It's winter here, but that's just more reason to celebrate MOTOWN, USA!
(all photos property of The-New-Tony-Detroit, skyscraperpage.com)

This pic is better with green-topped trees. The building in the distance on the far right is on the Detroit Riverfront.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit1_jpg.jpg

Lafayette Avenue
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit48_jpg.jpg

The new Ren Cen riverfront!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit13_jpg.jpg

The top floors of 1001 Woodward here, are being constructed into condominiums.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit50_jpg.jpg

Mass at Holy Redeemer is in Spanish. It's fun to sing the hyms there. ;)
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit51_jpg.jpg

Ahh, the affectionately named, Guardian Building.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit15_jpg.jpg

See the guards on the sides of the Guardian Building?
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit16_jpg.jpg

With the Buhl Building
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit17_jpg.jpg

The first Penobscot Building, circa 1917.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit18_jpg.jpg

A variety of architecture.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit21_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit52_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit22_jpg.jpg

...the trumpets sound..."GUARDIAN!"
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit20_jpg.jpg

Getonthetrain!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit24_jpg.jpg

...or park your beater.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit54_jpg.jpg

Love your religion
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit53_jpg.jpg

Join the crowd.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit25_jpg.jpg

Or go alone
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit27_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit86_jpg.jpg

David Stott
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit56_jpg.jpg

Woodward Fountain (brand new)...shoots water 100 feet during the warm months.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit28_jpg.jpg

Coney Island, a Detroit tradition.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit57_jpg.jpg

Talk about attention whore!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit58_jpg.jpg

The Family Guy
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit59_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit60_jpg.jpg

Pillaz
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit29_jpg.jpg

The chain of command.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit61_jpg.jpg

Reflections of...the way life use to be!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit63_jpg.jpg

Suburban Troy and the Auburn Hills of Oakland County. The skyline is at Big Beaver Road, also known as 16 Mile. This pic was taken at approximately 2 Mile Road.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit3_jpg.jpg

Suburban Southfield is Michigan's second tallest skyline. It rests at 10 Mile Road west of Troy.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit5_jpg.jpg

But we belong downtown!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit30_jpg.jpg

Where the suburbs can't compete
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit31_jpg.jpg

Congress
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit33_jpg.jpg

and the Spirit of Detroit
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit34_jpg.jpg

The LIVING spirits of Detroit
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit35_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit66_jpg.jpg

Cobo Arena on the riverfront
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit67_jpg.jpg

International companion
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit68_jpg.jpg

Next stop: Neighborhood of Makebelieve!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit69_jpg.jpg

but the Fisher Building is all too real.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit4_jpg.jpg

Industrial Downriver.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit70_jpg.jpg

The Fyfe Building at Grand Circus Park
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit40_jpg.jpg

is across the street from this church.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit41_jpg.jpg

Remember the Guardian Building? This is from her 32nd floor!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit71_jpg.jpg

as is this
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit72_jpg.jpg

Historic Brush Park is under a housing building boom.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit42_jpg.jpg

Old Main, off to the right.
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit43_jpg.jpg

Good evening, Detroit
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit46_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit7_jpg.jpg

Renaissanc Center, General Motors
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/rencen%20pano_jpg.jpg

Old skyscrapers
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit73_jpg.jpg

Book Tower beauty!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit74_jpg.jpg

I am Detroit
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit77_jpg.jpg

Is your city on the map?
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit76_jpg.jpg

Overpass
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit84_jpg.jpg

Approaching from the southSIDE!
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit85_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit87_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit88_jpg.jpg

And GOODNIGHT FROM MIDTOWN DETROIT! Thanks for visiting...
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit%20night1_jpg.jpg

...and leave a comment or two!

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/detroit42_jpg.jpg

I love that picture, look at all those amazing buildings. Much love for Detroit.

I hope Detroit can pull it out.

Absolutely loved those pictures. What a great example of how quality shots can show off your city. I'm really pulling for Detroit. It is still in the middle of a really bad streak, but the fact is, you cannot replicate in other cities what Detroit already has on the ground. I'm hoping the later part of this decade brings Detroit a little luck and investment.

