A lifelong Detroiter, photographer Nadir Ali knows Detroit. Regularly working with community partners such as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Platform, Nadir really knows Detroit.
Detroit in 2022
As a community partner for several well-known Detroit organizations Nadir feels like a historian for the city.
“There are so many transformational projects happening right now in Detroit. There won’t be another opportunity to document the redevelopment of Michigan Central Train Station, the development of the Hudson site, the reimagining of West Riverfront Park. I want to capture these sites now so that when everything is completed in 2022, we’ll have a well-documented history of the ‘before.’”
As the city evolves, so does a photographer’s technology. Nadir actively explores drone photography in and around the city, capturing the city from the clouds. His Instagram handle @3andathird mostly features drone photography around the city, showing users the city like they’ve never seen it before. Now he is especially focused on lighting in his photographs – capturing similar still frames at sunrise, sunset, different times of the day or in unusual weather patterns. Nadir is excited to continue this exploration as Detroit watches it’s buildings grow before our very eyes.
Born and Raised
Having grown up in Detroit, the majority of Nadir’s life experiences take place inside the city – he even proposed to his wife inside the GMRENCEN – so he focuses on the positives taking place here.
“I love Detroit. I choose to focus on the positive things going on in the city like business development and community growth instead of negatives like ruin porn. My goal is for someone from Detroit to stop and say ‘Hey, that’s my city.’ And to make them proud,” said Nadir.
To accomplish this Nadir is capturing moments and editing photos daily. Never to miss a moment he always has a camera or some form of equipment to capture a scene when he’s out and about. Influencers like Big Sean and Pure Michigan have shared his work.
Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram to see Detroit through Nadir’s lens when he takes over our account for the next two weeks.
Nadir Ali lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram at @3andathird or see his online 3andathird.com.
Your Photo Here (in the GMRENCEN!) Winners
After reviewing all of the submissions for the Your Photo Here Contest, the public narrowed down their favorites to the top 10. These 10 photographs will soon decorate the walls of the GMRENCEN, along with an “About the Artist” biography for each photographer.
The Your Photo Contest started in October when Detroit photographers were invited to submit their GMRENCEN photos for consideration. We received nearly 500 photographs, and featured 100 photos in the public voting portion of the contest.
Winning Photographs
Below are the photographs with the most votes, in order.
Which photo is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Treat Yo’ Self Day!
The NBC show Parks & Recreation invented a holiday that’s all about giving in to your inner luxurious self. Want a new sweater from the mall that you’ve been eyeing for a month? Treat Yo’ Self. Have you been looking at a GoPro camera for that vacation around the corner? Treat Yo’ Self.
Oct. 13 is all about going out of the way to make yourself feel better and the GMRENCEN is in the holiday spirit. Here are several ways to Treat Yo’ Self around the building.
Enjoy dinner and cocktails at Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
A beautiful setting overlooking the Detroit River, you’ll love anything from this award-winning restaurant. Enjoy a variety of dishes featuring veal, steak, chicken, fish and pasta with a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail at Andiamo Detroit Riverfront.
Buy a bouquet of flowers from Ashley’s Flowers
If you’re a fresh flower lover, Treat Yo’ Self to Ashley’s Flowers on Level 2 in the Millender Center. Their fall bouquets and excellent customer service are sure to brighten your day!
Treat Yo’ Self to jewelry from Costa D’Oro Jewelers
The holidays are coming up soon and there’s no better way to step up your look than with a new piece of jewelry. Treat Yo’ Self to perfectly cut diamonds, or wonderfully crafted gem stones for an extra-luxurious day from Costa D’Oro Jewelers.
Splurge on teeth whitening services at Great Expressions Dental Centers
Have you always wanted to brighten up your smile? Now’s the time! Dr. Joe Abbate of Great Expressions Dental Centers has been servicing the GMRENCEN for more than 30 years and he knows how to make your smile glow. Call his office today to Treat Yo’ Self this this life-changing procedure.
