Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2007 » Ugliest Structures in Downtown Detroit? » Ugliest Structures in Downtown Detroit? - 1 « Previous Next »
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 442
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What buildings of structures in Downtown Detroit would you vote as the ugliest? I don't have any particular building, although the old WSU building on Antietam and Chrysler is an eyesore.
Top of pageBottom of page

Spiritofdetroit
Member
Username: Spiritofdetroit

Post Number: 372
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

well, too many to choose from right now
Top of pageBottom of page

Fury13
Member
Username: Fury13

Post Number: 1504
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Ren Cen, of course.
Top of pageBottom of page

Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 574
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think the Comerica building on between Lafayette and Fort and Cass and First (across from the old Free Press building) is horrendously ugly.
However, I guess that's fitting of the company.

(Message edited by rhymeswithrawk on March 28, 2007)
Top of pageBottom of page

Burnsie
Member
Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 922
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Ren Cen is just fine from a distance, not as good up close-- but not ugly. Compuware is ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 577
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't think Compuware is that bad. And my girlfriend (who works for the development company Redico) might hate me for this, but Compuware isn't half as ugly as the Redico-erected One Kennedy Square.
Top of pageBottom of page

Psip
Member
Username: Psip

Post Number: 1684
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

IMO hands down is the Wayne County Road Commission building on Bagley and Clifford.
Top of pageBottom of page

Rrl
Member
Username: Rrl

Post Number: 771
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Personally, I think COBO Hall is a pretty F-N ugly with it's stacked cube exterior. The minimalistic landscaping to its site doesn't help soften it much either. The interior is plain & stark, nothing to write home about; seems very cheaply done with that god-awful carpeting. We need a new convention center badly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 2622
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

ummm...Ford Auditorium.

Millender Center is pretty bad but not nearly in the same league.

The whole Blue Cross Blue Shield campus is pretty ugly and suburban-esque.
Top of pageBottom of page

Scottr
Member
Username: Scottr

Post Number: 458
Registered: 07-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What? no votes for any number of parking structures yet?

Most of those already listed may not be up to par with the Guardian, for example, but are still far from what I would call ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Bob_cosgrove
Member
Username: Bob_cosgrove

Post Number: 482
Registered: 03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One building that has stood the test of time weel in the past 50 years is the City County Building, now the Coleman A. Young Muncipal Building.

Bob Cosgrove
Top of pageBottom of page

Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 579
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wait, I want to change my vote. Mackinaw's right, the BCBSM tower and its garages and the like are hideous.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 443
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just thought about it, if the BCBS building is hideous, then the McNamara building on Michigan and Cass is just worthless in appearance.
Top of pageBottom of page

The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock

Post Number: 1657
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Frank Murphy Hall of Justice is nothing to write home about. Frank would be disappointed.
Top of pageBottom of page

Psip
Member
Username: Psip

Post Number: 1686
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One to add to the list is the old IRS / MGM temp casino. Kinda like a wart on the side of the Lodge.
I agree with the McNamara building. 1970's ugly
Top of pageBottom of page

Fareastsider
Member
Username: Fareastsider

Post Number: 284
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Whatever that building along Woodward in front of the Guardian Building is. What is that building? it is the ugliest thing. Tt blocks the back of the Guardian. It may be the back of the Guardian but I would rather see that than that gold cube building
Top of pageBottom of page

Eric_w
Member
Username: Eric_w

Post Number: 74
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Though not a building the Hart Fountain looks terrible.
Top of pageBottom of page

56packman
Member
Username: 56packman

Post Number: 1166
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 7:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Although not downtown (due to the sprawl that has always existed in Detroit) the two HMO buildings on the boulevard at the lodge are as fugly as they come, the wellness plan and that other one. I would actually like to see them covered over with neo-classic drive-it facades. also that round apartment building near WSU on the east side of woodward, the baby-shit brown one with the pods that radiate out at the top.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 2623
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cathedral Tower (the one east of Wayne) that Packman mentions is ugly but still distinctive and interesting. I think when you combine bad materials with a plain design and bad proportions, then you get an ugly. The design for that particular building is actually a little redeeming.

