Exploring Downtown Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has a reputation that's hard to shake, but love it or loathe it, there's a lot of incredible history here. The juxtaposition between abandoned buildings and the top-tier architecture in downtown Detroit, Michigan truly is something to behold. From the echoes of motown to the undeniable imprint of the auto industry, I found it easy to fall in love with this place.

We  stayed at the Book Cadillac, a beautiful restored hotel that itself was an abandoned skyscaper just a decade ago. Downtown was literally on our doorstep. With the North American International Auto Show just a few blocks away at the Cobo Center we already had an easy excuse to get out and explore. The People Mover only made that decision easier. 

The winter brings out the cracks a bit more, but if you think Detroit isn't beautiful you're not looking close enough. Structures like the Guardian Building, Fisher Building, and Cadillac Place represent some of the finest architecture that was being produced when they were built. The Renaissance Center, headquarters of General Motors, is also a sight to behold. When it was completed in 1977 the central hotel was the tallest hotel in the world.  

Wandering around downtown Detroit we stumbled onto a lot of memorable visuals - painted murals, graffiti, vintage marquees, giant sculptures, old churches, and amazing architecture. Also, quite a few nods to the Tigers and Red Wings. We enjoyed a hockey game at the Joe Louis Arena ourselves. It's obvious that Detroit isn't the same place it once was, but with examples of revitalization already in progress, there's no question, this city continues to fascinate.

Explore more from my Motor City photo series here.
       

Greektown in downtown Detroit.

The surprisingly vacant Wayne County Building (Courthouse).

Breakfast at the Dime Store.

Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.

View of the David Stott Building.

Guardian Building in downtown Detroit.

Cobo Center hosting the North American International Auto Show.

David Stott Building in downtown Detroit. Vacant and under renovation.

The Spirit of Detroit statue.

Book Tower in downtown Detroit. Vacant but awaiting renovation.

GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

Union Station Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee

Opened in 1900 as Nashville, Tennessee's Union Station, today this historic structure is known as the Union Station Hotel. After passenger service ceased to this train station in 1979 it was completely abandoned. Thankfully, the popularity and historical status of the building motivated the redevelopment of Nashville's Union Station into the incredible space it is today.