The Brodhead Armory is being looted as we speak

The Brodhead Naval Armory on Jefferson is home to one of Detroit's largest WPA art work, including murals, wood carvings, and plaster carvings. You might remember from last year the plaque outside being ripped out of the wall - now it's happening inside too. A recent walk-through showed that scrappers have begun removing things of value including light fixtures and decorations.

http://detroiturbex.com/dycontent/brodhead/bhead1.JPG

http://detroiturbex.com/dycontent/brodhead/bhead2.JPG

http://detroiturbex.com/dycontent/brodhead/bhead3.JPG

http://detroiturbex.com/dycontent/brodhead/bhead4.JPG

As recently as a few days ago a friend of mine reported that scrappers were working in there removing things.

I've tried to contact the city. I've sent emails to Preservation Wayne and the Detroit Area Deco Society but haven't heard anything back yet. I would have secured the place myself but its a metal door that is open and I don't have the tools / knowhow.

What can be done? Who needs to be contacted? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This is DEPLORABLE!

You would think the Dossin Maritime Museum would be willing to protect these artifacts.

Scrappers = distruction of cultural history of Detroit.

I can't believe that woodwork like that isn't preserved. It actually makes me sick to my stomach.
WTF!

Why the surprise? Hasn't there been 2 threads this week with forum members feeling "urban explorers" should be treated with leniency?

call the Police.

I recall reading here recently that the commander at Selfridge filed had offered to take on the Armory as a project, but I think he never heard back from Mr. Bing.

Kev, there is a huge difference between urban explorers and scrappers.
I've explored dozens of vacant buildings in this city and never removed any light fixtures or ornamental metals. Your comment is a total red herring.

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Originally Posted by old guy

I can't believe that woodwork like that isn't preserved. It actually makes me sick to my stomach.
WTF!

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Preserved for what, by whom, and for what purpose? The armory is a purpose built structure that outlived its purpose and there is evidently no one interested in retrofitting it for any new use. What should have happened is there should have been some sort of sale of the items that could be removed and the building should have then been leveled. At least some Condos in Chicago could purchase their nice adornments legally this time and it would have been an dignified end to the building. Instead it remained standing, intact and barely secured and with no plan past the desperate hope that there might be an interest in using it for something...someday. So in typical detroit fashion, it's scrapped and destroyed and will suffer an ignominious death by a thousand cuts. And when it's beyond any hope of repair after 10 or 20 years of watching it get gang raped by scrappers day in and day out, detroitists will rally to hug the building and stand in the way of it's demolition because one day there might be light rail on jefferson and the armory would make great street level retail.

Call George Jackson. He'll make sure it's fully demolished and the site is cleaned up after the scavengers got their pickings.

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Originally Posted by bailey

Preserved for what, by whom, and for what purpose?

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I'm not talking about the building. I really don't know anything about it. I'm talking about the beautiful woodwork just in those few photographs. I was a woodworker/woodcarver for many years. To see those doorways with their ornate woodwork being ruined by moisture and neglect, does turn my stomach.
Tear the schitt down, I don't care, but save that beautiful woodwork.
I can't even believe the photos I saw in another thread with the books piled up on the library floor.

I sure feel sorry for your dull and uncultured existence.

Other cities can make sure of their historical structures while keeping their history alive, why can't Detroit?

http://www.armoryonpark.org/index.php/about_us/

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Originally Posted by bailey

Preserved for what, by whom, and for what purpose? The armory is a purpose built structure that outlived its purpose and there is evidently no one interested in retrofitting it for any new use. What should have happened is there should have been some sort of sale of the items that could be removed and the building should have then been leveled. At least some Condos in Chicago could purchase their nice adornments legally this time and it would have been an dignified end to the building. Instead it remained standing, intact and barely secured and with no plan past the desperate hope that there might be an interest in using it for something...someday. So in typical detroit fashion, it's scrapped and destroyed and will suffer an ignominious death by a thousand cuts. And when it's beyond any hope of repair after 10 or 20 years of watching it get gang raped by scrappers day in and day out, detroitists will rally to hug the building and stand in the way of it's demolition because one day there might be light rail on jefferson and the armory would make great street level retail.

