Tag Archives: Detroit

Falling in Love with the Detroit Riverfront

fall-in-Detroit

The dog days of summer have officially ended and now it’s time for fall in the Motor City. The change in weather doesn’t have to stop your fun-filled adventures. We created a guide to help you enjoy the new season on the Detroit Riverfront.

 

Fall for the Riverfront View:

 

Photo by Suzanne Braun

 

Whether you’re running joyfully into the change of season or taking a slow stroll into fall, the Detroit Riverfront views are ready for you to explore. Take a walk along the Dequindre Cut Greenway paths, enjoy Belle Isle’s nature trails or take the family on an adventure down the Detroit Riverwalk, the #1 Riverwalk in the USA, to Robert C. Valade Park for fun-filled playgrounds.

 

If you want to cover a lot of area, you can always park at the GMRENCEN and grab a MOGO bike to breeze around the city with ease.

 

Fall Food and Cocktails: 

 

Photo by Highlands Detroit

 

The change of season means delicious seasonal cocktails and food. Whether this is your first time or your hundredth time tasting one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN, their new menu items and autumnal views are the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront.

 

Andiamo offers an extensive selection of seasonal Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Joe Muer Seafood serves the freshest seasonal catch and impeccable service with its riverfront view. Enjoy Highlands Detroit with its crisp 71st-floor view of the Detroit Riverfront, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar.

 

Fall Fun on the Riverfront:

 

Photo by The Eastern Market Partnership

 

The Detroit Riverfront and nearby areas/neighborhoods are full of fun events year-round, but autumn offers magic for people of all ages. Eastern Market is a Detroit staple with four primary markets on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday filled with fall food, products and experiences. If you’re looking for a way to get some fresh air with your furry friend, join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy guided Pack Walk along the Detroit Riverfront.

 

The Downtown Detroit Partnership brings nostalgic fall fun with their Cider in the City events during October at Beacon Park. Enjoy crafts, pumpkin picking, hayrides and, of course, donuts and cider!

 

It’s time to start falling in love with the new season in Detroit. Let us know how you celebrate autumn in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

How to Spend July on the Detroit Riverfront

Detroit skyline

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful Detroit Riverfront! To skip the hassle and focus on the fun, we’ve curated the perfect guide to highlight the hottest happenings in July. 

 

Where to Eat

 

 

The breathtaking views and delicious cuisine from one of the three award-winning restaurants at the GMRENCEN is the perfect addition to any trip to the Riverfront. Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine, and Highlands Detroit provides stunning views of the Detroit Riverfront from the 71st floor, accompanied by an upscale menu of diverse dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, head to the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Michigan, Joe Muer Seafood, for the freshest catch and even better views of the river.

 
 

What to do on the Riverfront to Stay Active

 

 

If you want to stay active this summer, the Detroit Riverfront has multiple opportunities to get moving while enjoying a scenic view. 

 

Expand your knowledge of Detroit while getting your steps in by signing up for the Dequindre Cut Walking Tours with the City Institute. Stroll along the Dequindre Cut as you learn about the greenway’s past and present. 

 

After your walking tour, relax with Yoga on the Riverfront. Enjoy a free yoga class while looking at the stunning view of the Detroit River. Yoga is held Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. in Milliken State Park.

 

What to do on the Riverfront to Experience  Local Artists

 

Did you know you can bike from the Detroit Riverfront straight into the heart of Eastern Market by cruising down the Dequindre Cut?

 

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a premium market with fresh produce, florals, local artists, unique cuisine and so much more from a local favorite. Markets are open weekly on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Once you grab yourself lunch from Eastern Market head to the Live Music Summer Series with D. Cipher on the Dequindre Cut to watch metro Detroit’s most talented entertainers. Enjoy this all month long with free weekly performances and a curated lineup. 

 

Where to Park

 

The GMRENCEN offers a variety of parking options located right on the Riverfront and within walking distance to Detroit’s hottest happenings. Click here to check our parking options and choose what’s best for you and your crew. 

 

If you are heading to a concert in the city, check out the multiple show shuttles Andiamo and Joe Muer Seafood are offering for select shows. 

 

There are no dog days of summer with all the exciting happenings in the Motor City! Let us know how you celebrate summer in the city on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

5 Ways to Enjoy the Detroit Riverfront

Detroit Riverfront

 

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore this beautiful city we’re lucky to call home. To help you get started, we’ve curated five of our favorite happenings right near the GMRENCEN.

 

Tour the Detroit Riverfront 

 

Start your day in the D with a Detroit Riverfront: Past, Present & Future Socially Distant Walking Tour by the Detroit Experience Factory. This tour offers something for everyone, whether you’re new to Detroit or just looking to gain more knowledge about the city’s rich history. With tour stops including Milliken State Park, Cullen Plaza, Dequindre Cut and Valade Park, you’re sure to experience something new.

