mipro Barry Sanders Project

[ert90 8]

Wow, the site is amazing Wolverine! About Cottage Inn, it would be nice to add this to SC4 as a growable. They have the most amazing pizza there and all the Lansing area folks finally got a taste of it just a few years back.

I also think the request list is getting quite long and this project is already lacking batters (I'm not a batter.) I would suggest starting a poll in a different forum on what the players would like to see in the game. The ideas with little or no votes will be cut from the list. Then we can have a significantly shorter list with the buildings more people desire to see in their game. I think our talented batters taking up on these projects would appreciate it.

-ert90

[wolverine 12]

I am actually considering that.  When the website is released, there will be a poll in the thread.

 

I hope to get an email from Barry sometime this month, but I know I am setting my expectations high.  My inbox has been getting some pretty strange stuff though lately.  Today I got tomorrow's practice schedule for the Wolverine football team.  I never realized I was that good!  Email system has probably gone out of control.

 

I tried to make a chatroom with some stuff I found on the internet, but it doesn't seem to work.  If anyone wants to take up the opporutnity for making a chat page, you are entirely welcome to.  Just make sure the background of the page is black.  When you get done I will give you the ftp address and password.  For doing so, you will be entered into the BSP hall of fame... For making a chatroom!

 

EDIT:   Wow.  I am honored to begin page 12

[budweiserdude23 80]

As for the RenCen---It is easily the most identifiable landmark building in the Detroit skyline. It may seem out of place but most out-of-towners easily identify with this building, therfore I see it as a crucial part of this project, regardless of how many of us dislike it. Actually I hated SC3000's rendition of it so much that I thought it would be cool just to show Maxis up with our rendition. Simply put, we may catch flack from the community if we were to model everything but the most recognizable building in Detroit (it really is the most recognizable as out of place as it may be in the skyline)

 

I agree a poll is the best way to see which buildings should be modeled first as well. However I strongly disagree that buildings/landmarks should be tossed from the list unless it is unanimous that no one would like to see them. Low vote getters in the poll would be dropped to the lowest on the list under their respective headings. Why throw out ideas when someday, should we ever arrive at that point, they may be needed. Even though the list may be long as heck, someone may use the list to get ideas from as well. I think our group should focus on what would be at the top of the list and let others who feel like it, model from other parts of the list. We might as well keep 95% of the ideas we have now for all sorts of various reasons...man I feel like I'm rambling...it just seems like there are too many good ideas just to throw them out because the list is too long. I don't believe this to be a competition or race to finish, so take your time on modeling what you feel like.

 

Man, a chatroom would be great, but I have no idea on how to make one. However I was in ST chat the other day and a person who goes by the name of gemika says he would help on any part of the site needed so I'll PM him...that's it for now.....

[wolverine 12]

I definitely agree on the Rencen.  They also forgot the towers in the original version

 

 

This is kind of random I bring this up.  But Budweiserdude and I have been talking about all of us going to see a Tigers game sometime.  It was just kind of tossed around as a light idea, but it would be really fun and we would all be seen out of our natural habitats ( the computer ).  Next time you post something about the BAT (to stay on topic) just let me know what you guys think.

[JBSimio 152]

Hi guys,

 

Let me try to catch up here...

 

Budwieser:  You need to keep in mind where the metro area was when the freeway system was designed and built.  The southerly jog on I-94 and the downriver section of I-75 covered pretty much everything there was to cover in the 50s when most of this stuff was designed.  The worst part is how badly the burbs have outgrown the network north of The Ruether.

 

Wolverine:  I haven't checked the site recently, but it sounds like I should.  I think you're doing some amazing things and it's a very ambitious site.  I know I speak for everyone involved when I say how much I appreciate what you've done.  I think the chat room would be a cool idea, too.  I must confess that I wouldn't do much Illitch bashing, but I do understand your position and the gripes you have.  I just also happen to take the bad with a lot of the good that he's done.

 

To all:  I agree that the list is getting pretty long.  I also agree that we shouldn't worry about that too terribly much.  I like the idea of arranging priorities and going from there.  If it takes a while, so be it.  I also agree with the idea of generalizing the CO$$ vs CO$$$ and letting the members come to an agreement before releasing the building.