The parking garage next to the Buhl along Larned is atrocious and out of place.
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_remix
Member
Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 95
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the old cobo hall. that ugly ass orange brick wall facing the detroit river needs to be a free- for-all that wanna sell fugly ass bricks
Top of pageBottom of page

Johnlodge
Member
Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 303
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have to second Cobo for ugliest building. It looks like crap from the river. And the inside is abosolutely void of any interesting features.
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_remix
Member
Username: Downtown_remix

Post Number: 96
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the old cobo hall. that ugly ass orange brick wall facing the detroit river We can get area scalpers to tear that stank monster down for the free bricks
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 444
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"The Frank Murphy Hall of Justice is nothing to write home about. Frank would be disappointed."

I was going to mention it, but didn't seeing as it's a court hall. However, it is a hideous building to see if you're commuting in and out of downtown on Gratiot.
Top of pageBottom of page

1805
Member
Username: 1805

Post Number: 37
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was on the eve of initiating the exact thread!

Millender Center really is abominable. In fact, it's my least favorite; especially for that site. I could say the building would be less atrocious if only they quit construction after the first section between Jefferson and Larned. That extension that hangs over Larned does a good job breaking up that part of downtown.

(Message edited by 1805 on March 28, 2007)
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 445
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is a spin-off thread from the ugliest Midtown structures on the WSU library demolition thread.
Top of pageBottom of page

French777
Member
Username: French777

Post Number: 125
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

First of all how is the REN CEN ugly?? maybe the interior...

second how is the compuware ugly

the Earnst and Young building I think is just fine.
Top of pageBottom of page

Docmo
Member
Username: Docmo

Post Number: 260
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The little buildings which house the stairways to the underground parking in GCP. Those structures are 50's butt ugly and very uninviting to those who dare park underground. Homeless people routinely crap behind these structures. Ugh!
Top of pageBottom of page

1805
Member
Username: 1805

Post Number: 38
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I may be in the minority, but I rather like Frank Murphy and McNamara. I appreciate the concrete exterior theme with governmental buildings.
Top of pageBottom of page

Designerguy24
Member
Username: Designerguy24

Post Number: 53
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Colman a Young Building is butt ass ugly
Top of pageBottom of page

Burnsie
Member
Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 925
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Colman a Young Building is butt ass ugly"

How?
Top of pageBottom of page

Scs100
Member
Username: Scs100

Post Number: 658
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 9:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Millender Center for me. Close in second would be Cobo.
Top of pageBottom of page

Tompage
Member
Username: Tompage

Post Number: 13
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 9:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

#1 for butt ugly: McNamara Building; #2: Joe Louis Arena
Top of pageBottom of page

Neilr
Member
Username: Neilr

Post Number: 477
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When the Guardian Building was built, there was a row of existing several story high structures that blocked the lower floors of the rear of the Guardian Building. Those floors were on the back of the building, facing the alley. They were not intended to be seen from Woodward. Some years later, the low rise buildings on Woodward were torn down, exposing the alley side of the Guardian to very public view. That then became the unintended main face of the Guardian.

The low dark glass building fronting on Woodward, with its alternating bands of reflective windows was first occupied by a high end commercial design firm, Contract Interiors. Part of the reason for its being on that site, IIRC, was to restore a cover for the alley side of the lower floors of the Guardian Building.

In recent years, it has been sadly undermaintained. I remember it being a small jewel box of a building with sparklingly clean bands of windows that set off the Guarding Building which looms above it.
Top of pageBottom of page

Psip
Member
Username: Psip

Post Number: 1690
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Neilr, here is a discussion we had about that building in Jan of 2006

https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/62684/62035.html
Top of pageBottom of page

Neilr
Member
Username: Neilr

Post Number: 478
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks, Psip, for the link. I was heartened to find out that I'm not the only who likes that building. I especially enjoyed reading 3rdworldcity's post #174.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 2626
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

People can talk about whatever the hell they want. This is alot better than some of the inflammatory bullshit that comes up from time to time. If we were a group of people sitting around face-to-face, who's to say we wouldn't talk about this topic.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mike
Member
Username: Mike

Post Number: 880
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

JLA, then Cobo.
Top of pageBottom of page

Sharmaal
Member
Username: Sharmaal

Post Number: 1049
Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Frank Murphy by far. Well, maybe the Cheese Grater.
Top of pageBottom of page

Iddude313
Member
Username: Iddude313

Post Number: 53
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:12 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

this may not count but what about the Detroit/Windsor tunnel building in boring conservative beige!
Blech!
Top of pageBottom of page

Mayor_sekou
Member
Username: Mayor_sekou

Post Number: 634
Registered: 09-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I guess if CL isn't whining about Ann Arbor or crime he has nothing to talk about.