Great pics, and what a hell of an entrance.

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/rencen%20pano_jpg.jpg

best detroit thread ever.

Loved the pictures, they were really quite amazing. Detroit is beautiful!

Graet pics, and what a hell of an entrance.

That's actually the backdoor.

Yah, GM did a really nice job with the Wintergarden and the riverfront prominade. The front enterance is the pic that says "GENERAL" at night time. :)

Lovely shots, Detroit looks like an exciting place, you've done well by your city with these pics.

Yes Detriot is quite amazing I would love for it to make a full comeback.

Beautiful.

Thanks for the collection Michi! Good time going through 'em all. Saw the pic of the orange scarf woman and even before I saw your caption thought "damn who does she think she is"..... funny.

What's wrong with this thread being in the "United States" forum?

People on this board don't like seeing the good aspects of Detroit.

nice pictures , im rooting for detroit to make a great comeback

Thanks, cdaddy. I am too! :)

Good pics. I really don't like the "gothic" feel to Detroit though.

Excellent photographs taken from some unique and interesting angles. The Guardian Building is lovely.

That General Motors building is awesome. Detroit is lookin' good!

Some of the best photos of Detroit I've ever seen, with some unique angles too. When did you get so damn artistic Eric? ;)

Thanks for giving us a veiw of some of the best classic architecture around. You might just make me a Detroit fan yet!

BTW, what kind of camera do you use, most of those photos seem very high quality.

Hey Ryan, I thought you already were a Detroit fan...I mean, since you're such a Grand Rapids nut. I know a little of your style, and I have a feeling you'd feel the connection to Detroit.

Again, these aren't my photos. They're my friend Tony's. He's The-New-Tony-Detroit on SSP and posted these over there. We go out taking pictures a lot, so he always lets me post them over here. His website will be coming back up shortly as he's been working diligently on it lately.

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com

He has an Olympus 3.1 megapixel, 10 x optical zoom...I think...I'm not a camera sensei whatsoever. ;)

Detroits architecture is simply amazingly beautiful, up there with New York and Chicago, im surprised they dont make millions of it each year doing tours, that should help bring the city back on its feet.

Amazing photos!

There are tours offered of the central city through a group called Preservation Wayne (http://www.preservationwayne.org/) but it is no where near profitable enough to "bring the city back on its feet".

BTW, here is GM's front door:

http://www.detroitriverfront.org/img_content/DRC/BK16PID183_large.jpg

http://www.detroitriverfront.org/img_content/DRC/BK16PID184_large.jpg

Breathtaking! Tony never ceases to amaze with all the pictures of Detroit he gets! This is during the WINTER time as well. It's awesome as is the city! Now the RenCen looks good! It looked really horrid without all the renovations. Downtown Detroit's architecture and history is spectacular, although it lost two gems this in the Statler-Hilton hotel and Madison-Lenox (I will have a murder warrant out for Ilitch, when I find his address and phone number).

Tony may be the greatest Detroit enthusiast of all! I may be the Canadian equivalent, lol!

Thanks for showing all those pictures, Michi! Now everyone may discover why Detroit has become my favorite close-by (local) large city.

Detroit blows my mind! Great pics!

someone needs to get a pic or two from wayne state university.

^go to tony's website

From Tony's site:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/fs_img/builder/builder69/photo_2.jpg

Dude, I took a picture exactly like that from my old house, light pole, trees and all!

someone needs to get a pic or two from wayne state university.
Here's a picture OF Wayne State from my apartment. My windows face the west:
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/wsu2.jpg
The big, orange brick building is called Old Main and was originally Detroit Central High School.

And here are photos from Wayne:
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/DMI72.jpg
The Preschool Campus! ;)

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/DMI71.jpg

Detroit is a very underrated city. Considering the fact that it was a world city.