Indulge in a coffee treat
The GMRENCEN has several restaurants that either specialize in coffee or serve coffee within their businesses. Skip the office coffee today and head down to one of our two Starbucks’, Coffee Beanery, Gourmet Deli, Panera Bread or to Joe Muer, Volt or Andiamo to sit down and drink some.
Snack on a Potbelly Sandwich Works chocolate chip cookie
If you’re in the mood for something tasty and sweet, look no further than Potbelly Sandwich Works. Treat Yo’ Self to a fresh, perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie that is just waiting for you to scoop up and enjoy.
So go on, find that special item or service inside the GMRENCEN and Treat Yo’ Self!
What is your favorite way to Treat Yo’ Self? Let us know in the comments.
100 Reasons to Love the GMRENCEN
We’ve reached 100 posts on the GMRENCEN blog and to celebrate we’re sharing 100 different reasons why we love the GMRENCEN.
What do you love about the GMRENCEN? Let us know if the comments!
GM Company Store: Custom Creations
The GM Company Store, located on the first level of the GMRENCEN near the Wintergarden, offers branded merchandise representing Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and General Motors. The store is a major retail destination for visitors at the GMRENCEN and has an online store for those outside the area. The GM Company Store also has a robust business-to-business marketing group that creates promotional products for brands.
Promotional Products
This unique aspect of the store offers research, planning, design, and logistics management all within its services. Companies, and not just ones within the GMRENCEN, can now develop custom products and printing on shirts, hats, mugs, glassware, pens and more with the help of the GM Company Store. General Managers Karen Peek and Bob Manning meet with clients to discuss goals, budget and timeline for each project. Karen and Bob research what options they can provide, and share a proposal and samples of products with their clients. If necessary, the GM Company Store can turn around projects within the week.
The GM Company Store also has the ability to put various certified logos on different materials. Brands like Chevrolet can ask for customized shirts for events like the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix or Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Concert Series.
Karen and Bob see this aspect of their business growing exponentially as brands return to use their services and new opportunities come from outside of the GMRENCEN. Just the other day the GM Company Store completed a promotional product order for a local politician who wanted his name on candy to hand out at an event.
“This part of our business has the potential to grow. We’ll always have the store and the online store, but businesses will always need different promotional materials and as our name gets out there more, and brands come back to us, we certainly see the potential,” said Bob.
Customized Delivery
The GM Company Store is testing a fulfillment service where they can ship and deliver to several locations from one order. This could be a time-saver for businesses that own several franchise locations, or several offices throughout the state.
The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M – F and 12 – 4 on Saturdays. GM employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount when they show their company ID. To reach Karen and Bob directly, email them at: [email protected]and [email protected].
What item would you want customized, if you had the chance? Tell us in the comments below!
Tenant Profile: Joe Muer Seafood
Joe Muer Seafood is a paradise for the true seafood lover and if you haven’t been, you have to experience their delectable food for yourself. Voted Hour Detroit’s Best Seafood Restaurant of 2016 and 2015, we’re proud to have this Detroit-based restaurant right here in the GMRENCEN.
Joe Muer has a Bloomfield Hills location but nothing beats the Detroit River view the GMRENCEN location offers. The restaurant is located on Level 1 in Tower 400 and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. To find out more about this Detroit gem, we spoke to Lee Wasik, manager of Joe Muer.
What products and services do you offer?
Lee explained that, since 1929, Joe Muer consistently provides classic and gourmet seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh shucked oysters at the Raw Bar, hand rolled sushi at the Sushi Bar or socialize at their one-of-a-kind Piano Bar. For a more private dining experience, Joe Muer offers three exclusive dining spaces perfect for parties or business meetings.
What is your favorite dish?
Joe Muer has an expansive menu, including lunch, dinner and Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For a posh dinner affair, Lee suggests trying the Dover Sole a la Meuniere – a classic French fish pan fried in butter and served in a brown butter sauce with parsley and lemon.
