Designers from around  Detroit were showcased at the Edison Boat Club, which is juxtaposed between nature and industry. 

This event was an exploration of Adaptive Reuse, with various projects featured. Hosted by Design Core, this informative session was a pictorial display of what’s going on in and around the city.

The event itself was not only informative— but fun. From the corn hole tournaments goin’ down on the lawn to the seriously chill sailboats gliding by— the laid-back island setting, with the backdrop of the Detroit River, was beyond anything I had imagined. Add the Conners Creek Power Plant into the mix and it was as sublime a scene as that Pink Floyd Battersea Power Station album cover, “Animals.”

Architecture and Design firms are creating a ton of projects within the city of Detroit and beyond that incorporate redeveloping buildings and spaces into viable places for us to work, live and gather.

Organizations that participated in yesterday’s gallery of work included  Detroit Future City, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, the City of Detroit’s Department of Planning & Development, DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center, KRM Architecture and SmithGroup JJR.

Some structures are completed— such as The Foundation Hotel, whose architects transformed an abandoned fire station into a boutique hotel and restaurant, while other projects— such as Ford’s Wagner Place, transforming a former hotel into a workspace and parking structure--  are underway.

This was perfect timing, as Ford formally announced its acquisition of Michigan Central Train Station only days ago. The corporation plans to renovate and eventually set up shop in the abandoned Beaux-Arts structure, an exciting announcement that means even more potential changes for the city in the near future.

​Related:
Detroit Designs the World
Talking Dolls, Jailbirds & A Pawn Shop 
Susan S. Szenasy, Director of Design Innovation  | Toyota Lecture Series 
William Milliken State Park & Harbor 

The "Detroit Designs the World" reception + screening was held on the campus of Lawrence Technological University. After the preview, there was a panel discussion led by Olga Stella, the Executive Director of Design Core Detroit. 

​Related: 
Standing on Albert Kahn's Shoulders 
Toyota Lecture Series: Susan S. Szenasy | Metropolis Magazine, Director of Design Innovation 
Skateboarding on the Fisher Halfpipe
Art in Detroit | A Sculptural Adventure 

Now that Spring finally showed her smiling face--- lawn games are back in a major way. 

Bocce is the best of all (because its my fave). And while there's a few places in Detroit that offer this game of drunken skill and chance--- the spot I love is Ottava Via. 

This Italian restaurant is luxe on the inside and chill on the outside. Let's focus on the outdoor space since the weather is nice. 

This is the place that screams late-night date night. Beautiful plants and flowers are spilling from everywhere on the patio. Grab a seat around a table in a cute selection of mis-matched retro chairs that,  once upon a time- belonged in a classroom. Check out the wood-burning brick oven in the corner, nice touch.

Now let's get down to business: The bocce court. Grab your drinks and that lady by the hand because you're playin' bocce now. Toss that clay ball to the other side. Help her with her form. Twinkling lights are strung above the bocce court for added ambiance. 

Pro Tip: Weekdays. Bocce is available on a first-come, first served basis. We've been here during the day and night. It's generally easier to snag a spot in the daylight hours, plus- then you have the added bonus of day-drinking. But we've also been here at night when nobody is playing- it's all about timing. 

Time to get out of that cave you call home and explore some sculptures that are chillin' around town- kinda waiting for you to check them out. Detroit has a ton of pieces created by world renown artist. 

All you need are your Adidas and some time, and you'll be ready to rumble- art style. 

Here's a map of some contenders to get you started.

"Gracehoper"
Another sculpture located within walking distance, also located on the grounds of the DIA is the ”Gracehoper."  Created by artist Tony Smith, this massive piece was created in the early-seventies, in the minimalist style.  
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“Spirit of Detroit”
Sculptor Marshall Fredericks’ “Spirit of Detroit” is located in downtown Detroit. He’s the mascot of the city. Sitting on Woodward between Jefferson and Larned, this hulking green giant made of bronze is here to keep steadfast even as the times change around him. The best part is when he dons a jersey in support of the local sports teams.

“Helios Trail”
“Helios Trail” can be found at Wayne State, College of Engineering. This modern piece was created to signify the future. The stainless steel sculpture resembles a bolt and was made by Bruce White and installed in the late-eighties.