I Actually dont think were underrated at all. Some people just dont get that a city is definetely more than a skyline. Detroit is quite universal. We just need to rid ourselves of these terrible stereotypes.

This was a kickass tour though. Great job! :cheers:

How is it not under-rated? It most certainly is. That's why when photos threads are posted even today we get the comments "oh, it's nicer than I thought" or "it doesn't look as bad as I thought it would." There is still a huge negative perception of the city. Some of it justified, but most of it not.

I want to say thanks to all those who had something pos to say about the city that I was born and raised in. It's nice to know that there are some peeps out there who can still see the beauty that Detroit still has.

Thanks.

^ you're welcome, and I'm a CANADIAN who likes Detroit, not that it matters or anything.

awesome pictures, detroit looks great!

I have to go this summer to detroit, and I want to visit the downtown, but I've heard that criminality is high and that the city is almost abandoned, but in these photos I see that it's not completely true.

¿What would be the most interesting thing I could do in downtown detroit in just one day -i don't have more time-? ¿is it safe? I'm sorry if these kind of questions annoy you, I'm basque and I've never been in the US, I'd just like to know if it's okay. I'm really interested in having a walk in detroit, since a relative lived there for a long time.

thanks.

Edit: In this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=361188&page=2&pp=20) in the spanish forum they talk about the urban decay of detroit, the way they talk about the city is quite scary: "detroit, america's black hole". I was really impressed with the photos of former michigan theatre, now a car parking place :?

great photos. how about some pictures of detroit's older neighborhoods? i understand that there is a rather active preservation movement in some of the old neighborhoods. does anyone have any pictures of some of the old houses in various states of restoration?

Klima, thanks for taking an interest in Detroit. I know it is difficult to come across positive news and factoids about Detroit because America loves to hate Detroit.

Quite truthfully, though, Detroit has been ranked as having one of the safest big city downtowns in all of America. There is very little violent crime in Downtown, Midtown, and New Center (Uptown). Statistics show everyday "big city crime" is average where your car might get broken into or a bum might harasse you, but those are precautions you take in any other city.

Also, downtown Detroit "LOOKS" unsafe in some instances because of the disinvestment it has suffered over the years. Don't let that distract you from exploring. Like I said, most all of downtown is just like anywhere else and is safe. The people are friendly, so if you need directions or help, they are always happy to assist.

If you visit, one thing you should NOT rely on is public transportation. We don't have it. You'll see buses, but for someone not familiar with them, they simply don't work.

Detroit can be scary, but so can everywhere else. Much of the crime in the city is domestic, which means it doesn't just randomly happen. It's usually conflicts between people who know each other. These incidents are usually in places that a visitor wouldn't go to anyway. Just like if you were to visit any other big city, why would you want to go tour around the bad neighborhoods?

If you do plan a trip, ask some questions here before you come. There is so much to see and do and learn about, that I'm sure if you get the right information, you will leave Detroit a much more educated and intrigued person.

Bungalowbuck, I don't have my photos of a lot of preservation homes on the internet right now, but check out the following photo thread at SSP.com by my friend Tony:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=109665
There's nothing to be scared of. Detroit is a wonderful city!! :)

Thank you very much Michi! the photo thread you linked is very interesting, Detroit really looks a city worth to visit.

Basically, I'd like know three things:

-which are the zones I should avoid -I will drive to Detroit from Ann Arbor-
-the most interesting zones and things i can see like museums, special buildings, streets with a special social atmosphere, etc.
-location of tourism office.

thanks very much, again.

Edit: I'm particularly interested in detroit history -economic, social, cultural, urban ...-, i really enjoy learning about the history of the places I visit.

There aren't any areas that you have to avoid. There are areas where you should take precaution, but even in the most blighted or poverty-stricken areas of the city your chances of becoming a victim of crime are still low. The only way to increase your chances of becoming a victim of crime is by involving yourself with drugs. People always equate abandoned houses with the "ghetto", but the reality is that Detroit's abandoned neighborhoods have some of the lowest crime rates in the city. Contrary to what suburbanites may tell you, you're not going to get shot just for walking down the street.

