Category Archives: Detroit

The Detroit People Mover, a True Hidden Gem

The Detroit People Mover has been a staple of the city of Detroit since it first opened to the public on July 31, 1987. Now almost 30 years later the People Mover is still going strong. The system is made up of 12 driverless vehicles that are automated and computer controlled going across a 2.9 mile radius, which equals a nearly 15 minute ride round trip. Of the 13 stations, 8 of the stations, like the GMRENCEN have been built into an existing building providing ease for those who work in downtown Detroit to get around.

People Movercompressed

With 13 stations across the system, the People Mover makes stops to some of Detroit’s most famous attractions, including:

  • Times Square, this station acts as home base for the People Mover.
  • Grand Circus Park, the sports and entertainment district. You can catch a show at the Fox Theatre or a baseball game with the Detroit Tigers. Grand Circus Park station features the famous, Catching Up piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr.

Grand Circus Parkcompressed

  • Broadway, the home of the state of the art YMCA recreational center.
  • Cadillac Center, which features shopping and other amazing attractions.
  • Greektown, which houses many authentic Greek cuisine restaurants, unique bakeries, and of course the Greektown Casino, which by the end of 2016 will be referred to as, Jack Detroit-Hotel Casino Greektown.
  • Bricktown, where you can find different eateries, pubs, local art, and even jazz clubs.
  • Millender Center, featuring the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
  • Financial District, where architect lovers find paradise, featuring buildings like the Penobscot, Guardian, and Ford buildings and home to Detroit’s major financial institutions headquartered in this area.
  • Cobo Center where you can find the North American International Auto Show among many other trade and specialty shows throughout the year.
  • Fort/Cass, this station is for the news lover. With many news/media outlets in the area it’s sure to capture any true journalists’ heart. This station also features the ‘World’s Largest Book Store’—John King Used & Rare Book.
  • Joe Louis Arena home to many concerts, sporting events, and family friendly entertainment.

Joe Louis Arenacompressed

RenCen Stationcompressed

 GMRENCEN Station Fast facts:

  • In 2014 the GMRENCEN was the second most heavily trafficked stop for the People Mover, coming in at 487,758 passengers.
  • The GMRENCEN station features art, funded by GM and created by two artists by the name of George Woodman and a Michigan artist by the name of Marshall Fredricks.
  • The tile mural, Path Games, is a replacement for the first tile mural created by Woodman, Voyagers Come to Detroit when the Renaissance Center station underwent some construction changes.
  • The tile work by Woodman contains 2,625 pieces and features Detroit’s historic Pewabic tile.

Tile RenCen Stationcompressed

We know that the station stops on the People Mover all feature unique artwork, tile work and statue pieces, but did you know…

Originally all the stations were supposed to all look the same, featuring absolutely no artwork?

In 1984 Irene Walt and the Downtown Detroit People Mover Art Commission, a volunteer committee, formed because they wanted to incorporate a little diversity and beauty into each station. Now, each one of our People Mover stations features some of the most beautiful public art pieces in the country.

Since then the art featured in each of the People Mover stops has been published in a book by Irene Walt herself, entitled Art in the Stations.

art-stations Book Cover

Go on an adventure and experience Detroit in a new way by catching a ride on the People Mover! Share with us your favorite piece of Detroit People Mover art in the comments below!

9 Random Facts About the GMRENCEN

GM Renaissance Center

Conversation starters for the next time you ride up one of the building’s 107 elevators.

 

 

1. It’s so big that it has its own zip code – 48243.

 

2. There are roughly 1,500 plants throughout the complex.

GMRENCEN Wintergarden

 

3. The GM Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront was dedicated in December 2004.

 

4. The name “GM Renaissance Center” was chosen in a contest to name the building, 141,537 entries were submitted.

 

GM Renaissance Center

 

5. The Detroit Marriott has 1,298 guest rooms.

 

6. The GM Wintergarden was once a parking garage, swimming pool and fitness center.

 

7. Each glass panel used to build the Circulation Ring weighs in at 400 pounds.

 

GMRENCEN Circulation Ring

 

8. In 2015, almost 60 tons of the building’s food waste was composted and re-purposed.

 

9. On windy days the building can sway up to thirty inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Detroit Instagrams that Embody the Spirit of the City

Detroit is a city. It’s an American icon, a womb for modern-day transportation and the birthplace of music phenomenon’s like Motown and Techno. But it’s also an energy. An energy that’s fueled by its people. Detroit pride is alive and well. And this is what it looks like.

 

@seuong

Known for: Scenery, interesting perspectives

https://instagram.com/p/9HAj1JCf26/

 

@freefacephoto

Known for: Portraits, action shots

https://instagram.com/p/8TdojiSx2g/

 

@tonydetroit

Known for: Scenery

https://instagram.com/p/7yUhJ6EKpb/?taken-by=tonydetroit

His work even landed him a billboard deal with 1800 Tequila.

 

@cadillac_flatts

Known for: Scenery, filters

https://instagram.com/p/7oMVzCRE4Z/?taken-by=cadillac_flatts

 

@mindchip

Known for: Photo manipulation

https://instagram.com/p/8Ivo6dhTPJ/?taken-by=mindchip

 

@l_i_v_e_f_r_e_e_ 

Known for: Scenery

https://instagram.com/p/6yocKnnViN/?taken-by=l_i_v_e_f_r_e_e_

 

@detroit_chiver

Known for: Scenery, portraits

https://instagram.com/p/2Wu-HkmUju/?taken-by=detroit_chiver

 

@camera_jesus 

Known for: Scenery, action shots

https://instagram.com/p/3GA74hg3SH/?taken-by=camera_jesus

Tell us who your favorite Detroit Instagramers are in the comments section. Don’t forget to follow @GMRENCEN on Instagram, and tag us in your photos.