Detroit - architecture/urban decay tours
 

Hello

I am thinking of a weekend in Detroit this spring. I would be going with my parents, most likely, and we'd be going for the art museum, some good eats, and to check out the architecture (and urban decay) I've always heard about.

Any tips? Thank you!

there was a show recently on HGTV where they were renovating an old mansion.

http://www.hgtv.com/shows/rehab-addict-detroit

The <i>urban decay</i> there is mostly <b>human</b>... and it just isn't right to point and mock...

That would be fascinating. There is a lot of structural urban decay:

http://content.time.com/time/photoga...850973,00.html

warning: slideshow and repeated ads.

My ignorance/concern would be whether it would be safe to visit the areas that are in the worst shape.

Thank you for the info - I also found Esme's thread here. I'm sure we can fill a weekend!

Of course it wouldn't be <b>"SAFE"</B>... but they don't kill <I>everyone</i> who goes to the area.


I went to Tiger Stadium... (when nobody but security was there)... and security was very nice to me, and let me go in and take pictures.

An urban decay tour seems kind of exploitive. IMO.

There is enough beautiful architecture in Detroit that is not in decay to fill a weekend. Check out Pure Detroit. They have organized tours of some of the most beautiful buildings and neighborhoods in Detroit. Do not miss the Guardian Building. Even if you do not take a tour, the foyer is breath taking.

The train station is one of the most visited "ruin" places. While I don't think that you have to worry about being killed, police do issue tickets for trespassing.

One way to see some great architecture is to ride the People Mover. The People Mover is Detroit's nod to public transportation. It is an elevated 2 mile ring around the downtown area. There are many beautiful buildings that have been abandoned on the route.

Other great places to see are The Eastern Market and Greektown.

Enjoy your visit.

I'm not sure if it is exploitive. We visit ruins of once grand structures around the world. Decay and destruction is interesting.

I would suggest the policies that made the decay were exploitative. Paying to see it now, not so much, especially if the money goes into some kind of restoration fund.

Thanks again for all the info!

It just seems kind of wrong to me, but then I never could understand why people wanted to go see the 9th Ward after Katrina.

<i>Paying to see it now, not so much, especially if the money goes into some kind of restoration fund.</i>

Does it? I'm not challenging you on the comment, I just don't know. But presumably commercial companies that offer this kind of tour aren't purely in the restoration business.

<i>It just seems kind of wrong to me, but then I never could understand why people wanted to go see the 9th Ward after Katrina.</i>

Good analogy.

<i>We visit ruins of once grand structures around the world.</i>

You visit places where the human victims of the urban decay are still living amongst the formerly grand structures?

Again, my opinion for myself only, it's got a bit of a lookey loo quality about it. Especially when you tack "is it safe to go there" on to it.

"Again, my opinion for myself only, it's got a bit of a lookey loo quality about it. Especially when you tack "is it safe to go there" on to it."

I don't understand that comment. Sure, if the real intent is to see people in poverty, that wouldn't be good. But I'm not sure one can be exploitive of architecture.

Be great to read a TR when you return. We've toyed with the idea of going.

er, you realize I'm not talking about going to 8 Mile, right? I'm talking about all the big old buildings which have been let go? I also didn't ask if it was safe to go, that didn't even occur to me.

The National Building Museum had a really interesting (and in some cases) beautiful exhibit on the ruins in Detroit a few years ago. Several of the huge photos belonged to one collector. I thought that was interesting, too.

yes travel, if I make it this year, I will. Trying to sort out my travel plans in 2016 right now. Weds would be easy as I won't be taking off work...

Just to add perspective, the areas that you will be in to see these "ruins" will be less safe than 8 Mile. 8 Mile Road is just an 8 lane road that is the northern border of Detroit and it is 8 Miles from the center of the city.

Flygirl - It's not the US but you might be interested in this site on abandoned Berlin. We met the blogger when we were in Berlin this summer. Apparently he has just signed a contract for a book of his photography.

http://www.abandonedberlin.com

Thank you welltraveledbrit!

gardendiva, thank you.

". . . the human victims of the urban decay" - who voted for the same mayor who ran the city to ruin over the course of his 20-year term and then voted for his tapped successor and then for a huckster who went to the brig for his misdeeds.

Detroit's decay is a self-inflicted wound.