The dog days of summer have officially ended and now it’s time for fall. As the weather cools, the leaves fall and the days shorten, be sure to look around you and enjoy the beautiful colors of a Detroit autumn.
There are many breathtaking photos of the GMRENCEN and fall foliage, but here are some of our favorites.
Photo by Tom Hughes
Photo by Linda Moss
Photo by Jason Clemens
Photo by David Saliba
Photo by Steven Samolinski
Photo by Mark McClelland
Photo by Wade Bryant
Photo by Christopher Hollis
Photo by Suzann Braun
There’s certainly more to come as the colors continue to change around the city! Which of these is your favorite fall photo?
Namaste Detroit: Rooftop Yoga at the GMRENCEN
Rooftop yoga is a community and building favorite here at the GMRENCEN.
In partnership with RenCen Fitness, the GMRENCEN hosts free rooftop yoga classes throughout the summer. Rain or shine, morning or afternoon, enjoy a fun, relaxing yoga session on the rooftop of the Beaubien Place Parking Garage overlooking the Detroit River.
Why yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice, good for the mind, body and spirit. Here’s what GMRENCEN rooftop yoga classes can do for you:
1. Start your day right.
2. Concentrate on your body and your needs.
3. Focus on your breathing.
4. Build strength.
5. Increase flexibility.
6. Improve your mood.
7. Challenge yourself.
8. Change your perspective.
9. Refresh after a long workday.
10. Rejuvenate.
11. Unwind through movement.
12. Ease physical, mental and emotional tension.
Free rooftop yoga wraps up this month, so be sure to join us for one of the final classes of the season. Registration is required, so sign up here.
If you can’t make it, RenCen Fitness has classes all year.
Have you been to rooftop yoga? Share your photos with us in the comments below.
Highlands Detroit to open atop GMRENCEN
An experience. That is what awaits you at Highlands – a vibrant, multi-concept culinary destination soon to be located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the GMRENCEN. Moving into the space once home to Coach Insignia and the revolving restaurant The Summit, Highlands is redefining the top of the tower dining experience.
Though Highlands doesn’t open until November 2019, here is what you can expect from the latest restaurant at the GMRENCEN:
An Award-Winning Partnership
James Beard Award-winning Chef Shawn McClain, along with his partners Sarah and Richard Camarota, have found the ideal location for McClain’s first hometown project, at the very top of Detroit and the tallest building in Michigan, the GMRENCEN.
Long before Detroit, McClain graduated from the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College in Chicago. From there, he perfected his craft across the country, opening three award-winning and iconic restaurants in Chicago, then moving on to launch destinations in Las Vegas with partners Sarah & Richard Camarota. He won a James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2006 and even appeared (and won!) on Food Network’s Iron Chef America with Richard Camarota (business partner) and Scott Garthwaite (Executive Chef at Highlands) by his side.
Most recently, the partners at McClain Camarota Hospitality have grown their presence in Las Vegas, parlaying one restaurant to three starting with upscale culinary gem Sage, then moving onto pizza with FIVE50 PIZZABAR, both at Aria Resort and Casino. Finally, the third restaurant is Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay, the group’s fun, eclectic gastropub. McClain, his wife Holly and partners have been looking for the right project to take on in McClain’s hometown of Detroit; after a lengthy search the group decided GMRENCEN to be the ideal fit. “There’s really nothing that can compete with this iconic space and the legacy of the building. We are honored and excited to become the social clubhouse and comfort zone for all those who work and visit GMRENCEN,” said McClain.
One iconic destination, three unique concepts, endless ways to experience it all
Highlands will be three unique concepts and epic private event space in one iconic destination.
“Our goal was to create a spot that’s not only for special occasions, Highlands is about living it up daily, for any occasion. This is what led us to develop three distinct concepts, each with their own vibe, culinary experience and style,” McClain said.
Highlands Steakhouse – Creative Riff on a Classic
Highlands Steakhouse blends tradition with innovation for a bold re-imagination of the steakhouse. Come for the vibrant, urban atmosphere, stay for the quality ingredients and epic wine list curated by Master Sommelier, Nick Hetzel.