 

With all that said, I will officially sign myself up for the David Stott Building.  Yes, it's quite a bit bigger than the previously suggested Borders project, but in terms of priority, I think this would be more appropriate.  It still looks like a fairly simple building, just a lot of small details which is what I enjoy anyway.  I found the architects who worked on the restoration (ArchiCivitas) and have emailed them with a request for some help with dimensions.  Hopefully, I will hear something soon so I can get going.  Just be patient with me... I'm still pretty new at BATting, so I'm sure progress will be slower than most.

 

JB

 

[EDIT]  Missed your post Wolverine.  Sounds like a great idea, but I might have trouble with that... summer is my busiest time of year, but definately keep me informed, and I will try like hell to make it.

[ert90 8]

Budweiserdude, you bring up a good point. Eventually we will be able to get to the lower ranking ideas. It will probably take about five years though. Wolverine, about the Tigers game, well I'm only thirteen years old so I don't think that will be happening. No offense but I don't think my mom wants me going to Detroit with a bunch of strangers. Although it would be pretty fun.

-ert90

[budweiserdude23 80]

Well that's good we all agree on the list then. I've been babysitting since 4 this afternoon so I haven't gotten a chance to start revising the list but I will proceed with that shortly after the munchkin has fallen asleep. It will probably be posted late tonight and forwarded to you wolverine. I shall reorganize it according to the suggestion of CO and CS headings only, with the rest of the headings unlikely to change much. In addition, I will try to prioritize it to some degree for now but as has been stated before, the poll will determine the final prioritization.

 

As for the Tiger game, I understand ert90. I'm not sure that I'd want my teenager to head downtown with people he has never met.As for myself, I like the idea. I believe a few of us will be cool with idea as well. Many that are involved in the project are over the age of 18 so that shouldn't present much of a problem on that front, nothing against anyone under 18. I just remember when I was growing up my parents would need to know who I was going out with for the evening and would approve and disapprove at thier discretion, whether I agreed or not. I will not argue parental discretion at any length, there are too many nutballs in the world today. However, I believe everyone involved in this project to be a genuinely nice person and would not object to a night out.

[wolverine 12]

That's okay ert90, my parents would definitely say no if I was still 13.  Heck they even still hassle me a bit when I come home from college.  As far as trust, I trust everyone.  I even posted my picture with Lion's mascot!  Hope I don't look too scary.

[budweiserdude23 80]

I swear...I haven't watched so much Sesame Strret since I was 5...and man I'm sick of Spongebob Poopypants as well...I'll be glad when my parents get back from Vegas so they can watch my niece...sorry had to rant somewhere...

 

Okay, wolverine knows this already but if there is interest in going to a Tigers game you can get 4 seat with a hot dog and pop all for the low price of $60. The seats are in the upper deck for sure...If there's any interest in this I'll look into it further...

 

I may post a pic here one of these days if I can ever figure out what my old lady did with the digital camera...

[JBSimio 152]

Ahhhh... Sesame Street.  Mom used to run a daycare in our house when I was younger.  I think I watched that show until I was about 14 or so!!!  (That's me being so darn cool!)

 

Count me in for the Tiger's game.  My schedule goes crazy in a month, but I'll cover my part even if I have to back out.

 

I forgot to comment on the RenCen earlier.  I hated the SC3 version mostly because it didn't have the other towers.  It's just not the landmark building without them.  In fact, it looked exactly the same as the Peachtree in SC3 (I wonder why that would be???)  Like it or not, it's a must have building.

 

JB

[budweiserdude23 80]

You know, I forgot to mention Rosetti. I e-mailed them about a week ago stating who I was and that I was told we would hear a yes or no in due time. I still have not heard back from them. After 3 attempts, I say that they've made their decision by not mailing me back. Not a big deal though...we'll show those guys....hahahahaha....

 

Alright so we have three definites for the game...lets see who else wants to go...I propose a Friday night game...