“Untitled”
Detroit artist Ed Sykes made “Untitled” in 2001. This modernistic creation can be found on the intersection of West Warren and Anthony Wayne Drive. This sculpture is amazing in structure and design. The piece was commissioned in commemoration of Wayne State Professor Andrzej Olbrot. 

“Monument to Joe Louis” 
The “Monument to Joe Louis” was created by Robert Graham. This larger-than-life piece is suspended from dual triangles. “The Fist”  was created in honor of the infamous boxer, and is located in close proximity to Joe Louis Arena, in downtown Detroit. The art is located on Jefferson Avenue at Woodward Avenue.

“The Thinker”
Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” sculpture is one of eleven statues in the United States cast of the same figure. The sculpture is made of bronze and sits in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts on a pedestal. 
​

Related: Art in Detroit | A Sculptural Adventure  
​

​Related: Koi Transfer at Belle Isle 

For the Naturalist
​
If serenity is what you crave, head over to William G. Milliken State Park, located on the Detroit River. A lighthouse welcomes visitors to the park, which was established as one of the first urban parks in Michigan.

​The area features natural wetlands, making it a prime spot to see a songbird or two. Watch sailboats glide along the waterfront or roam the grounds, which are filled with vibrant flowers. Visiting this treasure won’t set you back a penny- there’s even complimentary parking at Rivard Plaza.

This is Part III of the Series, "See Detroit Without Spending a Dime."  Stay tuned for more places to check out in the city. ​​

Previous Segments:
For the Creative: Pewabic Pottery
For the Explorer: Dequindre Cut + Greenway 

For the Explorer
​
Put the pedal to the metal and explore the D while rolling down the Dequindre Cut on two wheels. This paved bike and pedestrian path follows the same route as the Grand Trunk Railroad once did.

It doesn't matter if you’re seated on a bicycle built for two or a cruiser- riding along this greenway is a great way to take a break from a hectic day. From the leafy trees to the graffiti art that adorns the overpasses, this place is worth the visit.

​Don’t own a bike? No problem, use what your mama gave ya and walk the trail on foot or rent a cycle from the lovely folks over at Wheelhouse Detroit.

This is Part II of the Series, "See Detroit Without Spending a Dime."  Stay tuned for more places to check out in the city. ​

If there’s one thing that’s true about Detroit, it’s that there is Always Something Going On. ALWAYS. The best thing is, there are a Ton of things to do that don't cost anything. We've got everyone from the nature lover to the cultural maven covered with a list of adventures that won’t break the bank---  because they’re all free!

For the Creative 
​
Ever look up at the technicolor ceiling at the Guardian Building? Remember riding the People Mover and seeing that tile mural that looks like it came straight outta The Wiz? These tiles were created at Pewabic Pottery- a unique school and studio combo.

Pewabic is known for producing this style of ceramic art which adorns countless buildings throughout Detroit and beyond. Lucky for us, it is located within city limits and welcomes visitors daily.

Learn about the process during a free guided studio tour or browse through the collection in the retail space. Don’t forget to check out the adjacent showroom and take a peek at the gallery upstairs.

Pewabic Pottery & Ceramics 
10125 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 626-2000

Psst:
-This place is best for: When Parent Visits/After Weekend Brunch
-Take the Guided Tour! 
-To see the tiles in action, sign up for Pure Detroit's free guided tours
​
This is Part I of the Series, "See Detroit Without Spending a Dime."  Stay tuned for more places to check out in the city. 

'This Little Golden Book Belongs To…”  Music to a child’s ears. Remember writing your name on the inside cover?

Little Golden Books is celebrating 75 years as a mainstay of children’s home libraries. This iconic series has kept generations of little ones engaged with its imaginative illustrations and engaging, playful words.

​The University of Michigan received an endowment of thousands upon thousands of children’s books, including hundreds of Little Golden Books form a private donor. Now it houses one of the most extensive collections of children’s books in the country. Laura Cotton, the Art Director at the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, brought an exhibition which features original artwork from iconic Little Golden Books.

