W Roland Hamilton » B&W photos http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton Photography, graphic design and electronic music. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:10:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 2900 building (Detroit.MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/10/20/2900-building-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/10/20/2900-building-detroit-mi/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:04:55 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=2249 Detroit's 2900 building.

2900 Slaughter House

This 3 story, 60,000 square foot structure was built in 1920 and originally served as an industrial distribution warehouse. A now defunct tannery operated across the street. The Thorn Apple Valley Inc. meatpacking company ran an operation from this facility till 1998.

The exterior is composed of unadorned red brick typical of industrial warehouse construction during the 1920’s. Large graffiti pieces adorned the outer walls above several loading dock bays. It rained the the night before so water was dripping through the leaky roof. Pipes and boilers were The only remaining artifacts of interest.

 

Koenig Coal Silos (Detroit, MI)

Koenig Coal Coal Yard silos were built in the 1920’s. Koenig Coal was established in 1870 and were dealers that sold coal and wood. They had two office locations in Detroit (circa 1878). The 362 Atwater Street location contained a dock and the 368 Gratoit Ave location contained a coal and wood yard.

An artificial valley was used by trains running through the Milwaukee Junction. Train tracks have been removed and the area is a well known area for graffiti murals. There are always a few outstanding pieces to see and they get replaced regularly.

 

Reference

A61 Archive

Detroit's abandoned Thornapple Slaughterhouse. Detroit's abandoned Thornapple Slaughterhouse. Detroit's abandoned Thornapple Slaughterhouse. Abandoned Koeing Silos in Detroit. Abandoned Koeing Silos in Detroit. Abandoned Koeing Silos in Detroit. Abandoned Koeing Silos in Detroit. ]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/10/20/2900-building-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 CPA Building (Detroit, MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/09/28/cpa-building-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/09/28/cpa-building-detroit-mi/#comments Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:36:22 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=1001 Detroit's abandoned flatiron CPA building.

The CPA building has a Flatiron design and is located in Detroit’s Corktown area. Entrances are surrounded by ornate relief’s depicting various railroad related scenes. A large clock has stopped working , It’s hands frozen permanently at 10;45.  A drive through window contained panels where window attendants or ATM machines may have been.

It turns out that the CPA is an acronym for Conductors Protective Association, a union organization. I learned the following information about the company (*1) “Mr. William Boss conceived the idea of forming an insurance company for railroad conductors, engineers and officials, insuring them against the loss of their positions on account of discharge, disability or old age, and in June, 1907, organized the Conductors Protective Assurance Company”

 

References

www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM56X2_CPA_Building_Detroit_M…

books.google.com/books?id=OZYUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA266&l…


(*1) The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922 by Clarence Monroe Burton, William Stocking, Gordon K. Miller. Published by The S. J. Clarke publishing company, 1922. Item notes: v. 4. Original from Harvard University

A46-4 archive

Detroit's abandoned flatiron CPA building. Detroit's abandoned flatiron CPA building. Detroit's abandoned flatiron CPA building. Detroit's abandoned flatiron CPA building.
The CPA building is a Flatiron building in the Corktown area at the corner of Michigan and 14th Street. Surrounded by relief’s depicting various railroad related scenes was a dead clock. It’s hands frozen in time and left open to the elements unprotected by glass. A drive through window and panels where ATM machines may have been, hinted that the site may have been related to banking.
]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/09/28/cpa-building-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 Guild Inn (Toronto, ON) Part 3 http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/08/11/guild-inn-toronto-on-part-3/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/08/11/guild-inn-toronto-on-part-3/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:05:33 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=2217 Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century.

The Guild Inn was originally a private residence built for Colonel Harold Child Bickford (1876-1956), eventually becoming an Arts and Crafts colony in the 1930’s. Spencer Clark and his wife later purchased the land and were known for their art patronage and preservation projects. In 1996 various branches of the City of Toronto took over maintenance of buildings, park facilities and sculptures.

The Guild Inn is nestled within a quiet suburban neighbourhood deep in the heart of Scarborough. This unique park boasts classic Beaux Arts architecture of former bank buildings. Facades and sculptures are from buildings demolished during Toronto`s drive towards modern architecture. The park is a frequent destination for wedding photo shoots. Historical plaques near each piece made research easier.

 

Ionic capitals, from University of Toronto medical building, 1904-1967.
Banting and Best did diabetes research in this building.
Architects – Darling & Pearson.

Bank of Ontario (King & Bay, S. West corner), 1912-1966.
Architect/firm: Carrie & Hastings (NY), Eustace Bird, Toronto Associate.