 

Man that RenCen did suck from SC3000 didn't it? You're right, it was almost an exact replica of the Peachtree Tower in Atlanta. I wouldn't use either in the game because I thought they both were crummy. Have any of you seen the rendition of the RenCen on the official site's exchange? Man.....ewwwww.....not too good.....

[wolverine 12]

I second the Friday night game Budweiserdude!

Also, I don't think we put the Statler on the list for buildings, but I may have mentioned it.  Well, at the city council meeting, it was decided.  It is doomed to demolition.  Conventional demolition or implosion, I do not know.  But whatever the case, we need to get photos of that building.  I find it a great disappointment that a building so beautiful in detail has to be torn down.  But what people at the U of M architecture school tell me is that the building is impossible for redevelopment.  Since it is kind of V shaped, it does not make very efficient office space.  Ceiiling heights are low making it unreasonable for air ventillation.  It cannot be converted into apartments because of structural placements and small room space.  Plus, the width of the V parts are way to narrow for a decent sized apartment.  Remember, hotel rooms were extremely small in the past.  But Detroit is not doomed to the dumbing down of architecture as sleek glass, steel, or foam covered high rises build on the sites of more architecturally superior structures.  I talked to a guy yesterday who came in while I was working that was a supervisor at brick company in Illinois.  He told me they developed a way to prefabricate large brick and masonry sections that have elegant designs.  Basically, wet concrete sections are stamped and brick is layed in between them.  The Result?  Instant front facade similar to the ones on buildings begone.  He said that they still look very authentic and have added tones to the concrete to make it look like it has been there for awhile.  Plus, they last longer and won't crack as easily.  He said these sections are hung from the steel skeloton and are quite practical. 

 

I hope this method is used in new construction downtown in the future.  I hate to see a loss in close-up beauty on the facades of buildings. 

 

So I think the Statler needs to be officially added to the list so that it will be remembered.

 

This photo actually shows the building in operation shortly before it closed.  Note the absence of the people mover and how the masonry at the top is not tar-stained.  This photo was from forgottendetroit.com

 

[budweiserdude23 80]

I think one very obvious thing has been overlooked by all of us in the topic of renovation. Asbestos!!!!

 

As an HVAC installer and service tech I can tell you that nearly every building in Detroit has it somewhere. It was primarily used as an insulator on ductwork and plumbing but can be found elsewhere in these buildings. As long as no renovations are going to be done to a building it can sit as is and even be sold without asbestos removal. However, once a permit is pulled for renovation, the building must be brought up to present day codes. That includes asbestos removal, which is very costly. In addition, the electrical and plumbing is far outdated and all will need to be replaced. Simple put, all mechanical traits of the building will have to be updated and/or replaced, most likely replaced. These costs make it prohibitive to remodel many of the buildings whether or not if they are salvagable. The opinion of many in the construction field and of the planning commission is why remodel when you can start fresh? I know this is not how we'd like to see it but its the simple economics of the construction field that allow for buildings to be torn down and new ones rebuilt in their place.

 

If you don't believe that I have an example for you---

I was working on a house in Detroit that had caught on fire but was salvagable, I was contracted to do the HVAC. The asbestos removal alone was $60,000 in that house. I will not tell you how much I charged but I will say it was substantial. (hint---over $10000) Remember I had to replace all the ductwork, the AC, the furnace, and ventillate the house to code.By the time the job was done the insurance had paid out over $250,000 to renovate the house and get it to code.You could build a new house for that! That's what many of these construction firms think and they convince the planning commision to destroy and rebuild since it is easier on them. Trust me it is easier to build new than renovate old...Im addition renovations have a tendency to take at least twice as, if not much more, long to complete. These are just the facts guys, not an opinion....