What is your favorite part about being in the GMRENCEN?
Lee loves how close the restaurant is to the Detroit River. She encourages everyone to enjoy at least one meal on their patio to soak in the beautiful view with a tasty cocktail and homemade dish.
How are you reflecting a new Detroit?
Lee says Joe Muer reflects a new Detroit everyday by offering modern and classic dishes to everyone who walks through the door. Joe Muer has provided gourmet meals to Detroiters for more than 80 years and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Visit Joe Muer for happy hour, dinner or try their new weekly Sunday brunch. What is your favorite dish at Joe Muer? Tell us in the comments below!
6 Things You Didn’t Know About the Detroit Riverfront
Nearly three million people visit the Detroit riverfront each year and it’s no surprise why. With 3.5 miles of scenic RiverWalk trails along the Detroit River, beautiful parks and months of entertainment, the Detroit riverfront has so much to offer.
Whether you’re visiting the riverfront for the first time, or come down every weekend, here are six things you might not know about the Detroit riverfront:
Detroit Riverfront History
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy opened the East RiverFront RiverWalk and Rivard Plaza to the public in June 2007. The unique and family-friendly area boasts a custom designed carousel, a glass map of the St. Lawrence Seaway and a granite map of the Detroit River. Work is still being done to the Riverfront, but it has come a long way since its grand opening, ten years ago.
Live the Riverfront
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy team up each summer to host multiple activities that promote fitness and healthy living. Some of these activities include Walk the RiverWalk Wednesdays, weekly fitness classes and Moonlight Yoga. Interested in getting fit this summer? Visit their website for more information.
Reading & Rhythm on the RiverFront (R3)
Keeping children interested in reading and the arts can sometimes be difficult, but General Motors and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy are here to help. The two paired up to provide, R3, an interactive early literacy program. This unique program gives children free books and rides on the Cullen Family Carousel, along with the opportunity to see live entertainment and hear stories read by celebrities. In 2006, R3 handed out more than 3,800 books to children and their families across southeast Michigan.
GMRENCEN Riverfront Tours
Next time you stop at the GMRENCEN, go on one of our free one-hour tours. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the building and learn its history, you’ll also get to stroll down to the RiverWalk. Tours meet at Pure Detroit and run Monday through Friday at noon and 2 p.m.
Eastern Market
Saturdays in Detroit are best spent at Eastern Market exploring vendor booths and chatting with locals. The Dequindre Cut, located between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street, is just a mile away from Eastern Market. End your Saturday with a walk or bike ride along the RiverWalk then stop at the GMRENCEN for a bite to eat.
Pet Friendly Events
Dogs are welcome on the Riverfront, in fact, they are encouraged! Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Canine to Five Detroit offers a guided pack walk through the RiverWalk paths. The event is completely free and gives dogs, and their owners, a chance to socialize and enjoy the scenic views of the riverfront.
What is your favorite thing to do along the riverfront? Tell us in the comment section below!
Everything You Need to Know About Detroit’s QLINE
All aboard! The highly anticipated QLINE is up and running on Woodward Avenue. We took an early ride to answer all of your questions about the newest addition to Detroit’s transportation scene. Here’s what we found out:
Where are the stations?
The QLINE has 20 stations at 12 stops on a 3.3 mile span down Woodward. The QLINE starts at Penske Station on Woodward and Grand Boulevard and drives south on Woodward to its last stop on Congress to charge for 3 to 5 minutes then turns around to head back north.
How much does it cost?
The QLINE costs $1.50 for single fare tickets, ride all day for $3, monthly passes are available for $30 and annual passes are $285. Discounts are available for seniors, students and others.
What are the hours?
Hours of operation are:
Sunday-Thursday 8 am – 8 pm
Friday-Saturday 8 am – 10 pm
During these hours, cars will run every 8 to 12 minutes.
How does it work?
