The Day In Detroit - Part II

Next we headed over to the Guardian Building.  This is another building that rarely gets photographed because people are more interested in taking pictures of the abandoned train station.  It's kind of a shame really because there are so many nice buildings in Detroit but that doesn't fit into people's pre-conceived notions I guess.

 The building was built in 1928 and has been nicknamed as the "Cathedral of Finance" becuase it was originally owned by Guardian Trust.  During World War II, the building served as the command center for U.S. Wartime Production.  In 1982, it became the headquarters for Michcon who restored much of the building.  In 2002, it was sold by DTE Energy after they acquired Michcon.  In 2007, it was bought by Wayne County and has served as the County Building since then.

 At one end of the hall is a beautiful mural depicting a map of Michigan.  Circling the map are symbols of the various industries of Michigan.

 There are several mosaics.

 I love this clock.

 The ceiling of one of the entryways is pretty nice too.

 There are all sorts of decorations like this around the building.  Someone could probably spend the day in here and take pictures.

 A detail of the art at the end of that hallway.

 Looking into the area with the map.

 Another angle of the clock.

 Looking up at the building.  I don't know how many times I've tried this angle.  It finally worked, I think.

 Looking up at the Ford Building.

 In case you needed the name.

 This is the One Woodward Building.  It was designed by the same guy who designed the World Trade Center.  You can see many of the same design elements.

 Looking up at the Comerica Tower.

 The Vinton Building.  This was designed by Albert Kahn.

 I liked the looks of this reflection in the building.

 Looking down Woodward Avenue at the fist.

 This is a fairly unusual statue of George Washington because he is in his Mason's outfit.  It stands in front of the Mariner's Church.

 Looking down Jefferson Avenue.  The building on the right is the City County Building.  The next building is the One Woodward Building.  The next building is the 150 Jefferson Building.  That building used to be the location of the Detroit Financial District.  It got a new facade and I think it's a pretty cool looking Building.

 A statue of Christopher Columbus.

 We headed back to the Ren Cen because we were taking a tour of it.  This is front the tunnel that crosses Jefferson Avenue.  Sadly, the windows were pretty dirty.

 There is a stand of flags in Front of the Ren Cen.

 This is a painting by a local artist.  It depicts all of the industries that GM has had it hands in.

 Part of that tour was a chance to go to the top floor of the Renaissance Center.  This is looking down the Detroit River.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to Monroe.  In fact, I think I could see Fermi's towers.

 Looking up towards Belle Isle.  I would love to come up here when there is a ship passing by.  I would imagine it would give me a unique vantage point.

 The cleanest shot of the Ambassador Bridge that I'll ever get.

 Looking down the towers.

 Looking out at Jefferson Avenue.  You can see quite a ways.

 Looking down at the Detroit Entrance for the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.  The Tunnel was opened in 1930 and it sees daily traffic of 13,000 vehicles.

 Looking down at Hart Plaza.

 Looking over towards Zug Island.  I just loved the views from up here.

 Looking out towards Grand River.  This is one of the roads that I would like to take all the way to its terminus one of these days.

 Michigan Avenue.

 Since this was probably my only chance to see a bottle of Dom Perignon, I had to take a picture of it.

Looking up towards Woodward Avenue.