Hearth71 – Vibrant and Fun
Hearth 71 celebrates a simpler form of dining, emphasizing open-fire cooking, craft beer and rock ‘n’ roll. At the center of it all is a roaring fire to create sensational dishes like fried walleye with cornmeal crust, bacon potato salad and brussels sprout slaw.
High Bar – The Happiest of Hours
High Bar encourages one to indulge in the arts and the finer things. You don’t have to wait until happy hour to order a dainty dessert, a perfectly crafted cocktail or whiskey from every corner of the world. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Highlands Events – Events as Unique as You
Planning an event? Those seeking customizable events should look no further than Highlands Events. Guests will have direct access to event curators, chefs and the beverage team to create personalized menus for any occasion.
So, raise a glass, feed your soul and lift your spirit when Highlands arrives in November. In the meantime, visit highlandsdetroit.com and keep an eye on Highlands’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Detroit Fist
The Joe Louis Fist serves as an iconic Detroit landmark near Hart Plaza on Jefferson Avenue, right across the street from the GMRENCEN. You’ve drove past it, taken photos in front of it and probably wondered about it. So here are some fun facts you may not know about the city staple.
The statue was completed by sculptor Robert Graham in 1986, nine years after the opening party for the GM Renaissance Center.
Graham also sculpted the statue of President Roosevelt at the Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C.
The statue pays tribute to famed boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938.
Louis’ win was considered an American win during World War II.
The Joe Louis Fist was a gift from Sports Illustrated Magazine, dedicated on Oct. 16, 1986.
At the time, it cost $350,000 to create.
Despite common belief, the monument was not brought to Detroit for Joe Louis’ death, but for the Detroit Institute of Art’s centennial anniversary.
The initial arm was modeled in clay at 14 inches in length.
Its structure is made of bronze and painted steel.
The statue weighs 8,000 pounds (about four tons).
It’s 24 feet long and can be seen from Canada.
When the arm was unveiled, not everyone was pleased—there is still a controversy surrounding the statue.
In response to the monument, sculptor Ed Hamilton created another statue of Joe Louis, which can be found in Cobo Center.
To this day, we don’t know Graham’s exact intentions, as he worked in almost complete secrecy while creating the statue in California.
What we do know is the Joe Louis Fist is abstract so that it may be seen as a symbol of the city. The exact symbol, however, is unknown, allowing people to draw their own conclusions.
What does the Detroit fist mean to you? Let us know in the comments.
A New Perspective with Detroit Artist James Gates
James Gates is no stranger to Detroit. In fact, he spends most of his time here, capturing familiar sights from different perspectives
He entered the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here contest, a contest where local photographers submitted their best shots of the GMRENCEN for the chance to have the photo featured inside the building. It’s where we were first introduced to his work. You can view Gates’ photo on Level 2 in Tower 200. In August 2019, he took over the GMRENCEN Instagram account showcasing Detroit through his lenses.
What motivates you to shoot?
I started photography for the stress relief. I work in IT, and after a particularly grueling day I like to walk around with my camera to clear my head. During the day, people are just going and going constantly. With photography, I can take my time to get the effect I want to get. It requires patience and I like that.
What’s a typical photography outing like?
I always start and end at the GM Wintergarden, right on Atwater. From there I take a long walk along the Riverfront. It’s my favorite place in Detroit. I don’t necessarily know what I’m going to shoot, but I feel more relaxed when I come back.
How long have you been photographing?
I got into photography in the fall of 2014, and 2015 was a learning year, practicing long exposure and other types of shots. It started out inconsistent, but then I got hooked.
What was it like winning the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest and being featured in the building?
It’s still such an honor. I had only been into photography for about a year and a half when I took that shot. My friend loved it so much and encouraged me share it. A little while later, the Your Photo Here Contest began, so I submitted my shot. It was a strange coincidence.
That photo is one of the first ones I took, and it’s still there.
What have you learned since then?
I feel it’s important for me to keep up with the times and continue learning new camera settings. I’m just constantly learning from other Detroit photographers.