Cobo is the worst structure in the city for a lot of reasons along with every garage downtown but the DTE building and its twin takes the cake as the ugliest buildings in the city.
Top of pageBottom of page

7even
Member
Username: 7even

Post Number: 137
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cadillac Tower should be on the list. The one side is bare, I know there used to be a building there. Also it looks like the top 7 or so floors should be cut off and put on the ground. http://www.soulfuldetroit.com/ images/cadillacTower.jpg
Top of pageBottom of page

Dnvn522
Member
Username: Dnvn522

Post Number: 214
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 6:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

maybe the Cheese Grater.



Definitely! Bank One Building. Hands down, the ugliest building.
Top of pageBottom of page

Goat
Member
Username: Goat

Post Number: 9315
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 8:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

CAY building! Damn thing looks like it is ready to fall apart. With the reflective glass miss-matched (I know that some have been replaced and cannot match the existing colour)and the run down look it is a very bland and boring building.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fastcarsfreedom
Member
Username: Fastcarsfreedom

Post Number: 165
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Look past the ends of your noses. This is the very attitude that led us to destroy era-after-era of architecture that fell out of style and was deemed to be ugly. Why do you think treasures such as the old B-C lobby and the Michigan Theater were converted? All in the name of progress, to erase styles which were out-of-vogue. While mish-mash buildings like Cobo, which has been "partially" renovated too many times have lost their original design heritage--the "cheese grater" is actually a great example of the modernist style popular when it was erected. Someone here referred to it as the "Bank One" building--surprisingly as it belonged to them relatively briefly. For purists it's the "NBD" building, otherwise, it's Chase.
Top of pageBottom of page

Quozl
Member
Username: Quozl

Post Number: 367
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I personally think this is the ugliest "structure" in Downtown Detroit.





The Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza takes a close second IMHO.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lowell
Board Administrator
Username: Lowell

Post Number: 3755
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am surprised that no one has yet mentioned the "Abomination on Grand Blvd." - the State of Michigan Building that was 'improved' to make it look contemporary.

State of Michigan Building Woodward E. Grand Blvd.
Top of pageBottom of page

Jonnyfive
Member
Username: Jonnyfive

Post Number: 33
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The fist and the fountain? Couldn't disagree more.
Top of pageBottom of page

Defendbrooklyn
Member
Username: Defendbrooklyn

Post Number: 94
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:38 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I love the iron fist...

Quozl,
you are crazy!
Top of pageBottom of page

Kronprinz
Member
Username: Kronprinz

Post Number: 211
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:48 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree with Quozl, it's ugly and divisive
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1218
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No doubt, absolute winner is:

The Days Inn on E. Jefferson next to CVS.

I don't know who in the City is responsible for letting this monstrosity be built, but they should be shot. Or drowned in the "Indoor Waterfall."

I've no recent picture, and the best I could find was on local.live.com but it's a few years old. For those not in the know...they have taken a vintage (horrible and should have been torn down) 60's motel and, using Stone, Brick, Glass Block (am I missing anything here guys), built a pdeudo-hunting lodge slash suburban castle nightmare with seemingly no oversight by any building authority in terms of scale, signage or construction quality (take a look sometime at the brick...you'll throw up).

Here's the old motel from the air. Imaging the materials I mentioned, plus a huge roof over that pool enclosing the courtyard, with a covered entrance.


d


Anyone have photo's of this abortion? I'll try to take pics tonight on my way home. Check back here for photo's people...you won't want to miss this...
Top of pageBottom of page

Dnvn522
Member
Username: Dnvn522

Post Number: 217
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

-the "cheese grater" is actually a great example of the modernist style popular when it was erected.