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I sure feel sorry for your dull and uncultured existence.

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My life experience is not now nor has it ever been tied to Detroit.

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Other cities can make sure of their historical structures while keeping their history alive, why can't Detroit?

http://www.armoryonpark.org/index.php/about_us/

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Because Detroit has been abandoned by the people that appreciate such things.

I have no idea how the interior is set up, but it's too bad the nearby UAW headquarters can't utilize this building for some kind of meeting space. Or it can't be integrated somehow into Gabriel Richard Park and some sort of interior space for events. It seems like it might be a fitting terminus for one end of the Riverwalk....though I'm not sure what it could be used for.

Probably saving it is not a concern of the City government because someone kept slaves there or something. That's been the rationale in the past for neglect/demolition of Detroit's historic structures.

Fucking animals.....fucking city!! There is something to be said about what SWMAP said. It's controlled neglect.

Stromberg2

I'm not sure how this can be happening, I thought the magical prayer walk made Detroit an Eden? Don't tell me it accomplished nothing?!

Very well stated.... your narrative as you present it has been played repeatedly with little variation thru out the city. Thank you for your comments.

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Originally Posted by bailey

Preserved for what, by whom, and for what purpose? The armory is a purpose built structure that outlived its purpose and there is evidently no one interested in retrofitting it for any new use. What should have happened is there should have been some sort of sale of the items that could be removed and the building should have then been leveled. At least some Condos in Chicago could purchase their nice adornments legally this time and it would have been an dignified end to the building. Instead it remained standing, intact and barely secured and with no plan past the desperate hope that there might be an interest in using it for something...someday. So in typical detroit fashion, it's scrapped and destroyed and will suffer an ignominious death by a thousand cuts. And when it's beyond any hope of repair after 10 or 20 years of watching it get gang raped by scrappers day in and day out, detroitists will rally to hug the building and stand in the way of it's demolition because one day there might be light rail on jefferson and the armory would make great street level retail.

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Originally Posted by bailey

Because Detroit has been abandoned by the people that appreciate such things.

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Because Detroit has been abandoned by the people that fund such things.

There. I fixed your statement for you.

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Originally Posted by SWMAP

Probably saving it is not a concern of the City government because someone kept slaves there or something. That's been the rationale in the past for neglect/demolition of Detroit's historic structures.

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I think the current city government would tell you there's no money.

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Originally Posted by Kevgoblue

Why the surprise? Hasn't there been 2 threads this week with forum members feeling "urban explorers" should be treated with leniency?

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Yes. There was also a thread about the kid who was ticketed for drinking on the streets, and we repeatedly raised the point that Detroit is a city where people feel as if they can get away with anything. I understand where the disgust is coming from, but not the surprise. There are so many beautiful buildings that have been abandoned, neglected, and looted in this city. It's an old story that is always retold here.

Ultimately, no one is to blame except for the property owners and the city.

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Originally Posted by English

Because Detroit has been abandoned by the people that fund such things.

There. I fixed your statement for you.

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Actually outside funders which is needed have for the most part blacklisted until the pay to play ends.


"My life experience is not now nor has it ever been tied to Detroit."

Wow, 14 words sums it up as to why we are seeing what we see.That is an extremely powerful statement.

There is only one type of property ever constructed throughout the course of history that can be considered to have no value as a purpose built structure after use.

Sport stadiums.

A group of high school teenagers in Kansas figured out how to repurpose a local school verses demolition but yet we see a city full of adults that refuse to believe in their surroundings.

Where is the tipping point when the citizens finally decide that they have had enough and finally decide that it is time to take their city back? What does it take?

As tough as it is to understand for some, Detroit does not have the funds to take maintain many of these historic structures. And that's unfortunate, because once they're gone, that's it!