[wolverine 12]

According to my sources, the cost for demolition is equivalent to gutting and cleaning the building making it suitable for development.  Whether the building is imploded or restored, asbestos will have to be removed since it is at its worse when disturbed.  The Mechanical replacement in that building would be a disaster.  I cannot picture in millions how much it would cost.  It is actually cheaper to rebuild the building as is on the spot.  That is one building I was hoping to explore one day, but summer is coming and airborne toxins will be at their worst in the building.  I heard if you make it past the toxic air and numerous structural dangers, the building is quite interesting, or from the pictures I've seen, SCARY.  There is WEIRD stuff that happened inside that building.  What made it even stranger was the decor.  Frantic looking wallpaper in all the rooms and shag carpet all weathered to the point of molding make it look like a fun house attacked by killer mold.  Then be sure not trip over illegal shotgun shells and halloween masks.  There was a guy who posted pictures of the inside of that building in his Detroit blog.  They were recently removed, however.  But I was shocked at what I saw.  That is why that building is shut up so tight today.  1. Because it's a health hazard.  2.  Because it is structurally unsafe.   3.  Because it has some wacked out, crazy stuff left over from years past.

 

THE WEBSITE.  My computer has been on for days on end, with about two web development programs open, music playing, email clients, internet explorers, AIM, and photoshop.  My computer is exhausted, and it is showing signs.  if you go to the project page, you will notice the screwed up photo of the Kales building.  That is because things just aren't saving right.  I will try to resolve this problem, but it is these errors that take the longest.  Anyways, time for me to get some sleep.

 

EDIT:  I found some inside Statler pictures.  They belong to forgottendetroit.com.  I suggest you all visit their site for details on our project buildings.

 

Anyone wanna clean this mess up?

 

The Dining Room

 

Load bearing structures have failed to hold up in this picture evident by the cracked concrete archways.

[baldy 0]

Man, nothing much on here for a week and bam, a ton in the last couple of days!

 

You're hoping to get an e-mail back from Barry?  One, you have Barry's e-mail?  I remember you saying you met him once, but I didn't know you were friends.  And two, why are you trying to get in contact with him?  Is this for legal legal reasons with the site?  Maybe you might not want to tell him how we decided on the name!

 

I have no idea how to do a chat room either. 

 

Speaking of the site, I am still volunteering to do the page for my project.  Is the template available?  I also what to put in some building information on the page.

 

That's funny that everyone remembers how unrepresentative the Ren Cen was in SC3000!  It was just the central hotel tower and it looked almost identical to the peachtree tower (then again it does in real life).  As for the modeling it for SC4, I don't think the ren cen should be that difficult compared to some of the other stuff we're attempting.  Granted, there will be 7 buildings, but 4 are the same, 2 are smaller versions of the 4, and the main tower is just a cylinder.  There will be a little work making it the whole complex with the winter garden in the back and new entrance, but I don't see it as being any more difficult than what were already attempting, just on a larger scale.  By the way, this is no way me volunteering to take on this project!

 

I like the idea of a poll to set a psuedo priority, meaning that it is still up to our discretion on what buildings we want to make, but we'll still look at the list for suggestions.  I was thinking that we keep the list of all buildings similar to what we have now/suggested, but have maybe a top ten wish list on the top.

 

I would also be in for a Tiger's game if it is on Friday night.  My schedule is pretty full, but Friday nights tend to be open.  I think I would prefer to sit in the upper deck, better view of downtown  Would this be the BSP crew or BSP + significant others?  It's easier for me to ask for permission if she is involved!  Not that it should be a problem, just easier.  Hey Budman, you'll find out what I am talking about soon enough!  Also, I think they only server Miller at Comerica   Here's another thought, what city do people live in?  I was thinking it might be easier and cheaper to carpool.  I'm in Livonia.

 

EDIT:  Ert, I noticed you have an office space quote in your signature.  If you're only 13, you have no idea of the sad irony that movie holds for some of us.  sad, sad, mindless irony.....  My favorite has to be it's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care

 

JB, glad to hear you're taking on a project!  The David Stott is a nice looking building with its red facade.  I know most of us haven't had the time we'd like to work on these, but the more people we have working these, the closer we are to getting the first BSP released!