The QLINE is a modern streetcar operated by a driver who controls the car. The cars run on-wire between Henry and Canfield and off-wire on a fixed rail. Cars have a special street light that allows them to get a 30-second head start before all other traffic.
How can drivers and pedestrians stay safe near the QLINE?
As the first streetcar in years, getting used to this transportation will be an adjustment so pedestrians and drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to their surroundings. Although the car only reaches speeds up to 30 mph, it weighs 87,000 pounds so it takes longer for it to come to a complete stop.
What’s the closest stop to the GMRENCEN?
The last stop on the QLINE’s route is Congress and it’s only a couple blocks away from the GMRENCEN. Now it will be much easier for people who work and stay in the building to get to midtown for games, shows and other events.
By the Detroit Historical Society – Telling Detroit’s stories and why they matter
This year the GMRENCEN will celebrate 40 years of standing as the centerpiece of Detroit’s skyline. However the initial seeds for the Renaissance Center go back slightly further, to November 20, 1970. This was the date that the Detroit Chamber of Commerce convened a meeting of prominent Detroit business figures and political leaders, bringing together the likes of Henry Ford II and Max Fisher with Mayor Roman Gribbs and Governor George Romney. Dubbed Detroit Renaissance, this committee’s aim was to encourage economic growth and development in order to open a new chapter in this city’s story in the wake of the unrest and devastation of 1967. The group quickly set its sights on the city’s riverfront as a location for a major development project which could act as a catalyst for further improvements.
The construction of the Renaissance Center was arguably one the most significant, visible and enduring projects undertaken by resilient Detroiters during this difficult time our region’s history. This summer, a number of projects and events will mark 50 years since the uprising occurred including a major exhibition called Detroit 67: Looking Back to Move Forward that opens at the Detroit Historical Museum on June 24. This comprehensive effort looks back at 100 years of the city’s history and invites the community to help define what moving forward looks like in the fifty years that lie ahead.
Today, in the shadow of the GMRENCEN, Detroit’s River Walk is crowded with joggers, cyclists, anglers, and folks out for a stroll, however for much of the city’s history the riverfront was an industrial strip. The Civic Center developments of the 1950s helped to reclaim a segment of downtown’s riverfront with Civic Center Park, Cobo Hall, and Ford Auditorium. Through the 1960s, planners hoped to extend their attention further west with a stadium complex as part of the city’s multiple bids for the Summer Olympics. After the Olympic flame moved on, planners intended that this complex would become home to both the Lions and Tigers. Detroit Renaissance initially also pursued the riverfront stadium plan, but with repeated rejections by the Olympic Committee, Tiger Stadium too dear in the hearts of fans, and Pontiac courting the Lions, the project was not to be. Instead Detroit Renaissance turned their attention to the east side of the Civic Center, a swath primarily containing warehouses, and free of residential properties.
On November 24, 1971, Henry Ford II presented Common Council, as the City Council was then called, with a proposal for the site—a towering hotel, office, and retail complex. Architect John Portman was an obvious candidate to make this proposal a reality. In the 1960s, Portman’s Peachtree Center was born from the Forward Atlanta effort, which itself was a model for Detroit Renaissance. The centerpiece of Portman’s work in Atlanta was the Westin Peachtree Plaza, a cylindrical glass tower resembling the Renaissance Center’s Tower 100. The Peachtree Plaza briefly held the distinction of being the tallest hotel in the world, but Portman would soon after top himself with the Renaissance Center.
Early plans for the Renaissance Center showed a significantly more sprawling complex than the one Detroiter’s recognize. In addition to the present seven towers, eight more small towers similar to Towers 500 and 600 were proposed on both the east and west sides of the site. Additionally, a residential section with a series of terraced balconies would extend from the structure’s podium to the riverfront. Development of plans for Hart Plaza likely played a factor in the scaling back of these elements.
