Detroit's Main Drag

Woodward Avenue

Woodward Ave.

Stretching from Hart Plaza at the Detroit River northwards to Pontiac, Woodward Avenue is arguably Detroit's most famous thoroughfare. It's the dividing line between the eastside and the westside, and therefore it allows Detroiters to define themselves based upon where they reside in relation to Woodward. But let's not be divisive, instead let's take a spin up Woodward in downtown Detroit starting at the corner of Jefferson Ave.

Video
The video has several edits in it due to the fact that we (Mrs. DVD was at the wheel) kept getting stopped at lights. However, I think it's a pretty good representation of downtown on a Saturday afternoon in late July. Side note, there was a Jimmy Buffet concert at Comerica Park, so you'll see some early concert goers heading down to the park.

People
Despite the nice weather there wasn't that many people downtown compared to other major cities. It seems that Woodward needs a place for people to sit outside, have a few drinks and listen to some live music. On second thought maybe that's what's missing, live music from street musicians or performers at outdoor cafes. Nonetheless, enjoy the drive up Woodward to Martin Luther King Blvd. where the video ends.

What's missing from Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit? Post your comment below!

Brush Street Drive - Detroit

Detroit Historic Neighborhood
Lots of space waiting to be developed along Brush Street in Brush Park. As you can see in today's video (though shot last summer) there are plenty of vacant lots. This of course is just one street that cuts through Brush Park, but from what I've heard much of this historic neighborhood has a lot of opportunity for growth.

Driving in Detroit: Graffiti and a Mural

Graffiti in the Hood

Interesting signage

Traveling through southwest Detroit, I came upon a couple of blocks with some interesting graffiti and a mural by the Alley Project. More information about the cool Alley Project can be found at their Facebook page here.

Closed

The party store at the end of the video and pictured in the photo above is no longer in business, but they definitely had some of the funkiest signage for their store!

Stopped by a Train in Detroit

Train Crossing

Every once in a while it happens, you're on your way someplace, and as you approach the train tracks you hear the train's whistle, and the lights at the crossing are flashing. The arm to the barrier is lowered, and you're stuck. I'm not even going to discuss the people that try to beat trains or go around the barrier. It's just not worth the consequences if it doesn't work out.

Relax

Some people get anxious and start to stress out, especially if they are already running late. When we were kids we used to count the cars to pass the time. Now I just watch and wait. No sense in doing much else. Put the car in park, and maybe shut the engine off if it looks like a long wait.

The Video

This video is from the archives, and was shot the same day the photos were taken of the Chimera Mural. For some reason, I circled back around the Russell Industrial Center and the next thing I know, I'm stopped. It wasn't a long delay, and to be honest just as I started to get into the rhythm of the train clapping away, the train was finished going through the crossing. Time to move on...

Driving in Detroit - Fort Street

Fort Street Tour

Fort Street Detroit looking toward downtown

For those that haven't been down Fort Street in a while or for those who have never been, I put together this short video. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for shooting a video. The drive is a stretch of Fort Street heading from the west to downtown. It's a speedy ride, but rest assured the speed limit was followed. :)

Highlights
The video only covers a portion of Fort Street from Scotten to 2nd Avenue. What will you see? Some naysayers may say, "nothing of interest." -- But, I'll answer that with you'll see some old landmarks such as Johnny's Ham, the Greyhound Bus building, Fort Street Presbyterian Church and of course the Ambassador Bridge. More importantly, you'll see possibilities! As you see in the video the pavement is relatively new, and there is plenty of opportunity for business growth on this stretch of road.

The Music
The soundtrack to the video is In the JazzClub by Dave Imbernon. The song is from the album Jazz Friends 2012 that is available as a free download on Jamendo.com. I had to edit the song length slightly to have it fit the video, but it came out pretty good IMHO.

Here's the video, hope you enjoy the ride. -- If it's been a while since you've been down this section of Fort Street, what's changed? Leave a comment and let me know.