 

 

[budweiserdude23 80]

Wolverine, you are correct when you say that the asbestos must be removed to demolish the building. EPA standards call for this practice as to not contaminate any of the surrounding air/neighborhood. However, the additional costs to do a remod on a building make it prohibitive in the eyes of most contractors. I mean look at those pics you posted. What contracter in his right mind would want to remodel that place? The place is a greek tragedy...There's no way I would even submit a bid for the HVAC there, way too much work...hell...just to shore the building up to walk on the floors would be a massive undertaking...I hope whoever goes in there to do demo work has a hazmat suit and life insurance.

 

It's kind of funny every one came out of the woodwork at once...nice to see everyone has sparked a renewed interest in this project if their interest ever left.

 

I have contacted gemika about the chat page and am waiting for a response. I should hear back soon as he seems to be around ST almost every day. As for the website, I would like to do a fact and funfact page about Michigan. What do you all think?

 

As for the Tiger game...Looks like a Friday night game will be the route we go with that...I'l see if I can get that deal I spoke of and dates for games. When would everyone like to go? As for the significant others, I have no problem with that. I'm not sure my fiance will want to go but then again she might. And trust me, I have to at least let my fiance know what I'm up to for the evening...I live with her so she'd throw a fit otherwise. I like the carpool idea but it may not work for everyone. Personally, I live in Belleville, so carpooling would be easy for me. I don't believe it to be completely necessary though, you can park at the underground garage for $5. Either way is cool with me....and by the way, they serve Miller, Labatt, and Budweiser for sure. I know because I went to a game on May 2nd and got a little tipsy on Budweiser. HAHA...no Miller for me....

[Mexicanboy13r 12]

 Will you ever thing about making any San Francisco Buildings? Or are you guys So busy on other buildings it looks like you guys look busy of some important buildings

[baldy 0]

This project is to make Michigan buildings and landmarks.  Our list of projects right now is so great that we will never finish even half of them!  So I guess the answer to your question is no, we (the Barry Sanders Project) will not be doing any San Fran buildings.

 

 

[JBSimio 152]

Yes!  The Statler Hotel should definately be on the list!  I'm sorry to hear it will be going, although not too suprised.  All the reasons have already been mentioned, so I won't bother.

 

Forgotten Detroit is a great website.  Thanks to Allan at Urban Planet for pointing me to it last week.  It's so cool to see those historical pictures.  Unfortunately, it's a little depressing to see the current ones.

 

A Friday night game would definately work out best for me.  If at all possible, I would request something before June 20th.  That's when summer camp officially begins and I will probably not see a day off again until August after that!  I live in Brooklyn southwest of Ann Arbor on US-12... carpooling or not doesn't much matter to me, I guess.

 

Good to see everyone back!

JB

[ert90 8]

Hey baldy, thanks for noticing the quote. I've seen Office Space, probably about 25-30 times. I think it is the funniest movie ever. I like the waiter at the restaurant that wears all of the flare. BTW I can relate because my dad works in a small office with tons of computers so It's kind of the same thing. Man that Tigers game would be fun. I WISH I WAS OLDER!

EDIT: When can we be expecting this poll to prioritize our master list? I'm hoping it comes soon so we know exactly what will be built in the next few months.

[budweiserdude23 80]

I will be making a post late this evening with info on the Tigers game, list, poll, etc. and to respond to all the other post made. Give me a few hours......

[Mexicanboy13r 12]

Im gonna keep an eye for the Target that

BuD is making

[wolverine 12]

This is great that the thread is back in motion.  Baldy, you were wondering about why I emailed Barry Sanders.  The thing is, we have to for legal reasons.  I only met the guy once, that doesn't exactly  mean I get unlimited rights to use his name for a project.  I just wanted to make sure everything is clear.  Budweiserdude and I discussed this issue awhile ago and it is nothing really to worry about.  You can still access the site by adding main.html after the address.  If we hear no response for a long time, I will probably just put the opening page back up again.  If Barry doesn't like it, I'll change the name.