The majority of Detroit's attractions are along the Lower Woodward corridor in three designated districts: Downtown, Midtown, and New Center. All three districts (as well as surrounding areas) are in the midst of a renaissance not seen since the 1920's. All three districts are also relatively safe. Even the most blighted areas (Cass Park/Brush Park) are completely fine to walk around. Hell, in a few years Brush Park will be completely gentrified...

great photos. how about some pictures of detroit's older neighborhoods? i understand that there is a rather active preservation movement in some of the old neighborhoods. does anyone have any pictures of some of the old houses in various states of restoration?

Bungalow,

Check out this site:

http://www.detroitcity.8k.com/

Thank you very much Michi! the photo thread you linked is very interesting, Detroit really looks a city worth to visit.

Basically, I'd like know three things:

-which are the zones I should avoid -I will drive to Detroit from Ann Arbor-
-the most interesting zones and things i can see like museums, special buildings, streets with a special social atmosphere, etc.
-location of tourism office.

thanks very much, again.

Edit: I'm particularly interested in detroit history -economic, social, cultural, urban ...-, i really enjoy learning about the history of the places I visit.

1. As everyone else has said, the chances of being a victim of random crime are low anyway. Simply be streetsmart as you would in any big city. And, as Michi has alluded to, downtown/central Detroit is one of the safest big-city downtowns in the country.

2. Some attractions to considering visiting:
a. Detroit Institute of Arts (http://www.dia.org/)
b. Detroit Historical Museum (http://www.detroithistorical.org/)
c. Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village (http://www.hfmgv.org/)
d. Detroit Zoo (http://www.detroitzoo.org/)
e. Belle Isle Park (http://www.fobi.org/)
f. Windsor, ON (http://www.visitwindsor.com/main.htm)
g. And many more... http://www.visitdetroit.com/thingstodo/attractions/results.asp?cityname=Detroit

3. The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is located inside the 211 West Fort Building at 211 West Fort Street in downtown Detroit:

- http://www.visitdetroit.com/

Here's a map highlighting some of the core neighborhoods that you could check out:

http://www.downriverdetroit.net/greaterdowntown2.jpg

Boston-Edison and Arden Park are basically one continuous neighborhood of historic 20's-era mansions. Take a drive through these two neighborhoods to really get a feel of the wealth that existed in Detroit in the 20's.

The North End is a neighborhood with a large collection of beautiful middle-class homes. The neighborhood is in fair condition, though abandonment is a problem on several streets. The variety and condition of the housing deserves a quick tour.

New Center is the "secondary" downtown of Detroit. It's similar to New York's Midtown, though it never grew in size due to the Great Depression and subsequent suburban flight. Regardless there are several examples of great architecture in the neighborhood including the Fisher Building. The neighborhood also includes a district of beautiful single-family homes that are in great shape. Also, you can find a large collection of historic apartment buildings along Seward St. on the neighborhoods north end.

Originally known as New Amsterdam, Techtown has become a sort of technology incubator for Wayne State University and various other interests. It is seeing a great deal of renovations and new construction.

Milwaukee Junction is where you'll find a large collection of historic auto plants, so if you're interested in seeing some of Detroit's early history, take a cruise down Piquette St.

Woodbridge is a close-knit neighborhood of well-kept middle-class homes just west of Midtown. While other neighborhoods in the core saw a large amount of abandonment, Woodbridge remained relatively intact.

Midtown is Detroit's crown-jewel as far as urban-living goes. The neighborhood is very large and includes several smaller districts. Within the neighborhood you'll find a varied and unique collection of housing from victorian mansions in Brush Park and West Canfield to modern condos such as the Ellington and Woodward Place. You'll also find a large collection of loft conversions. The neighborhood is also home to many of Detroit's cultural attractions. You'll find the Arts Center (which includes the Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Historical Museum, African American History Museum, Detroit Science Center, Rackham Educational Center, as well as the Main Branch of the Detroit Library), Wayne State University (Michigan's third largest university), and the Detroit Medical Center (one of the nation's largest). While the neighborhood still has areas with high levels of poverty and abandonment, the city has been working on changing that. Currently the focus is on Brush Park, once a neighborhood for Detroit's wealthy elite, now an urban prairie dotted with abandoned mansions. In the last several years many of the mansions have been beautifully restored while infill has been popping up all over the neighborhood.