 

Dine Along the Detroit Riverfront

 

 

 

Enjoy views of the Detroit Riverfront at one of the GMRENCEN’s fine dining restaurants! Andiamo offers an extensive selection of Italian dishes and an incredible assortment of wine. Highlands Detroit offers impeccable views of Detroit from the 71st floor, accompanied by a diverse menu of handmade dishes and innovative cocktails at High Bar. If you’re facing a serious seafood craving, visit Joe Muer Seafood for the freshest sushi and even better views of the river.

 

Explore the City from the Detroit Riverfront

 

Eastern Market is a can’t-miss Detroit experience for locals and visitors alike – and you can access the market from the riverfront. Park at the GMRENCEN, then walk, bike or run through the Dequindre Cut that leads right to Eastern Market. Saturday markets are open year-round, while summer markets on Tuesdays and Sundays are open from June to September. Fresh produce and local art are just some of the many things you can expect to find here – so make it a must for your day in Detroit!

 

Bike the Detroit Riverfront 

 

Mogo

 

Ride the riverfront on a MoGo Bike! MoGo bikes allow you to rent a bicycle for as long as you’d like and use it at your own pace. You can pick up or drop off your bike at one of dozens of stations in and around the city including a station on the GM Plaza. Prices are flexible based on your length of use. Bike racks are also located around the GMRENCEN.

 

Enjoy Yoga by the Water

 

Round out your visit to Detroit with a relaxing Yoga on the Riverfront practice, held in Milliken State Park every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Friday at 10 a.m. Classes are free – provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, just bring your own mat and water!

 

The GMRENCEN offers parking year-round which is only steps from the Detroit Riverfront to help simplify planning for your day downtown. Hopefully, you’ve now gathered some ideas and are ready to plan your next trip to the D!

Artist Spotlight: Chris Burton

The GMRENCEN is dedicated to the safety of our tenants and visitors. In compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order, new procedures and precautions are now in place at the GMRENCEN. Learn more about our new guidelines here.

 

Local photographer Chris Burton has seen Detroit’s true colors. After moving back to the city from a two-year stint in Dallas, he’s returned with a new goal:  showcase Detroit as a beautiful space with cool things to see and do.

 

In October 2019, Chris took over the GMRENCEN Instagram account to show you Detroit from his perspective.

 

Here is everything you need to know about Chris and his takeover.

 

He’s rediscovering the city through photography.

 

It all started when he moved back. Chris picked his camera up after returning to the city because he was overtaken by all the architecture and art in Detroit.

 

Though he had a positive first impression of the Motor City, he became more familiar with it through his photography. He spent his nights walking around with his camera to capture the sights that caught his eye.

 

He’s self-taught.

 

From first picking up a camera in high school to developing music videos to booking his weekends full of wedding and real estate shoots, his photography encompasses a wide-range of purpose and style.

 

But for Chris, photography was a self-taught skill. Though he’s only been shooting for about two years now, his work has grown tremendously thanks to his late-night walks trying new things and honing his craft.

 

He sees Detroit in a positive light.

 

As he travels, Chris enjoys sharing the beauty he experiences with his audience. Detroit is no exception.

 

“I personally love Detroit, but I think people’s first opinion of Detroit tends to be negative,” said Chris. “I’d love to change that.”

 

With his audience reaching across the states, he can introduce his followers to a city they have only heard about. Luckily for Detroit, he has plenty of good things to share.

 

He thinks Detroit is the most exciting city.

 

Chris’s work will always showcase something new. Whether it’s a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline or a snapshot of dinner and drinks at the hottest restaurant in town, he wants to share his experiences with you.

 

“I think Detroit is the most exciting city,” he said. “It seems every month, something new is opening.”

 

 

 

He loves a place with a view.

 

As a photographer, Chris loves any place that allows him to experience cool views, and there’s something special about being high above the city. According to Chris, you can get such a different perspective from up high.

 

“I love the GMRENCEN”, Chris said. “Volt in the Detroit Marriott is one of the coolest, most lowkey places in Detroit. It’s one of the city’s best kept secrets.”

 

He also enjoys the exclusivity of some of the city’s newer hot spots, such as the Monarch Club, Little Caesars Arena and Highlands Detroit.

 

He appreciates the details.

 

Chris’s photography is based off capturing the intricate details of a city that might otherwise go unnoticed. With an appreciation for the history and culture behind the city’s architecture, he wants to make people aware, seeing the same things they’ve seen before but in a new perspective.

 

“Detroit has some amazing architecture, but often times, people can walk by some of those finer details without even noticing,” he said. “I want to make people see a photograph of something they’ve seen before, but this time realizing just how cool the details behind it are.”