 

More about our buildings:  I am glad you guys agree on adding the Statler. It is unfortunate to see other Statlers across the U.S. get restored while ours gets torn down.  Did you know they are doing this just for the Superbowl?  I think Detroit is rushing too fast.  The Statler is in far better condition than the Madison-Lennox which is now protected from demolition.  Personally, I would rather have that building go than the Statler.  Rumor is an Applebees is supposed to go on the ground floor of that building with offices in the levels above, which is great, but why not move that all a few blocks down?  Anyway, enough griping from me.  I was thinking about the end result when many of these buildings are done.  We should get an article done on us in the Free Press!  Builidings may be gone, but in Computers They Live On

 

MAKING YOUR OWN PAGES FOR THE WEBSITE.

I really don't care what they look like.  You guys can build them however you want since they will be on your own space.  I haven't determined how much I'm going to allocate to everyone, so build your sites as big as you like.  As far as templates, I really don't have any good ones to offer.  But there are sites that do offer templates out there.  Or you can even use Microsoft word.  Make your page however you like in word.  If your site has multiple pages, you will have to save each page as an individual document.  Then, save all those documents as webpages.  That option is available in a drop down menu in the Save as area.  Keep those somewhere on your computer where you won't lose them and you can send them to me via email, with any images you would like to include as seperate attachments.  If you want to add images to your page, put the html tag <img src=imagename.fileextension> in that spot where you would like it. When it is uploaded it will pop up as an image. 

 

Enough rambling from me.  Thanks Bud for getting that guy to make the chatroom.  And remember, I get a beer at Comerica!

[budweiserdude23 80]

Here's some information on the Tigers----

 

Upcoming Friday night games for May and June----

May 28 @7:05 vs. Baltimore

June 11 @7:05 vs. Florida

June 26 @7:05 vs. Arizona

 

As for the seating here's my thought----

 

I think we should try for tickets in between sections 332-336 and 321-324. These seats give you the best view of the action and the skyline from the upper deck. Tickets for these sections, which are classified as Upper Box, are $20 each. As for the 4 for $60 promotion I haven't found any info on it online. I have only noticed it when the Tigers were broadcasted on FSN a couple of times. I have a feeling you may have to go to a limited number of select games for that promotion.

 

[budweiserdude23 80]

Here's a rare double post but this one contains some info on various things other than the Tigers game so here goes----

 

Mexicanboy13r---This is a Michigan/Detroit regional project. I think we will all have our hands full for the forseeable future with this project. A comprehensive list of all the regional projects taking place throughout ST can be located here---

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=49432&forumID=37&catID=13&search=1&searchstring =

 

A new updated comprehensive list that took into consideration all of the suggestions of those who posted in this thread is now finished and can be found on page 1 of this thread. I also used one of the pics that wolverine posted earlier as the header to this thread. I hope you didn't mind wolverine.

 

As for the poll, man what a pain this might be. There are 90 things on the list as of now. Prioritizing them will not be easy. I think some type of poll on the website will be the easiest way to accomplish this. An informal poll here might be too difficult to do. You'd have to list the 90 buildings/landmarks in order. What a pain...

 

As for the personal page, I will be typing up a fact page for the site. If you have any fun facts about Michigan you'd like to see then submit them to me at bagels69@yahoo.com . I probably won't start on it for a week or so.

 

As for you getting a beer at the game, you got it wolverine...

 

 

[wolverine 12]

My nose is bleeding!!!   Actually, those sections will be great, and we can always move down since the stadium never fills.  Thanks for the beer and please keep Paws away from me.

 

EDIT:  This weekend there wiill be little progress on the site.  I will be with friends all weekend but I will try to get some stuff done here and there.

[baldy 0]

A couple of things....

 

One, I know how to make webpages, but thought we could have a blank page with the header and buttons to which we would add everything.  At least this way, they would be consitent for the project.  If you don't have anything for me, I will just create one to look simular.

 

I agree that the madison lennox should go before some of the others.  Why did they decide to protect that one?  In my opinion, many of the hotels from that time would have to go the way of the wrecking ball, because the design doesn't make it adapt well to current needs.

 

As for the game, June 11th works very well for me and I like your suggestions for seating.

 

For the poll, how about having people pick the 5 projects they want done and place them in order of importance.  The number one pick will get 5 pts, 2 will get 4 pts, etc.  Then you sum up the total points for each and it will generate the top 10 list with out having to rank every project.  You can (or I can) create an excel spread sheet to easily accomplish this.  