Ionic columns. Bank of Nova Scotia (39 King St W),1903-1969.
Architect/firm: Darling & Pearson

Robert Holmes, 1881-1930.
Resident Guild sculptor – 1968-1970

Bank of Nova Scotia (39 King St. West), 1903-1969.
Architect/firm: Darling & Pearson

Quebec Bank est 1818 (37 King St. West), 1912-1969
Architect/firm: G Curry

Lions heads and plaques Toronto General Trusts Bldg, 1919-1969.

Pediment – Provincial Paper Building, 388 University Ave.
Architect/firm: Marani, Lawson & Morris – 1930-1968
3 ionic capitals, 394 University Avenue - ABITBI bldg (1930-1968)

Canadian Bank of Commerce (Yonge and Bloor N-West corner), 1899-1972.
Architect/firm: Darling & Pearson

Bank of Toronto – 1912-1966
Corinthian column & capitals (King & Bay, S. West corner)
Architect/firm: Carrere & Hastings (NY), Eustace Bird (Toronto associate)

Toronto Star Building (80 King St. West), 1929-1972 Strong Art Deco influence
Architect/firm: Chapman & Oxley

North American Life Assurance building (112 King St West), 1932-1976Architect/firm: Marani, Lawson & Morris

Temple Building (Bay & Richmond, N. West corner), 1895-1970.Independent Order of Foresters
Architect/firm: G.W Gouinlock

Bank of Montreal (King and Bay N. West corner) 1948-1972.Architect/firm: Chapman, Oxley & Facey/Marani & Morris

Artists who worked on separate panels representing each province of Canada
- Frances Loring (1887-1968)
- Jocobine Jones (1898-1976)
- Emanual Hahn
- Elizbeth Wyn Wood
- Donald Stewart

 

References

City of Toronto archives
www.toronto.ca/culture/the_guild.htm

A59-3 Archive

Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century. Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century. Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century. Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century. Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century. Toronto's Guild Inn hosts a series of architectural monuments from the late 19th to early mid 20th century.

 

]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/08/11/guild-inn-toronto-on-part-3/feed/ 0 David Whitney Building (Detroit, MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/david-whitney-building-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/david-whitney-building-detroit-mi/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:03:54 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=1725 Detroit's abandoned David Whitney Building.

David Whitney Building

The David Whitney Building was built in 1916, designed by Daniel Burnhan and located in the Grand Circus Park area. It is designed in the Chicago style with classical elements. David Whitney was a businessman who supplied lumber to builders and industrial suppliers. His son David Charles Whitney commissioned Daniel Burnhan to build the 19 story office building to replace an earlier 5 story commercial structure. The building has remained abandoned since the 1980’s.

David Broderick Building, Eaton Tower (Detroit, MI)

Eaton Tower had its name was changed to the David Broderick Tower in the 1945. Louis Kamper designed the 34 story office tower and it was built in 1927. The buildings design is a mixture of Beaux Art and Chicago School styles. The building closed in 1985 leaving a bar on the first floor as the only tenant. The building is currently owned by (*1) Motown Construction Partners LP.

References

(*1) brodericktower.com

http://detroit1701.org/

Reference

A59-1 Archive

Detroit's abandoned David Whitney Building. Detroit's abandoned David Whitney Building. ]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/david-whitney-building-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 GAR Building (Detroit, MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/gar-building-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/gar-building-detroit-mi/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:04:02 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=1625 Detroit's Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) building remains abandoned. It housed a service association with members comprising of former Union Civil War veterans.

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a service association with members comprising of former Union Civil War veterans. The triangular castle-like structure stands out due to it’s unique Flat Iron design. The GAR was constructed in the Richardson Romanesque style in 1890 and designed by Julian Hess and Richard Raseman. The site has remained vacant since 1973.

Tightly boarded up windows and cemented doors have ensured the sites preservation. The GAR is always hosting new murals or poster campaigns while other abandoned structures in the immediate vicinity are left spotless. On the far left is the legendary former Underground Resistance/Submerge building. It was demolished in March of 2009.

References

detroit1701.org/G.A.R.Building.htm

A59-1 Archive

]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/06/24/gar-building-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 David Broderick Building (Detroit, MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/03/01/david-broderick-building-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/03/01/david-broderick-building-detroit-mi/#comments Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:15:38 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=1476 The abandoned David Broderick Tower is one of Detroit's iconic office buildings built during the boom years of the 1920's.

 

Eaton Tower’s name was changed to David Broderick Tower in 1945. Louis Kamper designed the 34 story tower and it was built in 1927. The buildings design is a mixture of  Beaux Art and Chicago School styles. In 1985 the building closed leaving a bar on the first floor as the only tenant.