 

He is inspired.

 

For Chris, the whole process is inspiring. His journey of exploring different parts of the city always takes him somewhere new, leading him to create art from his camera.

 

“I’m trying to help people see their own backyard in a different light,” he said. “I’d love for them to see things in a different way and truly appreciate what they’re walking by.”

 

He believes in working outside of your comfort zone.

 

“Take something you’re afraid to do and do it,” said Chris. “Be confident in yourself. If you put in the work, there’s a lot more you can accomplish.”

 

Chris Burton lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram or check out his online portfolio to see more of his work.

 

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.

      1. The statue was completed by sculptor Robert Graham in 1986, nine years after the opening party for the GM Renaissance Center.
      2. Graham also sculpted the statue of President Roosevelt at the Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C.
      3. The statue pays tribute to famed boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938.
      4. Louis’ win was considered an American win during World War II.
      5. The Joe Louis Fist was a gift from Sports Illustrated Magazine, dedicated on Oct. 16, 1986.
      6. At the time, it cost $350,000 to create.
      7. Despite common belief, the monument was not brought to Detroit for Joe Louis’ death, but for the Detroit Institute of Art’s centennial anniversary.
      8. The initial arm was modeled in clay at 14 inches in length.

        9.  

         

      9. Its structure is made of bronze and painted steel.
      10. The statue weighs 8,000 pounds (about four tons).
      11. It’s 24 feet long and can be seen from Canada.
      12. When the arm was unveiled, not everyone was pleased—there is still a controversy surrounding the statue.
      13. In response to the monument, sculptor Ed Hamilton created another statue of Joe Louis, which can be found in Cobo Center.
      14. To this day, we don’t know Graham’s exact intentions, as he worked in almost complete secrecy while creating the statue in California.
      15. 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.

Detroit Artist: Jason Clemens

For Detroit photographer Jason Clemens, he just loves to be outside. If he’s got a camera in his hand, that’s a bonus.

 

Jason has a certain passion for the outdoors, especially for Michigan’s beautiful seasons. He even calls his photography “hunting with a camera” since he’s always searching for the perfect outdoor shot.

 

Seasons of Change

 

 

Jason began seriously taking photos after he was gifted a Canon in 2012. He’s since elevated his hobby to a passion project, capturing everything in nature that he could.

 

He loves shooting images of birds and animals and exploring the same place in different seasons. The seasons give the same locations a different perspective, he says. Find him out at sunrise or sunset, seeking out what others don’t see in nature.

 

In Detroit, he especially loves photographing the marina and Detroit River when he’s downtown. The skyline and cityscape has changed so much in recent years, evolving the Detroit Riverfront as it changes, and that’s what he enjoys conveying through his images.

 

Sharing Detroit

 

 

Jason started becoming a Detroit influencer when he created an Instagram account for his photography portfolio. Immediately it was a way to connect with other passionate artists and share what they and experience through their camera.

 

The hashtag #ShareDetroit is full of Jason’s images, and he regularly interacts with the users of that hashtag. His Instagram handle is also @Share_Detroit.

 

A Familial Connection

 

Jason plays catch with his son at Comerica Park.

 

Jason not only loves pursuing photography because it’s a way to take his mind off his full-time job, but because his father was also an active photographer, and loving telling stories through photos.

 

“My dad passed away before I turned three years old, but he still managed to instill so much of his personality and passions in me in that short time,” said Jason.

 

Photography is a beautiful connection between Jason and his dad, and one that is only growing as Jason gets older.

 

Follow along as Jason shares his favorite Detroit outdoors photos on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks.

 

Jason Clemens lives in Farmington Hills. See more of his work on Instagram @Share_Detroit.

Artist Spotlight: MaRia Popi

Where in the world is MaRia Popi?

 

The answer lies on top of some of Detroit’s most famous skyscrapers.

 

“I love shooting Detroit from the rooftop of buildings. I have been on the rooftop of every skyscraper in the city. That’s what drives my photography. I’m a sky chaser,” MaRia said.

 

Starting at the Top

 

 

MaRia began shooting the 313 five years ago. Since then she has been to most downtown skyscrapers’ rooftops and inside most of the iconic buildings, however the Penobscot building reigns supreme in her opinion.

 

“I believe the Penobscot building has one of the best views in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Detroit and the view is different at night and day. That is what makes it so exciting for me!” said MaRia Popi.

 

She often returns to her favorite places to highlight the differences in the foreground and background, exploring different seasons and times of day. She knows no sunrise, sunset or cloud pattern is the same. Using long exposure techniques, especially at night, is her favorite style of photography.