Eastern Market is the United State's largest open air market. On any given Saturday you'll find people from all across metro-Detroit browsing through the many shops and stalls that dot the neighborhood. Currently the neighborhood does not have a residential base, however with the creation of a private authority to oversee the market, the next several years will probably produce a plan to turn the neighborhood into a vibrant district seven days a week.

One of the only ethnic neighborhoods to remain within the city, Mexicantown is home to Detroit's most vibrant commercial strip. Vernor Hwy through this neighborhood is dotted with many mexican shops, bakeries, and restaurants and people from all over the region come to the neighborhood to enjoy authentic mexican dining. Whether or not you're into Mexican food, I highly suggest taking a drive along Vernor Hwy.

Hubbard Farms has a large collection of large historic homes and rowhouses. While touring the Mexicantown area, this is one area you should definitely check out.

St. Anne has a few mexican shops along Bagley and a few historic homes along the side streets, but the crown jewel of the neighborhood is St. Anne's Cathedral. It is home to the second-oldest Catholic parish in the United States (founded 1701). Check it out if you're in the area.

Corktown is Detroit's oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 1830's. Originally a neighborhood of Irish immigrants, today it is home to more than a few "hipsters". While the city destroyed much of the southern portion of the neighborhood (the area that is not shaded on the map) many of the homes that remain have been beautifully restored. The commercial district along Michigan Ave. is also seeing revitalization. And while the neighborhood is in the middle of a rebirth, ironically Detroit's largest symbol of urban decay, Michigan Central Station, stands to remind us how far we still have to go.

There's not much to explain about Downtown Detroit, except that you should explore every last square inch of the place. Founded in 1701, Detroit has more history than just about any other city outside the Northeast. While much of that history has been lost over the subsequent 300 years, the last five years has seen a turnaround that would stun even the most anti-Detroit critics. From Campus Martius, to Greektown, to the Riverfront, and beyond Downtown is moving ahead.

Lafayette Park is Detroit's biggest example of urban renewal. Basically the city tore down huge swathes of blighted neighborhoods in the 60's to create what many thought would be the next step in city design. Granted, modern urban design has since taken a different direction, but if you want to see a large collection of 60's era residential towers designed by several of the eras most prominent architects, check it out.

Rivertown was once a decently vibrant nightlife district that was wiped out when the former mayor was determined to build casinos in the neighborhood. Now that the casinos are being built elsewhere in the city the neighborhood is on the comeback. General Motors is currently developing land east of the Renaissance Center, while plans are in place to extend the riverwalk all the way to the Bell Isle bridge. Many of the historic warehouses are also being converted into loft apartments. Hopefully, in the next decade the neighborhood will be completely transformed.

Detroit's unofficial Gold Coast stretches along the riverfront between the Belle Isle Bridge and the Joseph Berry residential neighborhood. Along this stretch you'll find several large apartment buildings with views of Lake St. Clair, Belle Isle, and downtown Detroit.

Indian Village gets its name from the streets that run through the neighborhood. It is home to another large collection of historic mansions. This is a must-see neighborhood for visitors.

The West Village gets its name from being directly west of Indian Village. It is home to more modest homes as well as several apartment buildings and rowhouses. Like Woodbridge, the West Village was able to stave off much of the abandonment that hit the surrounding neighborhoods.

Joseph Berry is a smaller neighborhood along the riverfront with homes ranging in age from the late 1800's to the late 1990's. It is most famous for being home to the official residence of the mayor of Detroit. You should check it out when you visit Indian Village.

Yep, that's pretty comprehensive.