The opening reception for the “Golden Legacy” exhibition featured Diane Muldrow, editor of Little Golden Books at Random House. She spoke at length about the history of the books, the authors, illustrators and what the books mean to her. It was an honor to have her there and listen as she spoke about these sweet books.

The books found their way into the hands of children everywhere.

A Revolution
The launch of Little Golden Books in 1942 October was a revolution. It was in the midst of WW II, and Western Printers was busy printing for the war, so they took it upon themselves to print books because they had high paper rations. The company started out with 12 titles, one of which- The Poky Little Puppy, remains in print today.

The Mavericks

The Mavericks of Little Golden Books were many.

Take Jane Warner Watson, who received a phone call telling her to move to NYC because the editor there was called off to war. She did. And in doing so, became one of the first editors at the publishing house, penning numerous titles during her time there.

Margaret Wise Brown noted that kids were more interested in what's happening on their block than anywhere else. So she championed for subjects of books to become more kid-friendly. She focused on subjects
that happened in the neighborhood and around town: a home being built,   the postman delivering mail and shopping at the grocery store.

Mary Blair gave was employed to give Little Golden Books street cred. As the story goes, librarians thought Little Golden Books were déclassé and touted them as such. In order to appease the bibliophile set, Blair brought the Bank Street name and her artistic talent to Golden Books, illustrating  “I Can Fly” in her much lauded, often copied conceptual style.

Diane Muldrow is now one of these mavericks, working to keep Golden Books relevant, while walking the line between keeping content classic and fresh. She releases 18 titles a year, seeking out modern illustrators to engage today’s kids, while reissuing favorite old titles as well.

The show itself features the work of famed illustrators everyone is certain to recognize, the gorgeous artwork framed against a modern backdrop of wood panels. Ms. Muldrow curated the exhibit, and selected 65 pieces of art that will delight your eyes and warm your heart. The illustrations were unbelievable- you can see eraser marks, re-touches of paint and even cut-outs the illustrators swapped in when they made a mistake. That’s probably the greatest part of the exhibit— the mistakes you can see with your own eyes on these magnificent pieces of richly-colored paper.

I am totally embarrassed to admit that I was teary-eyed as I walked from piece to piece. The illustrations were beyond gorgeous and more amazing than I ever dreamt possible. And yes, I have dreamed about these pictures while turning the pages of my books. After all, my dream house is in there somewhere.

Susan S. Szenasy, the Director of Design Innovation at Metropolis Magazine, was the featured speaker at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The presentation, "Beyond the Design Brief: How big picture thinking is changing the ways and means of product design," was part of a series of talks that delve into design.

The main thesis of the evening was how broad thinking can alter product and design and much of the focus was on cities around the world and the impact designers can have on the world in which we live.

Urbanism

Szenasy stated that urban areas are rebuilding at a rapid clip. She continued, “I hate to say this in Motown, but there's too many cars.”

She spoke of her idyllic childhood in a Hungarian village, and how, as a child, everyone knew her and her family— and looked out for each other. Neighbors were willing to scold kids when needed or send you home for dinner when it was time. She was able to roam unhindered and allowed her to explore and learn new things. She said that community is what shaped her experience.

Community

Community is one of the most important aspects of urban living. And it is often missing. City planners and designers sometimes neglect to consider all aspects of city life when designing a city. “Just bc we know how to build skyscrapers doesn't mean we need to keep building them,” says Szenasy.

She implores us to “Find out what the street life is. It's not just about skipping through a street— It's how we relate to a place.” Now what we’re seeing is suburbia is creeping into the city, she said.

Gentrification

“Gentrification is huge. Nobody is asking any questions. There is a place for ordinary working people but many cities are not designed with them in mind. They don’t fit in anywhere. A lot of mixed-use buildings are designed by American architects. They ‘think’ they are creating a city-- but do they really Think they are creating a city.”

Szenasy continued that we should build with nature in mind. She said when Hurricane Harbey hit Houston, it hit the low-lying areas, generally lived in by those with lower incomes. She said rebuilding the area is a free-for-all because there are no zoning codes.

Workplaces & Urbanism

Young people are moving into cities in large numbers. She noted that meaning is important-- something beyond the work. Mobil work-from-home and co-working are popular options, as is redeveloping old building and factories into something new, creating a “story” in the workplace.