Executive Committee Meeting 10-15-24

President's Report

Page 28 of 95

EXPLORE DETROIT

DOWNTOWN

is crowned with a monumental Renaissance-style cornice molding. It is occupied by the luxury brand Gucci and the Library Street Collective ( T see box below) . Nearby, the small Library Park encloses a Neo-Grec style building, a former branch of the Detroit Library. Only half of the full circle of the park as originally conceived by Augustus Woodward was built in the end ( T box p. 18) . A green lung in the heart of Detroit, adorned with sculptures and fountains, Grand Circus Park is bordered by a number of period buildings and the Opera House . Where it bisects the park, Woodward Ave is framed by two noteworthy buildings: on the right is the Broderick Tower a , a skyscraper occupied by apartments (1928, L. Kamper, 113 m), and on the left the David Whitney Building a (1915, Graham, Burnham & Co.). The Grand Circus Park F6 DPM Grand Circus Park.

latter, in the Renaissance Revival style, is taken up by a hotel ( T Addresses) . The atrium, one of the first designed for commercial purposes in Detroit, resembles a Greek temple with its tall columns rising to a skylight. WEST OF WOODWARD AVENUE Between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Street lie Detroit’s most iconic skyscrapers. Most are used as office space. Walk inside to get a look at their lobby! Griswold Street aa F6 Parallel to Woodward Ave, Griswold Street is packed with Art Deco buildings, evoking the power of Detroit in the Roaring Twenties. Here, you are at the heart of the Financial District. Guardian Building aaa – At No. 500. 1929, Wirt C. Rowland. Made entirely of orange brick, on a granite base decorated with a frieze of colorful tiles,

26

27

I. Dagnall/Alamy/hemis.fr

The Guardian Building on Griswold Street.

wrought grid, in which a Tiffany clock is enclosed, separates the lobby from the banking hall, where cafes and shops are now located. Take in the muffled acoustics of this space. This is due to the horsehair incorporated in the fabric of the ceiling. Perfect for discussing one's banking affairs in total discretion! Buhl Building a – At No . 535. 1925, Wirt C. Rowland. In front of the Guardian Building, this skyscraper (112 m) combines Gothic Revival with Romanesque, and reason with boldness, thanks to its cruciform shape that lets air and light into the offices. Ford Building a – At No. 615. 1909, Daniel Burnham. Designed by one

the “Cathedral of Finance” rises 40 stories into the air, to a height of 151 m. Another set of colorful friezes graces the top. The entrance is marked by a half-dome decorated with Pewabic Pottery tiles and reliefs by Corrado Parducci (1900–1981), called Safety and Security. These would have offered reassurance to the customers of the bank which commissioned the building, whose power a mere few months ahead of the Wall Street Crash was there for all to see. The ethnic style of the entrance is reflected in the abundant interior decor: marvel at the polychrome mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures, many of which are by the same Corrado Parducci, who worked frequently in Detroit. An artistically

Innovating Through Art on Library Street The small Library Street is a must-see for modern art aficionados. It has one of the city’s most active galleries, the Library Street Collective. Its owners, the young couple JJ and Anthony Curis , are also behind The Shepherd, an exhibition venue taking up a church in East Village, and The Belt, an alley parallel to Library St that is being transformed into a vibrant living space thanks to street murals by a dozen artists. Just a short distance away, one car park has become a work of art while remaining operational: The Z Park is decorated with street art on ten floors. It’s easy to see them all: take the elevator to the top to enjoy a stunning view of the city then walk down to admire the murals as you go! DPM Cadillac Center. Library Street Collective – 1274 Library St - t 313 600 7443 - lscgallery.com - Wed.-Sat. 12pm-6pm. The Belt – 1274 Library St - www.thebelt.org. The Z park – 1234 Library St - www.bedrockdetroit.com. The Shepherd – T p. 148.