If you're downtown on any given evening, you might come across a concert or night time outdoor movie at Campus Martius Park in the heart of downtown.
http://campusmartiuspark.com/

This is easy walking distance to the riverfront and the GM Renaissance Center. It is highly recommended that you go in the Ren Cen, look for the elevator to the restaurant, Coach Insignia and take it to the bar on the top floor. From there, you get the highest observation point of the city at 73 floors and about 725 feet.

Be sure to get a bird's eye, self-guided tour of downtown by making a complete loop on the Detroit People Mover. There's arguably not a better way to experience downtown and acclimate yourself with your surroundings.
http://www.thepeoplemover.com

Also, a really nice resource is a website called mapdetroit.com. It is convenient, because there are electronic kiosks throughout downtown Detroit that are made strictly for this. I'm sure there is one at Compuware, Renaissance Center, Greektown Casino, among other places.
www.mapdetroit.com

Thank you very much Michi! the photo thread you linked is very interesting, Detroit really looks a city worth to visit.

Basically, I'd like know three things:

-which are the zones I should avoid -I will drive to Detroit from Ann Arbor-
-the most interesting zones and things i can see like museums, special buildings, streets with a special social atmosphere, etc.
-location of tourism office.

thanks very much, again.

Edit: I'm particularly interested in detroit history -economic, social, cultural, urban ...-, i really enjoy learning about the history of the places I visit.


I'm not even gonna go on the front where I tell people that there are no places where you don't have to worry about crime, because there is. The desolation that takes up the inner eastside and North Corktown are by no means danger zones, because they are empty shells where usually the only residents are the extremely poor who can't afford to get out, like the older bunch. ((BTW, heres a site where you can see the desolation, check the street tours) (http://hotfudgedetroit.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=5&sid=011d72eeba23de1b9f6bc37c27992f54) )

The most violent areas I would say, would be the areas adjacent to CAY Airport. East of the airport and west of the Pointes/Harper Woods (7 mile area) have been seeing a helluva lot of shootings. The Dexter-Linwood area does too. Those areas, I'm guessing are the shooting havens of Detroit. I'm not even saying those are "no-zones". Mind your business and you'll probably go unharmed.

wow, what a great work, thanks guys, i'm impressed. I think this information is already enough, I'll print it and study it, and then select. the museums look interesting as well as some of the neighbourhoods -milwakee junction, midtown ...-.

I think I'll take the risk ;), and I'll post some photos here as a way of thanking you for the work you did.

The most violent areas I would say, would be the areas adjacent to CAY Airport. East of the airport and west of the Pointes/Harper Woods (7 mile area) have been seeing a helluva lot of shootings. The Dexter-Linwood area does too. Those areas, I'm guessing are the shooting havens of Detroit. I'm not even saying those are "no-zones". Mind your business and you'll probably go unharmed.


These areas also happen to be the population centers of the city. The northeast side has the the highest density, so there is no doubt more crime occurs in that area. The same for the Dexter-Linwood area. The density is much higher in that area. But regardless, he's not going to be walking through any of the neighborhoods with a large concentration of gun violence. Chances are, the only places he'll be walking are downtown/midtown and the vicinity, and these areas have a much lower crime rate than the denser, outer neighborhoods.

BTW, if you do plan on walking around Downtown, be sure to park in the Greektown garage (assuming you're 21). You can validate your ticket inside the casino and not pay for your parking.

Iv been to Detroit around 50 times and have never been a victum of crime, only bad thing is the crack bums, theres been times where they have fallowed me for a few blocks asking for money but im not going to give it to someone with needlemarks all down their arms, thats not a big deal tho since i have never seen them hurt anyone but sometimes they grab you, if you really want to get a way you can because crackwhores cant run at all. They really need to do something about them as i see plently of people haveing a good time talking about how nice Detroit is but once a crack head comes up to them they talk about how Detroit is a getto.

Whats up with Mechanic street? i know theres alot of construction going on there but boy are there alot of dead birds.

