July 29 -- Detroit -- RenCen, train station, bridge

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Once upon a time, Detroit had many different language/culture-oriented neighborhoods. For example, there were Polish neighborhoods, with Polish Catholic churches. Now, we were told, Catholic churches often do best when they serve a Spanish-speaking population.

I believe this church is in use, but have no idea who is served.

Approaching the RenCen from the northeast.

The People Mover, in front of the RenCen.

Front entrance to the RenCen (with the tail of the People Mover).

You'll recall that several posts ago, from near the Ambassador Bridge, we could see the old train station in the distance.  Here we look back, from the opposite direction.  You can see the arch of the bridge, between the trees at left and the train station.

Can you see the line of decorative grass plants, green with gold tops, just in front of the train station?

I think this is an inspired planting.  Not too expensive (I bet), but dramatic and low maintenance....

I like the way the dotted lines in the street seem to lead to the grass in this shot.

Grass shadows on rusty metal.

Grass, and trees.

Sad abandoned train station, with grass.  We were told that this building is at the top of many architects' list of "building most deserving of restoration."

This is a huge building.  I guess one thought for it is condos.........  The other side looks across the river at Canada, without other tall structures in between at present.....

Driving on by.  The shot above is basically the north face; this is the east side.

I haven't mentioned expressways.  Given the dearth of public transportation that has been truth for Detroit for the last 30 or 40 years, at least, it's not a surprise that a lot of really big roads lead to downtown Detroit.

Fancy new bridge, over the roads leading toward the bridge (which can be seen on the horizon).

We had dinner in Mexican Town, which is very close to the shot above.

On our way home, one last glance at the bridge.  The red, at the top of the lights, says Ambassador Bridge.

Wow.

I'm surprised I got so many pics that I thought were worth sharing, from a bouncing jouncing jarring crowded reflecting too-close too-far tour bus!

It was an excellent tour!  I learned a lot, and saw all sorts of things I didn't know existed.

Detroit looks much more colorful and lively than it was the last time I was downtown.

Hooray.  A healthy Detroit would be an excellent thing for Michigan!

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