Banksy Graffiti Art at 555

Banksy's Packard Plant Art

555 salvaged a piece of the famed graffiti artist, Banksy, from the crumbling Detroit Packard plant.  The 2010 removal led to a lawsuit that has drawn to a close, and last night, the public was invited to attend a 555 event and view the art in person.  The venue, an old police station that is now used as studio rental space for Detroit's artist community, sits is the shadow of the Train Depot.

'Jailed' at 555

Banksy, an anonymous British graffiti artist, is famous for his work and associated political statements.  

Detroit Restaurant Week: Dinner at Atlas Global Bistro

A coworker and I hit the town Friday night for restaurant week.  It was our first time dining at Atlas.  Overall the experience was pleasant.  The waitstaff was professional and accommodated our special requests.  The food was well presented.  We both concluded though that we would be unlikely to return.  The food, although tasty, did not impress our palettes.  The atmosphere felt somewhat like a diner with a long bench seat and tables pressed closely together.  The overall dining experience did not leave us feeling like we should be asking the men in our lives to take us to Atlas on our next date.

Detroit Free Press Invites Readers to Share Their Portraits of Detroit

Readers Share Their 'Portraits of Detroit' with the Detroit Free Press

Check out the photos posted and post some of your own.  This is a fun way to see new perspectives of Detroit.

Incentive to Live in Midtown Detroit

http://www.livemidtown.org/

• New renters receive a $2,500 allowance of funding toward the cost of their apartment in the first year followed by additional funding of $1,000.00 for the second year.
• Existing renters receive a $1,000 allowance of funding for renewing a lease in 2011.
• New homeowners receive a $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of their primary residence
• Existing homeowners receive matching funds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvements for projects of $10,000 or more.

Would this incentive help move you to midtown Detroit?

For me, I would need good schools and improved city services (safety being #1).

The Whitney Mansion, Restaurant, and Gardens

Our Visit

The Whitney, Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI

My sister, seven year old son, and I went to eat at the Whitney today.   The reservation was spurred by restaurant week but we knew that there was a risk we would end up with Sunday brunch.  Brunch was amazing.  Not one item on the buffet tasted old or too cold.  The variety was quite good: bacon and eggs to beef tenderloin and dill salmon.  My son is a very adventurous eater and his appetite has healthy due to our mid-afternoon reservation.  We were charged the full price of the brunch for him; so if your child is a picky eater, it would be a very pricy meal.  I felt it was worth the special treat for him.

The wait staff was excellent.  I had told my son about the house.  He asked our waiter about the secret passage.  The waiter not only explained the history of the house to my son, he also pulled back the carpet and opened the secret passage.  My son was in awe.  We finished by giving ourselves, with permission, a tour of the house.  I will definitely return for a date night with my husband or to entertain out-of-town guests.  

Whitney Mansion History

The Whitney Mansion is located on Woodward Avenue near downtown Detroit.  Completed in 1894, it is an impressive sight  even by today's standards.  The mansion was designed by Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd as a home for lumber Baron, David Whitney.  Construction took four years to complete at a cost of $400,000.  The mansion was home to the Whitney family until 1920 when it was sold to the Wayne County Medical Society and later a nurses association.

In 1980, Richard Kughan purchased the Whitney Mansion.  He converted the home into a fine dining restaurant, opened in 1986.  Kughan was a Detroit advocate and passed on his passion for the Whitney and Detroit through the sale of the Whitney to Bud Leiber in 2007.  Mr. Leiber is a former Chrysler executive and Detroit believer.  He maintains ownership today.

The Whitney is considered one of Detroit's fine establishments for its cuisine and exquisite design.  The home boosted 52 rooms covering 21,000 sq. ft.  It still has 20 fireplaces and the original dining elevator.  The exterior pink granite facade impresses viewers from first glance.

Poll Shows Detroit as America's Most Unfavorable City

A poll showed that Detroit has the most unfavorable rankings of any US city.  Only 22% of respondents saw Detroit favorably while 49% saw it negatively.  Only two other US cities had net negative ratings:  Oakland and LA.   Most favorable you ask?  Seattle, WA and Portland, OR.  ... and they get tons of rain.  Come on Detroiters...  We have to be able to beat them with our water front, variety of seasons, rich history, diverse population, and a little bit of TLC.  Let's get to work and show people how great Detroit can be! 

Click here to see polling data

Detroit Restaurant Week 2012: April 20 - 29

Detroit Restaurant Week

Enjoy a gourmet 3-course meal for only $28 at the following Detroit Restaurants during restaurant week

(excludes drink, gratuity, and tax) 

April 20 -29, 2012

Participating Restaruants

24Grille, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, GM Renaissance Center
Angelina Italian Bistro, Downtown
Atlas Global Bistro, Midtown
Caucus Club, Penobscot Building
Cliff Bell's, Downtown
Coach Insignia, GM Renaissance Center
Cuisine, New Center
Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille, Fox Theatre Building
Detroit Seafood Market, Paradise Valley
Fountain Bistro, Campus Martius Park
Iridescence, MotorCity Casino Hotel
La Dolce Vita, Palmer Park District
Mosaic Restaurant, Greektown
Opus One, Downtown
Rattlesnake Club, Stroh River Place
Roast, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Roma Cafe, Eastern Market
Saltwater, MGM Grand Detroit
The Whitney, Midtown
Wolfgang Puck Grille, MGM Grand Detroit