James Scott Mansion

The James Scott Mansion is a Richardsonian Romanesque style house built in early twentieth century and destroyed by a fire in the 1970s. If you're in Detroit, it's located in the Cass Corridor at the SE corner of Park and Peterboro.

Broderick Tower

The 34 story sky scraper was built in 1928 and housed high end apartment dwellers until 1985 when it officially closed. In 1997, Michigan born artist Wyland painted a giant whale mural on the outside of the structure. Motown Construction Partners LP currently owns the building and has plans to renovate, including sky top penthouses. For now, it still stands empty.

Hanging Gardens

The Forest Arms Building was one of Detroit’s most lavish apartment buildings when it was built in 1908. It later housed many Wayne State college students until a fire damaged the building in February of 2008.

Scott Lowell owns The Forest Arms Building and a restaurant favorite of mine, Traffic Jam & Snug. He is thankfully trying to save the building and has already begun the beginning stages of renovation.

Team Detroit, a local ad agency, decided to create Detroit’s first vertical garden on the building as part of a volunteer beautification effort. They’re working with UCCA and Greening of Detroit to make it all happen.

To see photos of the planting visit the Remains of the D or the Hanging Gardens website. If you would like to see the Forest Arms Building in person, it is located at the intersection of Forest and 2nd in Midtown.

Stella International Cafe

I'm so thankful to have my favorite coffee place right where I work. Stella International Cafe is located in the historic Fischer Building in downtown Detroit. Not only is their espresso amazing, the paninis are great too!

Rainy Day Detroit

Today I'm thankful that it is raining instead of snowing. I simply can not wait for spring....

New Year New Detroit?

I hope 2010 is a good year for the city and people of Detroit. Each day this city continues to surprise me. I love passing by this abandoned building that has been transformed into an art piece. It brings a lot of color to a much needed landscape.

Eastern Market

Since 1891 the people of Detroit have been flocking to the sheds of Eastern Market to buy produce, flowers, and antiques. Kevin and I had a wonderful breakfast at Russell Street Deli and picked up some great cheese from the historic R. Hirt Jr., Co. (1893). The market is open all year round and I'm curious to see what winter will bring to the selling floor.

Detroit Love

Aint talkin 'bout Philly, no
Aint talkin 'bout DC., no
Aint talkin 'bout New Orleans, where
they say the funk got started
I'm talkin 'bout the D, i'm talkin 'bout the D y'all
I'm talkin 'bout the D
It's a Detroit thing

Kid Rock