It's still butt ugly IMO.
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1219
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Photo of some progress (it's further along now) from Model D.


d


Imagine more brick, stone and glass block. Imagine LARGE signs that read, "Indoor Pool," "Indoor Waterfall," "We let the contractor go crazy and he lives in Macomb County."
Imagine shooting yourself in the face.

Link: http://www.modeldmedia.com/developmentnews/daysinn48.aspx
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1220
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I disagree with NBD/BankOne/Chase building. It's an exceptional example of modernistic architecture...the lobby is breathtaking and the materials and attention to detail in the design is really good. I like the signage that chase has put up...and the building is maintained well.

Now, compare it to my Days Inn submission above. No contest, right?
Top of pageBottom of page

Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 562
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:25 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The City County building and that old rusty walkway over the Lodge to JLA.
Top of pageBottom of page

1805
Member
Username: 1805

Post Number: 39
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ditto regarding the abomination on the Blvd, Lowell.

I'm personally not a fan of CAY either. Ideally speaking, if they could just demolish CAY, Millender Center (replace both with redesigned incarnations), Comerica's second garage on Randolph, redesign the base color scheme of 150 W Jefferson (Salmon?) and add a more welcoming entrance, replace Cobo's lettering (I like Cobo) with something backlit instead of big red letters, bulldoze Ford Auditorium and replace it with a state-of-the-art amphitheatre, and tear off the whitewashed siding from the tunnel building to expose the brick... Jefferson Ave would be stylin'.
Top of pageBottom of page

Swingline
Member
Username: Swingline

Post Number: 763
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lowell got it right. The 1970's ribbon window cladding of the previously handsome Albert Kahn designed office building on Woodward at the Blvd is an abomination. The building is far worse in person than in Lowell's picture. The materials have always looked cheap and the redesign eliminated a proper sidewalk entrance. The building now evokes all the charm of a KGB headquarters building. One wonders if some architecture or construction firm ever proudly listed the redesign as one of its completed projects. Ugh.
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1222
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

About the abomination on the Blvd...I don't think that is at all reversable. I've been in it a few times and I think they removed the exterior and replaced, totally, with that new skin. It's not merely slapped on top of the old one.

I agree that this is an abomination, the interior including the lobby and elevators is so cool it leaved you wondering what the exterior used to look like.

But come one people...I beg of you...and maybe some solidarity will help me the next time I drive past it (usually cringing and grinding teeth), but can't you reconsider the Day's Inn?

I don't know what I'm trying to accomplish here...not like the city would change its mind and say "tear that shit down," but it's in my hood and I have to look at it way too much. It's embarrassing bringing friends over to know they will drive past that. All pumped up talk and description to out-of-towners of Detroit's rebirth and growth is totally smashed when you see that pile of used diapers.
Top of pageBottom of page

Blort
Member
Username: Blort

Post Number: 103
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Comerica Park is pretty ugly. The half-assed that one.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fareastsider
Member
Username: Fareastsider

Post Number: 290
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:48 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Millender Center is the epitome of 80s design! and the reskinned building of the Boulevard is just pathetic. Did our taxes pay for that?
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 1149
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the McNamara Building.
Top of pageBottom of page

Jonnyfive
Member
Username: Jonnyfive

Post Number: 34
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I might consider One Kennedy Square a pretty hideous creation... but the one I hate the most is One Woodward Avenue.
Top of pageBottom of page

Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok

Post Number: 3963
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, several people did mention the McNamara Building, but I don't think it is as bad as a few others.

The worst offenders are IMHO the ones that took an older building, and "modernized" it. Several have already been mentioned. The Boulevard Building (butt ugly), the blue glazed tile County Building on Bagley (wonder what it used to look like before modernization ruined it).

And there are 2 other buildings that were very beautiful before they were bastardized in the mid 20th century to their current looks...

The United Artists Building. Ever notice that the 4 sides of the building don't even match? And the first 3 floors used to have detailed Corinthian columns, with beautifully detailed arches above the 3rd floor, now it's dark gray unadorned stone, no columns, no arches.

The former Michigan Mutual Building on W. Adams on GCP (tallest building on the block). It used to be the Stroh's HQ, and the top was a wonder to behold, with 4 slender Baroque corner pavilions that look like they belonged on a wedding cake, along with other roof top ornamentation. Well look at it today, the top appears quite awkward, and ends abruptly.

