the Savoyard Club on the 26th floor of the Buhl Building?
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 3983
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 3984
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 1:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Norwalk
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Username: Norwalk

Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Savoyard club was renovated by new tenants about a year ago. The Redford Theater is available for parties
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Jtw
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Username: Jtw

Post Number: 122
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 3986
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 2:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Norwalk
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Username: Norwalk

Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Web design company I believe. I was up there with a friend It was a huge space for such a small firm.
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Sharmaal
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Username: Sharmaal

Post Number: 1055
Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The "Map Detroit" folks are in the Savoyard space.

http://www.naviciti.com/
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 23
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Someone at work told me the Savoyard Club is not handicap accessible.
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Sumotect
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Username: Sumotect

Post Number: 271
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 3:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How about the Masonic. They have some beautiful rooms.

http://www.themasonic.com/hist ory.html
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Irish_mafia
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Username: Irish_mafia

Post Number: 845
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What about that place near Centaur and the Town Pump that they opened up for the ESPN party during the superbowl?
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 24
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)?
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 8787
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Hybridy
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Username: Hybridy

Post Number: 83
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 2016
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Dabirch
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Username: Dabirch

Post Number: 2200
Registered: 06-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 5:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Reetz12
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Username: Reetz12

Post Number: 154
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 6:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ford Field has conference rooms or the main atrium.....brings in the old Hudson Warehouse.
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Jjw
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Username: Jjw

Post Number: 280
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

outdoor soiree at Fort Wayne
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Irish_mafia
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Username: Irish_mafia

Post Number: 848
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Dabirch
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Username: Dabirch

Post Number: 2202
Registered: 06-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Downtown_remix
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Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 108
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

belle isle casino---
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Tompage
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Username: Tompage

Post Number: 14
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Harsensis
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Username: Harsensis

Post Number: 211
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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The_rock
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Username: The_rock

Post Number: 1670
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 7:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Yaktown
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Username: Yaktown

Post Number: 138
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 3:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Booby Trap on 8 Mile.
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 25
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 2:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 4039
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Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 2:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Norwalk
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Username: Norwalk

Post Number: 50
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Ballroom in the Century Club. Is that the old City Club from the early 80's?
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Detroit_girl
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Username: Detroit_girl

Post Number: 88
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No. The Century Club is part of the Gem Theater. The City Club continues to operate today in the old Leland House/Ramada Hotel.
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Lakesuperior
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Post Number: 170
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Flybydon
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Username: Flybydon

Post Number: 104
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 4:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 4050
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 5:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Plymouthres
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Username: Plymouthres

Post Number: 24
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 9:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
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Bob_cosgrove
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Username: Bob_cosgrove

Post Number: 505
Registered: 03-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I fon'y believe the Scarab Club has been mentioned.

Bob Cosgrove
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Alan55
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Username: Alan55

Post Number: 2
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

- 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.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 2021
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 10:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, actually two people mentioned the Masonic Temple, but who's counting? :-)
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Irvine_laird
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Username: Irvine_laird

Post Number: 28
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How does one connect with Chuck Forbes?
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Detroit_girl
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Username: Detroit_girl

Post Number: 91
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 4:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Has anyone ever been to a wedding at the Masonic? If so, how was the atmosphere, food, service, etc?
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Tegwor
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Username: Tegwor

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2007
Posted on Friday, April 06, 2007 - 12:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.

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