Always look for a unique angle because you don’t want to be like everybody else.
Do you ever change up your style?
I’m always learning new ways to do things, but I tend to stick to one type at a time. I choose a technique and work on mastering it before jumping to the next thing. Right now, I’m trying to work filters into my photography. I’ll be at that for a while.
What challenges do you face with your photography?
One challenge that affects me is that I’m legally blind. This doesn’t really hinder my work, but it can be frustrating. Sometimes when I’m reviewing my work after a photoshoot, I’ll notice blemishes in my shots that I couldn’t see out in the field. Although this isn’t a huge issue with architectural photography, it would make portrait and other photography more difficult.
What did you want people to take away from your Instagram takeover?
I was born and raised in Detroit, so I have 30 plus years of good memories here, especially of the GMRENCEN. I want people to know I love Detroit and I hope that shows in my photos.
What did you want to convey with your GMRENCEN August takeover?
I wanted to share some of the photos I’ve taken on my walks, with a focus on the GMRENCEN and the Riverfront. It captured the authentic Detroit, complete with Cullen Plaza tulips, Milliken State Park Lighthouse and city sunsets.
James Gates lives in Detroit and is a legally blind photographer. See his work on his Instagram at @james.m.gates or check out his online portfolio at jgatesphotography.com.
Rockin’ on the Riverfront with Marriott
Attending this year’s Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series? Enjoy the encore and don’t worry about the drive home by booking a room at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
Conveniently located on the famous RiverWalk in downtown Detroit, the 70-floor hotel is just steps away from the main stage.
Gaze out on downtown, the Detroit River and Canada through floor-to-ceiling windows in its spacious hotel rooms and suites.
The GMRENCEN is a perfection staycation spot for visitors of the city, with more than 25+ dining options, a newly-renovated GM World and its convenient distance from downtown activities.
What more could you ask for? Book your room by visiting marriott.com/dtwdt.
#GMRENCEN Summertime in the City
Summer is here! Summer in Detroit is one of our favorite seasons. Why? Because there’s so much to enjoy and see. Take a look at the summer views of Detroit, the #GMRENCEN and the Riverfront in our latest blog.
“In The Distance” by James Gates
“The Bench” by Suzann Braun
“Hello!” by Suzann Braun
“Pot of Gold” by Tom Hughes
“RenCen from Belle Isle” by Suzann Braun
“Barefoot runs on Belle Isle Beach” by Melissa Francese
“Calming” by Suzann Braun
“Vitamin D” by Amy Cooper
“When Tall Met Long” by Derek Farr
“The GMRENCEN with sailboats from a helicopter, September 2017” by Alanna St. Laurent
Artist Spotlight: Chris Marinica
Whether he’s in the city or out in nature, local photographer Chris Marinica finds beauty everywhere he goes.
Luckily for Detroit, it just so happens the Livonia native likes to head downtown. His work features everything from quiet trails to towering architecture, all the while experimenting with perspective and color.
In the next two weeks, Marinica will share all of this and more as he takes over the GMRENCEN Instagram account. We recently caught up with him to learn a little more about his start, his photography and his plans for his GMRENCEN takeover.
A Jack of All Trades
A videographer by trade, Marinica was first moved to capture moments through film. In fact, he works as a wedding videographer helping newlyweds remember their big day. He continues his photography in his free time, which means capturing the beauty of Detroit, as he does so well, is a true passion of his.
Marinica’s approach to photography is to focus on what inspires him and only shoot things that make him happy. After hunting down and taking his pictures, he edits them to show various angles, movement and color.
“All the things you see on my Instagram, that’s all me,” he says. “Most of my photos are actually 3-10 photos merged together to show people a different perspective.”
An Artist’s-Eye View
When Marinica is out shooting in the city, inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes all it takes is a little perspective.
Detroit’s colors, architecture and skyline have always drawn him in, but Marinica didn’t really start photographing the city until he travelled off the beaten path.
“Some of my favorite places in the city are places I used to go to before they were renovated,” he said. “I would sneak in, and that’s how I got started with photography.”