The index picture shown in this archive has several interesting details. The building third from the left used to be the Singer Sweing Machine Co. building. The church whose steple can be seen in the background was moved when Woodward Avenue was widened.

Update

As it states on their website (*1) “Today ownership belongs to Motown Construction Partners LP, a firm dedicated to restoring Detroit’s glorious past…” 

References

(*1) brodericktower.com

A56-2, A57-3 Archives

 

]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2008/03/01/david-broderick-building-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 Highland Park Municipal (Detroit, MI) Part 1 http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2007/11/02/highland-park-municipal-detroit-mi-part-1/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2007/11/02/highland-park-municipal-detroit-mi-part-1/#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2007 21:38:48 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=484 Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917.

Highland Park’s Municipal buildings Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917 predating the cities incorporation the following year.

Municipal buildings

Carved reliefs decorate the façade surrounding a city seal above the main entrance. The first floor reception area is graced with a winding staircase, accented by a large window. Most of the second floor consists of peeling paint, old documents and furniture. The courtroom is a clean quiet elegant place, no papers or random objects strewn about. Cast iron chairs are firmly fastened into the floor. Peeling paint on the walls, missing microphone stand, a thick layer of dust and doors flung wide open give the space a sense of timeless abandonment.

Fire Department Headquarters

This buildings design is similar to it’s neighbor. Its facade has reliefs above bay doors proclaiming its function. Metal lion heads designed in an Art Nouveau style form a border along the roof. Inside is an empty shell.

Police Department

A 1917 corner stone confirms the date of this buildings construction. The interior contains a jail, files, reports, evidence, photos, vintage parking meters and other miscellaneous police related items.

References

A46-3-AA3, A49-Roll DD2 Archives

Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. Highland Park’s now abandoned Municipal Police and Fire Department buildings were built in 1917. ]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2007/11/02/highland-park-municipal-detroit-mi-part-1/feed/ 0 Higher Ground Ministries (Detroit, MI) http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/07/19/higher-ground-ministries-detroit-mi/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/07/19/higher-ground-ministries-detroit-mi/#comments Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:18:55 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=267 Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church.

Higher Ground Ministries was discovered by accident while en route to another site. The buildings bland exterior was of little interest, however there were some interesting surprises inside.

Unstable walls, floors and supports immediately ruled out exploring the second floor. Large sections of the roof and second floor balcony lay strewn about in heaps of debris. Interior architecture shared similar design elements with vaudeville theaters and movie houses of the early 1920’s.

The building disappeared soon after leaving another parking lot and lost stories

 

Reference

A40 Archive

Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. Somewhere in Detroit's east side was an old theater that spent it's last days as a church. ]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/07/19/higher-ground-ministries-detroit-mi/feed/ 0 Packard Plant (Detroit, MI) Part 1 http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/05/30/packard-plant-detroit-mi-part-1/ http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/05/30/packard-plant-detroit-mi-part-1/#comments Tue, 30 May 2006 16:40:03 +0000 W Roland Hamilton http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/?p=162 Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006.

Detroit’s Packard Motors Plant is a massive factory complex designed by Albert Kahn and built by Henry Joy in 1907. Work areas around the main buildings were completed in 1911. Kahn’s industrial designs stood out for meeting modern requirements for mass manufacturing processes. Reinforced concrete structures were essential for fire resistance and load bearing capacity for heavy machinery required for making cars. Ford’s Highland Park Plant, and the Fisher 21 Body Plant share similar design and functional elements.

From the early 1920’s influential car companies such as Ford, Studebaker, EMF, Hudson, Hupp, Pierce Arrow, General Motors and Continental Motors had operating plants in Detroit. Many plants were located near the railways which would transport finished cars throughout the US domestic market. The Great Depression of the 1930’s destroyed many of these companies as they were forced to merge with other companies or go bankrupt.

Packard also made fighter engines for the allies in World War II. In spite lucrative military contracts, Packard and many other companies could not recover from the previous decade, and faded away into history. Packard Motors famous promotional tagline was “Packard ask a man who owns one”. To this day Packard cars have a rabid following, however the factory that made them has not been protected by heritage status.

During the Detroit Electronic Music Festival a couple of friends and I took a short tour of  historic industrial sites in the city. Packard was significant to us because of the venues legendary status attained through after hours rave parties in the mid 1990’s. Some  of these parties featured Detroit’s third wave of electronic musicians. Exploring the entire site could easily require an entire day. Even after several trips there were still several places left unexplored till the summer of 2008.

References

A35-2, A35-4 (April 2006 – July 2007) Archives

Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. Packard Plant exploration tour in 2006. ]]> http://67.20.89.159/wrolandhamilton/2006/05/30/packard-plant-detroit-mi-part-1/feed/ 0