Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, Michigan

The Book Cadillac Hotel (also known as the Westin Book Cadillac) is a historic skyscraper, luxury hotel, and high-end residential tower in downtown Detroit, Michigan. When it first opened in December 1924, the Book Cadillac was the tallest building in Detroit and the tallest hotel in the world. It's perhaps not surprising then that this flagship hotel hosted everyone from Babe Ruth to Elvis Presley to John F. Kennedy when they came to Detroit.

 

Over the years the property changed hands to become the Sheraton Cadillac Hotel in 1951, the Detroit Cadillac Hotel in 1975, and the Radisson Cadillac Hotel in 1976. By the 1980s Detroit's economy was worsening and the property ended up finally closing its doors in 1984. With few prospects for renovation or redevelopment, the contents of the Book Cadillac were liquidated in 1986 and the structure was abandoned. Explore abandoned images of the Book Cadillac here. 

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. After being abandoned for nearly two decades, the Westin Book Cadillac reopened in 2008 after a $200-million restoration project. The new property houses luxury condominiums and penthouses in addition to over 450 hotel rooms. The Book Cadillac has officially reclaimed its reputation as one of the finest hotels in Detroit.

People Mover in Downtown Detroit, Michigan

A few visuals from the People Mover in downtown Detroit, Michigan. 

Villa Vizcaya & Museum in Miami, Florida

Constructed between 1914 to 1923, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is the historic estate of James Deering located in Miami, Florida. With numerous Italian influences, the property was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style and surrounded by lush Italian Renaissance inspired gardens. This impressive estate is now a museum, gallery, and a recognized national historic landmark.