Nowadays, Marinica still goes above and beyond for every shot, such as using a drone to capture moments from high above the bustle of the city. His use of aerial photography gives him a bird’s eye view, which comes in handy when your subject is over 700 feet tall.
Towering Above the Rest
Marinica’s favorite part about the city is its diverse photo opportunities, making the GMRENCEN the perfect place for him to shoot.
“I have so many photos of the GMRENCEN. It’s the tallest piece of the Detroit skyline, and that just stands out to me,” he says. “It’s so beautiful with different lights.”
Hues of gold and pink can really change the effect of the photograph, transforming it into something completely new. We look forward to seeing the towers lit up with Marinica’s expert touch.
So when you’re in the city in the next two weeks, take a moment to hunt down a few of Marinica’s shots. Get inspired as he takes over the GMRENCEN Instagram account, and travel with him as he finds beauty all around the city.
After all, whether you’re living here, working here or just stopping by, Detroit has so much to offer you.
Chris Marinica lives in Livonia. Follow him on Instagram or work with him through his Falcon Film Studios profile.
Artist Spotlight: Mike Boening
There’s nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of city life.
While big cities may have their charm, Detroit has something others simply do not. Just take it from Mike Boening.
As a Detroit-based street photographer, Boening knows this better than most. He takes pride in shooting the real Detroit and sharing it with his audience.
Follow him on one of his street tours of Detroit as he takes over the GMRENCEN Instagram account over the next two weeks.
City Streets
Boening finds inspiration all around him on the streets of Detroit. His focus as a photographer has always been on observing people and how they interact.
“My photography style is all about movement within big cities,” he says. “After all, city life is busy and offers much to see. Urban landscapes, especially in Detroit, have buildings, history, people and movement within them. I just love capturing all of it.”
Through his street and urban photography, he simply captures everyday moments, such as commuting to work or running to catch a flight.
Worldly Shots
Boening’s work in the mitten has led him to work with the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Pure Michigan campaign, where his shots graced calendars and billboards throughout Michigan.
Though his camera is often pointed at Detroit, he sometimes shifts its focus to other large cities around the world.
“I travel to all parts of the country for work,” says Boening, who leads urban photography street tours to share his love of the art by teaching others.
But no matter where he lands, Boening says Detroit always stands out to him because he appreciates witnessing the diverse development of the city.
Building History
“I love seeing the changes and capturing history being built, and that history is here.”
Boening remembers the construction of the GMRENCEN and feels lucky to have the opportunity to see the beginning of a true Detroit destination.
“Detroit has changed so much from where it was to where it is now and the GMRENCEN is a big part of that transformation. To me, there’s nothing more iconic.”
For Boening, history and inspiration are just down the street.
Mike Boening lives in Clinton Township. Follow him on Instagram or visit his online portfolio to see and shop more of his work.
Spring into Detroit’s Beauty
Happy Spring, Detroit! A photographer’s playground, spring time in Detroit is full of areas to capture the beauty of the city and Riverfront.
Talented, local photographers share some of their favorite shots of the city as the weather begins to warm up and Detroit’s beauty is in full bloom!
“In Bloom” by Detroit photographer Jason Clemens. Follow him on Instagram @Share_Detroit. Check out our featured blog post highlighting his work here.
“The GMRENCEN, framed” by Detroit photographer Suzann Braun. Follow her on Instagram @suzannisuzanni. Check out our featured blog post highlighting her work here.
“Spring time on the Riverwalk” by James Gonyea.
“In Bloom” by Detroit photographer Jason Clemens. Follow him on Instagram @Share_Detroit. Check out our featured blog post highlighting his work here.
“From Belle Isle on a Spring Afternoon” by James Gonyea.
“Princess Sunset” by Jason Clemens. Follow him on Instagram @Share_Detroit. Check out our featured blog post highlighting his work here.
“Sherbet Sunset” by Ray Akey.
“Peeking Through” by Lou Peeples. Follow him on Instagram @loupeeples_photography. Check out our featured blog post highlighting his work here.