Even the present scaled-back plan for the site represented a significant undertaking. In order to realize the ambitious project, Ford assembled a coalition of 52 companies, including automotive rivals American Motors, Chrysler, and General Motors. On May 22, 1973, at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ford and Mayor Gribbs addressed the crowd, flanked by representatives from these partner businesses. Rain clouds threatened overhead, but the Cass Tech band kept spirits high with a performance of The 5th Dimension’s “Up, Up and Away.” The duty of ceremonially turning the first shovels of earth fell upon a group of school children.
Construction on the Renaissance Center’s initial phase—the five main towers and the pedestal upon which they stand—lasted until April 15, 1977. On that day, the dedication ceremony was again attended by the city’s mayor, now Coleman A. Young, as well as Ford. Mayor Young also brought a surprising guest to the ceremony—Elio Gabbuggiani, the mayor of the original “Renaissance City,” Florence, Italy. Gabbuggiani’s involvement was controversial; he was a ranking member of Italy’s Communist Party, and Cold War politics almost dashed his visit. Young ultimately was permitted to extend his invite which resulted in the striking scene of Gabbuggiani and Ford—the Communist, and the capitalist—shaking hands.
Just two years later, in 1979, Ford announced a partnership with David Rockefeller to fund phase two of the project. Shortly after, workers broke ground on the additional two 21-story towers east of the original construction. Construction on this second phase wrapped up in 1982.
Although the familiar profile on our skyline was then in place, further smaller additions and renovations would be made over the next decades. In 1987, as the Renaissance Center was turning ten years old, a one-thousand slice cake was enjoyed by guests, while workers put the finishing touches on the first significant addition to the building—the People Mover station above its Jefferson Avenue face. In 1996, General Motors purchased the building to serve as their new world headquarters, and soon after began a series of renovations. Most notably these included addressing the long standing critique that the structure was too isolated from its surroundings. On the Jefferson Avenue side, the large concrete berms that housed heating and cooling equipment were removed. On the river side, the Wintergarden area was added connecting the building to the new River Walk. Additionally GM added color-changing lights and LED displays on the exterior of the towers. In 2015, the updated building was official redubbed the GMRENCEN.
The GMRENCEN now enters its fortieth year. It remains as strong of a symbol for the city as the Old English ‘D,’ or the giant bronze fist of Joe Louis. What will the next forty years hold for the GMRENCEN?
5 Things to do Near the GMRENCEN
By Visit Detroit, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and internationally.
1. Explore the Riverfront on two wheels
Bike it! Bring your own set of wheels, or rent from Wheelhouse Detroit. Chances are you’ll want to step off your ride a few times to gander at the water views, or admire one of the beautiful parks along the route – Gabriel Richard Park is a must.
Tip: Download The D Discount Pass for half-off two hour bike rental from Wheelhouse Detroit. Exclusions apply.
2. Check out the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
The OAC offers an authentic Up North experience in downtown Detroit. Step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile – all within the walls of the historic Globe Building.
Tip: Download The D Discount Pass for buy one, get one free admission. Exclusions apply.
3. Catch some rays at the Campus Martius beach
Yes, there really is a beach in the heart of Detroit. White sand occupies a portion of Campus Martius Park during the warmer months. Sit back, relax and sip on a cocktail from the beach bar.
Tip: The nightlife scene is just as fun at Campus Martius Park. Expect to see live music on the weekends.
4. Shop until you drop along Woodward Avenue
Detroit’s Woodward Avenue is becoming a shopping corridor all its own. From authentically Detroit shops like Detroit is the New Black, to big brand favorites like Nike, you’ll have plenty of retail options to peruse.
Tip: Pick up some new kicks at the Nike Community Store to explore even more around the GMRENCEN.
5. Indulge in some Detroit Water Ice
This adventure calls for Detroit Water Ice – the nearly indescribable treat. It’s not quite ice cream and it’s not Italian ice, but it’s delicious. Plus, there’s no fat, no dairy and no cholesterol, so that’s a win. Not to mention, 100 percent of the profits benefit Detroit’s neediest citizens through S.A.Y. Detroit. That’s a double win.