An Architectural Walking Tour of Detroit: Riverfront & Monument to Underground Railroad

October 18, 2008 started with a delicious breakfast at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel following which I met Bob Goldsmith from Detroit Tour Connections for an architectural walking tour of downtown Detroit. Detroit has a large collection of early 20th century architecture, and the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel itself is one of the most stunning examples of architectural restoration. After many years of abandonment and decay, this 1924 Art Deco stunner was recently renovated at a cost of over $200 million.

Bob and I walked south on Washington Avenue and admired the 1923 Lafayette Building, the 1928 Penobscot Building, the Federal Court Building and the Detroit Free Press Building. A short walk away is the stunning Guardian Building, a 1925 Art Deco jewel with extensive Aztec-style decorations that used to be called the Cathedral of Finance. This building quickly became my Detroit favourite.

Further south we explored Hart Plaza, Detroits Civic Centre which features several interesting sculptures. The waterfront right next to it is highlighted by the Gateway to Freedom, an impressive sculpture commemorating the Underground Railroad that was dedicated in 2001. Back up in the city we admired Campus Martius Park, a recently redesigned outdoor gathering place for many Detroiters.

After a brief peek into the Art Deco-era David Stott Building we headed back to Washington Boulevard and took in the Kales Building, the David Broderick Tower and the David Whitney Building. This area, also referred to as skyscraper graveyard, was also home to the renowned Statler Hotel and the Hotel Tuller, both now demolished.

Our architectural walking tour concluded with a visit to Detroits Eastern Market which was hustling and bustling on this Saturday morning.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• USA
• Michigan
• Detroit
• Belle
• Isle
• Fisher
• Building
• Eastern
• Market
• Heidelberg
• Project
• Central
• Depot
• Book
• Cadillac

[lovelifetodeath]

I am so glad that riverfront has monoments now, and I am sure they can add more monuments. I am sure there are other postives things that happen in our past of detroit that people should no about ; to let the youth know how lucky they are now. I really think it a wonderful thing. That was my hang out spot from the age of 13 to about thirty in the summer times with my friends or my boyfriends back in the day ; I really love it so much and i know that i'll even love it more now, wheelchair now.

[travelandtransitions]

@lovelifetodeath: Thank you for your great comments. Detroit certainly has had a hard time, but during my time there I met many people that are trying to make things happen and improve the city. Sounds like you are able to appreciate the positives that have happened. It was great to hear from you.

[awoosoul]

It's very hard to have a feel-good story with all the cynics (who have never been to Detroit or Windsor) making wise-cracks trying to sound humorous. It might be an idea to actually experience something before spewing nonsense.

[hardyboyzrko]

One thing I notice in all these videos is a lack of people presence, where the fck is everyone ?

[lovelifetodeath]

I AM JUST CHECKING BACK MY LAPTOP BEEN DOWN FOR A W HILE ,SUMMER GOING PRETTY FAST FOR ME.GOING FAST AND I STILL HAVE NOT MADE IT DOWN TO THE RIVER FRONT; BETWEEN MY PAIN & MY WHEEL CHAIR & LAWYERS & DOCTORS. BUT I AM STILL GOING TO MAKE A WAY, SOME KIND OF WAY TO COME DOWNTOWN AND HAVE SOME FUN.

[Ukrainatrain]

just one bullet will suffice

[kdoewifey]

u are an idiot! dont come here if its a hell hole stupid muthafucka

[davidluk8]

I like her voice. Who is she ?

[dvnwnd07]

So how many clips of ammunition should I carry when in Detroit?

What a hell hole