I also agree to the ugly parking deck next to the Buhl Building.

And then there is that building over in the sea of parking lots near W. Adams. Is it a parking deck converted to a building, or a building stripped of an exterior? It is also butt ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc

Post Number: 2261
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

McNamara Building (God, I hated working in that disaster) and BCBS, hands-down. The cheese grater is an excellent example of modernism. I'm not a fan of the style, but it's a great example.
Top of pageBottom of page

Ray1936
Member
Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 1275
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Not quite downtown, but the ugliest building in all Detroit is Wayne State's Old Main.

You may now jump all over me.
Top of pageBottom of page

1805
Member
Username: 1805

Post Number: 44
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, Old Main's remodeled interior is horrendous -- as well as the boxy addition.
Top of pageBottom of page

3rdworldcity
Member
Username: 3rdworldcity

Post Number: 584
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Could I be that beauty is in fact in the eye of the beholder?
Top of pageBottom of page

Stecks77
Member
Username: Stecks77

Post Number: 300
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Penobscot is a jumbled mess of unorganized blocks with a bland grey exterior that screams boring!
Top of pageBottom of page

Matt_the_deuce
Member
Username: Matt_the_deuce

Post Number: 721
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This whole thread proves that yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and also that everyone is a critic.

I think most of you are not liking the "Styles" of these buildings which is your own personal taste. I would say let's raise the bar (or lower it in this case!) and truly pic buildings that are ugly with no merit whatsoever - in other words, ones that transcend style, soaring to new lows!

Monstrosity on the Boulevard fits this criterium I think (at least the outer appearance)

Detroit does fairly well I'd say compared to even some older cities. Half of midtown New York has some of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen - drab boxes built in the 60's and 70's that only go unnoticed because of all the great buildings around them. Per capita, Detroit does surprisingly well.
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1223
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Matt-the-deuce...nicely put and I agree with you.

My most hated submission, the Day's Inn, and one I haven't gotten anyone else to agree too (grrr), is architectural blasphemy. Poor planning, no oversight, horrible quality...and since it's under construction, a horrible representation of the city and its "rebirth." (IE. If this is a rebirth...who needs it? Scared of it.)
Top of pageBottom of page

Mikem
Member
Username: Mikem

Post Number: 3230
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm trying to picture the Road Commission building on Bagley which Psip mentions. Would this be the one?


Rockwell Automotive HQ
Top of pageBottom of page

Dnvn522
Member
Username: Dnvn522

Post Number: 222
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

The cheese grater is an excellent example of modernism. I'm not a fan of the style, but it's a great example.

That may be. Then it's definitely an ugly style. ;)
Top of pageBottom of page

Psip
Member
Username: Psip

Post Number: 1696
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thats it MikeM. Thanks.
Something about that building gives me the willies.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mikem
Member
Username: Mikem

Post Number: 3231
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Come on man, where's the love for the cheese grater? It was the late 1950s, everyone was tired of dirty, gray buildings from their parents generation. We were a new superpower. Life was good. Thunderbirds and Corvettes. My grandmother walked the streets in the heat of summer in a skirt down to her ankles and a collar up to her chin. Now it's mini-skirt time. Jet airplanes. We're going to the moon! Who wants to build another Buhl or Penobscot?







Top of pageBottom of page

Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok

Post Number: 3971
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Some of you have included in your ugly list... WSU's Old Main... Yamasaki's One Woodward Ave., and Penobscot Building....

May I recommend an ophthalmologist? :-)
Top of pageBottom of page

Scs100
Member
Username: Scs100

Post Number: 660
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I will definitely second Gistok's suggestion. :-)
Top of pageBottom of page

Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc

Post Number: 2263
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Penobscot = perhaps Detroit's finest Art Deco building

Although after looking at a Yamasaki building, an ophthamologist isn't a half-bad idea.
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1224
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Add another agreement...I "Third" that suggestion.
Top of pageBottom of page

The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock

Post Number: 1662
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WOW-lots of ugly buildings in this town according to all these posts. Was the AIA justified in skipping over Detroit in naming its "top 150 structures"?
Top of pageBottom of page

Dnvn522
Member
Username: Dnvn522

Post Number: 223
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Come on man, where's the love for the cheese grater?