I was in Detroit two summers ago and frankly I found Flint to be spookier than Detroit.

When I was on the people mover looking down some streets with the older high rises makes you feel like you're back in the 20s or 30s.

Best Detroit thread I've seen.

Im guessing flint has a higher unempolment rate higher then Detroit, thats what happens when your citys economy is dependant on one buisness.

Actually, their unemployment rates, as of late are very comparable:

2005

Detroit: 14.2%
Flint: 13.7%

These are city proper unemployment rates courtesy of http://recenter.tamu.edu/

The numbers are probably much higher than that, as that only includes those actively seeking employment. It doesn't include those who have never had a job or aren't looking.

Iv been to Detroit around 50 times and have never been a victum of crime, only bad thing is the crack bums, theres been times where they have fallowed me for a few blocks asking for money but im not going to give it to someone with needlemarks all down their arms, thats not a big deal tho since i have never seen them hurt anyone but sometimes they grab you, if you really want to get a way you can because crackwhores cant run at all. They really need to do something about them as i see plently of people haveing a good time talking about how nice Detroit is but once a crack head comes up to them they talk about how Detroit is a getto.

Again, this is just the "big city" element I was talking about. Every city has it, and Detroit is no different. In fact, I'd say it's more tame here, even though they exist. Heck, the only time I thought a bum was going to get violent was the encounter I had in Columbus, Ohio of all places.

Can anyone tell me what is the place called, when your leaving Detroit and just before all the oil containers, it's the industral area where im guessing all the electric power plants are?

I think the area id just outside of Detroit and is in Trenton at least i know the oil containers are.

Hmmm...you open up a lot of possibilities. The industrial area around the Rouge River Bridge is called Del Ray on the east (toward the river). On the west is the Rouge Industrial Complex and is more inland than Del Ray and actually abutts Dearborn.

On the Del Rey side, if you see smokestacks belching out yello fumes, that is the Detroit Waste Water Treatment Plant...and that's the foul smell that you're smelling as you drive over the bridge. The oil refineries (or whatever they're called) are on the Rouge Complex side as you exit off of Fort/Schaeffer Roads ramp.

If you're talking about that big complex down in Trenton, I think that IS a power plant, but it's far removed from Detroit city. I'm sure hudkina would have loads more information on that than I would. So wait for him to chime in. :)

and here I am.;)

I'm not sure which area you are referring to. I guess you are talking about the Exxon-Mobil refinery located near I-75 and West Rd. in Woodhaven. There are also several automobile plants in the area. And closer to the river there is a large amount of chemical plants and old steel mills. (chemical plants to the south of downtown, and steel mills to the north) Trenton does have a DTE power plant on the Detroit River, but it's nowhere near the highway, and I wouldn't call it part of an industrial complex. It shares a small island with Elizabeth Park in the Trenton Channel.

Here is a picture of it from Grosse Ile.
http://www.downriverdetroit.net/waynecounty/grosseile/068.jpg

I love it! You truely caught the feel of the DET. Brings back so many memories...

On the Del Rey side, if you see smokestacks belching out yello fumes, that is the Detroit Waste Water Treatment Plant...and that's the foul smell that you're smelling as you drive over the bridge. The oil refineries (or whatever they're called) are on the Rouge Complex side as you exit off of Fort/Schaeffer Roads ramp.

Yea thats the area, i call it hell on earth. But this area seems to go on quite a ways on both sides of the freeway. I read Detroit has the worst air pollution of any big city, im not sure how right that is, i always thought it was LA. If they get rid of this area or make it cleaner it would probaly help reduce alot of pollution.

Isnt there some project in Trenton thats huge, the biggest project in Michigan?

And whats with the "black lagoon"? scary name.

It may be hell on earth, but it's Detroit's contribution to the world. Not only that, it's the price Detroit has paid for the rest of America's wealth...and some of our own to some extent. There is no mistaking or denying its impressive expanse and it really speaks volumes of Detroit's significant impact not only on the country but on the world.

I don't know anything about your last two comments from above.