 

EDIT:  The spreadsheet is done.  So either people can post/PM their top 5 requests or I can send it to someone else for up keep.  It's set up to do all the calculations and generate the top 10 list with the push of a button.

 

Ert, it's always nice to hear other people that can appreciate office space!  I don't know if I have seen it 30 times, but am probably approaching 20!

[JBSimio 152]

Baldy, if you don't mind, I will probably recruit you for help with my page when the time comes.  As I said earlier, I know nothing about web design.

 

June 11th sounds like a good day for me as well.  I will also agree with the seating suggestion.  (Sounded kind of like a popous board member there, didn't I?)

 

In my last update on Detroit's freeway system I promised some more information about I-94.  Well here it is, with a little general history thrown in to set the stage for future trivia.

 

Detroit began planning a metro freeway system as early as the late 1930's.  Construction began with the section of the Davison we know today (completed in 1944)  This predates the Federal Interstate Highway System be quite a stretch, making Detroit quite the pioneer at the time.  Other sections were built well before the 50's as well, including several pieces that would ultimately become I-94.

 

A very significant section was built around the WWII war effort.  The Detroit Industrial Freeway was originally built to bring workers in from the suburbs to the River Rouge Plant.  It's original length is pretty sketchy, but many place it around Michigan Avenue and heading SW to around Telegraph Road.  (There's a little story behind that name as well.)  Telegraph was the main route between Toledo and Detroit at this time.  As the Arsenol For Democracy revved into full gear, Ford built the Willow Run Plant to build bombers for the war effort.  The plant would employ around 100,000 people during this time and yet sat in a relatively rural area.  For what may have been the last time, planners thought ahead.  The need to transport so many workers promped the extension of the DIF another 17 miles east to Willow Run, making it the longest single stretch of limited access highway in the state.

 

Prior to the Interstate System, the plan for the freeway included much of what we know within the city limits of Detroit, although little more was actually built until the Interstate Act.  The route was slightly different, but the general direction was the same.  It was to be known as the Crosstown Freeway east of the Rouge and would be joined by the Davison as mentioned previously.

 

I guess I've gone long enough for now.  More on the Willow Run complex next time.

 

JB

[Sabretooth78 808]

Wow that's too bad about the Statler.  Buffalo has one as well, I may end up modeling it.  Fortunately it still has a future.

 

If you want to see a similar, really sad (almost sickening) story, search the web for Buffalo's New York Central Terminal and the vandalism and destruction that has occured to that building over the last 25 years of neglect and abandonment.  Even so, it's still a beautiful building, unfortunately the only thing keeping it up is the massive price tag of demolition.  Here are a good sites for those interested:  http://rockpile.buffalonet.org/terminal/terminal01.html

http://www.infiltration.org/abandoned-bct.html

 

-Chris

[wolverine 12]

Ahhh yes, infiltration did a wonderful exploration of that terminal.  I think it's pretty interesting that they let groups tour that building.  It's sad to see a building like that in such shape.  Michigan Central is the same way, but now on it's way to renovation.  I hope Buffalo finds a developer for that building.

 

Wow, I didn't realize that Detroit had freeway so early.  Well, we are the motor city!

 

As far as the game, June 11th is good for me too, so I guess that day is official!

 

If you guys want a header with buttons like the ones you see on all the official websites pages, I will paste it as an attachment in a later post.

 

I am also working on getting your accounts set up.

 

And finallly, say one last goodbye to the Statler http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/pdjpages/2004/05/pdj051404_2.htm

 

Hope those really decorative parts are saved.

 

It appeas that there is a plan for a large auto plant in the Megaton Auto Company thread.  This may help us eliminate the Auto plant on our list.  I submitted this design.  I drew it myself!

 

For our project though, I rather have the word Packard Motors on the building.

 

Many of these factories end up as this:

Hopefully my BATing skills will look better than the above picture!.

 

We may see a loss of great architecture in Detroit, but look what is going up in Ann Arbor on the U of M campus.  Finally, a new building that looks great!!!