LOL! The same place as everyone else's love for the city building.
Top of pageBottom of page

Matt_the_deuce
Member
Username: Matt_the_deuce

Post Number: 723
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I like the city building - nice vertical lines, lots of glass (not tinted brown), nice clean white marble, good massing/proportion - efficient design. Our little UN building.
Top of pageBottom of page

Stecks77
Member
Username: Stecks77

Post Number: 303
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Agreed Rock.

This is a ridiculously stupid thread. Especially when the depth of conversation is just as limited as a 4 year old telling his mom why he likes chocolate over vanilla.

And for the record I'm a big fan of the Penobscot so disregard my prior troll message.

(Message edited by stecks77 on March 29, 2007)
Top of pageBottom of page

Sumotect
Member
Username: Sumotect

Post Number: 269
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not that good of a critic because I tend to like most all buildings, because I know what goes in to making them. I like many buildings that some people hate. I can usually see what someone was trying to do and I generally cut them some slack. Many ugly buildings can grow on you over time, like a funny looking kid or an ugly dog. You need bad buildings to let you know how good the good ones really are.

But I have to preface that with saying there are several buildings that I absolutely despise. One is that mixed use thing on Wayne’s campus just south of the Cass Café. It is where WDET is now. Ever notice that DET went down the tubes shortly after they moved into that POS. Nothing says “I want to be in Bingham Farms” quite like that scale-less, monotone monstrosity.

I used to work for the firm that did it. And luckily I was gone long before that turd came into the office. Thank god that firm is out of business now.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fastcarsfreedom
Member
Username: Fastcarsfreedom

Post Number: 166
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Imagine how BLAND Woodward would be without Yamasaki's MichCon building and the Cheese Grater. Mikem said it best--those buildings scream out from their era, and it's a beautiful scream--love modernism, downtown would be boring without it.

(Message edited by fastcarsfreedom on March 29, 2007)
Top of pageBottom of page

Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn

Post Number: 1225
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I disagree...I love this thread. Ugly architecture is a passion of mine, just under great architecture. Hahahha.

For a long time, one of the biggest travesties I've been screaming about is the Au Bon Pain in Campus Martius. Not that it's so ugly, but its location. Driving down Woodward, what is the visitor confronted with? Great architecture befitting a great American City? No...a 1 story, grey cinder-block, strip-mall-like building.

You'd never see that in Millenium park in Chicago.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 446
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 5:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey, my thread has 85 posts, so it can't be too pointless you trolls.
Top of pageBottom of page

Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc

Post Number: 2264
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 5:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Quinn, if you like bad design, you'll enjoy this site:

www.notfoolinganybody.com
Top of pageBottom of page

Stecks77
Member
Username: Stecks77

Post Number: 307
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 5:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Urbanize: Don't get me wrong, you had good intentions.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 447
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 5:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wasn't trying to make it a offensive thread, just a thread where people list their opinions on odd, kinda misplaced buildings in Downtown.
Top of pageBottom of page

Stecks77
Member
Username: Stecks77

Post Number: 308
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 5:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Its not offensive, just frustrating.
Top of pageBottom of page

Sumotect
Member
Username: Sumotect

Post Number: 270
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 6:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I will second that comment about Au Bon Pain if ever there was a site that called out for a building with a little “presence” to it, that would be the place. That building would never happen in Chicago or New York.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 470
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

bump
Top of pageBottom of page

Jjw
Member
Username: Jjw

Post Number: 282
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i vote cobo--it is a big block of cement.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 475
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yes, COBO is very ugly also. What does it stand for anyway? The name even sounds ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Eric
Member
Username: Eric

Post Number: 739
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What does it stand for? Nothing, it's named for Albert Cobo the mayor from 1950-1957
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 476
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 8:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Uhhhh, still is one heck of a last name to get stuck with.
Top of pageBottom of page

Masterblaster
Member
Username: Masterblaster

Post Number: 22
Registered: 03-2005
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 11:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ugliest - The Trolley plaza