 

In the Motor City

 

 

MaRia was born in Bulgaria and moved to Michigan in 2003. She always loved traveling and had a camera in hand while growing up. Her passion for photography and love of architecture and design led her to the Motor City, and now she’s proud to call it home.

 

“I consider myself an explorer who keeps learning. Art is a big part of my daily life. I grow as an artist while exploring other artists’ work – while using new photography techniques and working with creative people from different backgrounds,” she said.

 

Some of MaRia’s portrait photography work can be seen inside the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in the “Oh You Fancy!” exhibit currently on display.

 

 

Follow along as MaRia shares her love of rooftop photography on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks. She is also a previous winter of the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest, and you can see her art inside the GMRENCEN.

 

MaRia Popi lives in Livonia. See more of her work on her Instagram @_mariapopi_ or her online portfolio at mariapopi.com.

Artist Spotlight: James Gates

We’ve all been there – when your phone battery dies because you’ve been using it to take photos. That happened to Detroit photographer James Gates so often, that he decided to finally put down his iPhone and pick up a DSLR camera.

 

Washington, D.C.

 

 

James traveled to Washington D.C. in 2014 and brought his new camera along with him. He loved taking photos of the statues, historical buildings and moments that the area had to offer. He showed the trip images to a coworker, who is a professional photographer, after he returned from the trip and the coworker was quite impressed. This coworker recommended James start taking photos professionally, and James took that to heart – he’s loved it ever since.

 

His Perfect Shot

 

 

For the past four years James has spent his free time walking the Detroit Riverfront and downtown metropolis searching for the perfect shot.

 

He especially loves shooting around sunset, and the time just after sunset, affectionately called “the blue hour.” He loves everything about it – the light, how the city glows, capturing how the clouds streak the sky.

 

James has also been playing around with long exposures recently, capturing hundreds of photos and merging them into one photo in time. He likes these photos best, and works only a bit on his computer to enhance each photograph afterward.

 

An Escape

 

 

Although James would love to make photography his day to day work, he uses it as an escape more than anything.

 

“There’s something about exploring the city and always finding something new. It’s so relaxing to me, it’s a great way to decompress and have fun. There’s really nothing like capturing a great shot and seeing things in a way you’ve never seen them before,” James said.

 

 

James is also a previous winner of our Your Photo Here Contest, and you can find his artwork on Level 2, Tower 200, inside the GMRENCEN.

 

Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram to see James highlight his favorite downtown locations.

 

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.  

Artist Spotlight: Alanna St. Laurent

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s a drone! If you happen to see a drone camera around downtown Detroit, there’s a good chance it belongs to local photographer Alanna St. Laurent.

 

The Detroit artist is always trying out innovative and new ways to take photographs, and drone photography has recently captured her passion.

 

Up in the Air

 

 

Alanna’s GMRENCEN Instagram takeover will focus on her drone photography, highlighting different parts of the Detroit skyline – a medium she’s started exploring since it was invented. She’s looking for different vantage points to find new detail in her images as her camera hovers hundreds of feet above street level.

 

She learned the trade from friends, but that’s not to say it’s an easy skill to pick up. Like with anything, there’s a learning curve when it comes to drone photography.

 

“It’s a whole different playing field up there. You can take pictures straight down from where the drone is, an entire 90 percent angle, or you can focus the camera up 30 degrees for the shot you want. It’s taken a bit of time but I’m enjoying exploring the skyline with the drone. There are so many possibilities with it,” Alanna said.

 

She particularly loves flying the drones near the tops of tall skyscrapers – especially Detroit towers that were built in the 1920s. With her drone, she can zoom in on technical, architectural and artistic features at the crown of each building – a scene that would be nigh impossible without a drone.

 

Professional Career

 

 

Alanna started taking photography classes when she was an advisor at the College for Creative Studies in 2007 and fell in love with the medium. That passion has never left her, and she regularly explores Detroit, and the country, searching for new ways to “see” a scene, skyline or setting.

 

She now sells print copies of her photographs on her website and features her images at rotating art fairs in and around Metro Detroit.

 

Alanna thinks of abandoned buildings as “the Wild West” because no building is ever the same, and she never knows what she’s going to find. She now leads photography workshops in and around Detroit. The forward-thinking photographer’s sessions are designed for newly burgeoning photographers as they learn the trade and focus with architectural and cityscape photography. The workshops also bring local photographers together to capture some of Detroit’s most photographic events.

 

She’s grown her industry reputation over the years and now is a full-time photographer, and leads her own business, which was always a goal of hers.

 

Follow Alanna over the next two weeks on our Instagram as she shows us Detroit from the sky.

 

Alanna St. Laurent lives in Ferndale. Follow her on Instagram at @alannastlaurentphoto or visit her online portfolio at alannastlaurent.com to see Detroit through her lens.