Also,
1. the Bricktown parking garage
2. The parking garage across the street from the federal courthouse
3. The parking garage next to the National Theatre on Monroe
4. The one-story credit union with attached parking lot across the street from Channel 4
Top of pageBottom of page

Charlottepaul
Member
Username: Charlottepaul

Post Number: 730
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 12:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The black DTE building downtown has to be up there near one of the ugliest!
Top of pageBottom of page

Spitcoff
Member
Username: Spitcoff

Post Number: 96
Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 12:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the projects just north of 94 and 75 I hate looking at them every time I go downtown
Top of pageBottom of page

Bulletmagnet
Member
Username: Bulletmagnet

Post Number: 169
Registered: 01-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 2:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree with Quozl. Lets fist the "Fist"
Top of pageBottom of page

Johnlodge
Member
Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 323
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 2:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Haha I see why some find this thread frustrating. Get rid of the Fist??? It's so bizarre and unique, even if you don't think it's great looking, you have to admit it adds a lot of character.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup

Post Number: 1963
Registered: 06-2004
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 3:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Riverfront condos - hate 'em - ship 'em back to Russia
Top of pageBottom of page

Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw

Post Number: 6222
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 4:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sigh...

quote:

CAY building!... it is a very bland and boring building.



I disagree with the negative statements about the CAY building. It is a wonderful example of late 1950's architecture. You want to talk ugly? Head down Michigan Ave. towards the federal buildings...
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 482
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 4:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Those buildings along Park Ave. (Park Apts. and that building on the other side from Hotel Park Ave. behind the FOX) are both ugly, Pre-WWII ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Milwaukee
Member
Username: Milwaukee

Post Number: 1112
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 4:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Joe Louis Arena
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 484
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 4:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Parking Garage builing is too and even the Fil Exchange building to an extent. The old Paring garage is what Ilitch needs to be demolishing.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 485
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 4:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Parking Garage builing on Clifford is too and even the Film Exchange building to an extent. The old Paring garage is what Ilitch needs to be demolishing.
Top of pageBottom of page

Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main

Post Number: 1194
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 5:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My say on the fugliest buildings would be these 3

Trolley Plaza
Joe Louis Arena
McNamara Building
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 489
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 5:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I actually don't think Trolley plaza is ugly. It's bearable compared to some other buildings along Washington.
Top of pageBottom of page

Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main

Post Number: 1198
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 6:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Urbanize...It just has that blah look. Nothing flashy No glitz. There are a lot of buildings that. I put in this category. What other buildings on Washington don't you like? I'm curious.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 491
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 6:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

COBO HALL! Also, the building at the corner of Michigan isn't all that pretty either.
Top of pageBottom of page

Broken_main
Member
Username: Broken_main

Post Number: 1199
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 6:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cobo Hall is ugly as well. Which one on Michigan are you referring to?
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 494
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 6:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The one on the NW corner.
Top of pageBottom of page

Young_detroiter
Member
Username: Young_detroiter

Post Number: 185
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 12:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS:

COMERICA TOWER - The tower would look a lot better if adorned by anything other than cathedral-like spires.

REN CEN - The four satellite towers would look extremely better is they all resembled the central, core tower and the other two that are offset.

THE JEFFERSONIAN (Apartment tower) - The name may not be popular, but the ugly heap of mess has to be a sore to every eye. This building sits on the southwest side of Jefferson Ave. between Downtown and Belle Isle.

MILLENDER CENTER (apartments) - Something went wrong with this complex - Oh, yeah...it was actually built.

CHENE PARK AMPHITHEATRE - Chene Park's tent-like roof irks me. What's more disturbing is that the rooftop has become a potential trend-setter.
Throughout our CBD will be enormous tents.

PARKING GARAGES - (particularly along the riverfront) 10-story parking garages should never decorate the riverfront, even if they do have first floor retail.
Top of pageBottom of page

Urbanize
Member
Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 508
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 1:04 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh wow Young Detroiter, I was thinkin about Comerica Tower and the Jeffersonian also. They are VERY ugly.
Top of pageBottom of page

Island
Member
Username: Island

Post Number: 35
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 1:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I vote for that building with the plywood covering the door and windows, with all the great spray- painted stuff...I forget the name...

Add Your Message Here
Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.