It's much like a chapter in great literature, the page is turned and that part of the story is now history.

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Originally Posted by Richard

Actually outside funders which is needed have for the most part blacklisted until the pay to play ends.


"My life experience is not now nor has it ever been tied to Detroit."

Wow, 14 words sums it up as to why we are seeing what we see.That is an extremely powerful statement.

There is only one type of property ever constructed throughout the course of history that can be considered to have no value as a purpose built structure after use.

Sport stadiums.

Where is the tipping point when the citizens finally decide that they have had enough and finally decide that it is time to take their city back? What does it take?

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I suppose that the key word here is citizens. Obviously the citizens of Detroit have enough to worry about just surviving these days, let alone get involved in historic preservation.

Those that can help, external to the city, have been excused from the picture by the Council. "Stealing our jewels" is the rallying cry, and let the past glories of Detroit go bye-bye.

English, the current city government rec'd an offer from the commander if Selfridge Air Base to secure and preserve the Armoury. I saw an email he later sent to interested parties in which he said that he had no reply from the Mayor at all. This transpired in 2011.
So it is not true that the "funders" abandoned the City on this and it is certainly not true that the City does "not have the money" because the City only needs to board it up, secure it and keep it a scout car priority. But there is no will. You have to ask yourself why. I conclude that the Armoury is a white legacy and so dispensable.

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Originally Posted by English

Ultimately, no one is to blame except for the property owners and the city.

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Sorry not meaning to pick on you and meaning no disrespect ,but quit allowing the property owners [[not all are) to run the city is it by the people for the people or is it by the people for the select few.

To add credence: the commander of which I spoke is commander Eric Isaacson, U. S. Navy.

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Originally Posted by SWMAP

English, the current city government rec'd an offer from the commander if Selfridge Air Base to secure and preserve the Armoury. I saw an email he later sent to interested parties in which he said that he had no reply from the Mayor at all. This transpired in 2011.
So it is not true that the "funders" abandoned the City on this and it is certainly not true that the City does "not have the money" because the City only needs to board it up, secure it and keep it a scout car priority. But there is no will. You have to ask yourself why. I conclude that the Armoury is a white legacy and so dispensable.

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Look, I am not, nor have I ever been, white. I care about preservation. Unfortunately, not every black person in Detroit has any access to the working of the city government. Stop with the race-baiting and put the blame where it belongs -- NOT on an entire group of people.

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Originally Posted by Richard

Sorry not meaning to pick on you and meaning no disrespect ,but quit allowing the property owners [[not all are) to run the city is it by the people for the people or is it by the people for the select few.

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Well, this is a capitalist nation. People in Detroit are poor. I'm likely in the upper socioeconomic decile in the city, and most of you reading this could buy and sell me several times over. My point is that this dog [[of blaming the Detroit masses) just doesn't hunt.

If I could secure every abandoned historic building, I WOULD. But I don't have the funds. Neither does anyone else here.

And I love how Detroiters -- all of us -- always get blamed for corrupt leadership. Over the 8 years I've posted here, I've occasionally been implicated for voting in the CAY administration, and yet, I was maybe 15 or 16 when he stepped down. I do take my full share of blame for voting in KMK in 2001. I thought I'd done my research and he was the clear choice above Gil Hill. I've felt terrible for years about that ONE vote. But I have voted in other elections for other leaders who were/are fair, ethical, and responsible. So have other Detroiters.

I'd daresay that ALL of us can say that we have regretted some of our choices in the voting booth. Some of you are saying this right now about Snyder! In fact, I'd argue that this state AND this nation has had leadership that's just as ethically bankrupt as that of Detroit -- money papers over a multitude of sins. No one seems to wish to blame all Americans for the state of our county and our priorities, least of all themselves.

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Originally Posted by Vox

I suppose that the key word here is citizens. Obviously the citizens of Detroit have enough to worry about just surviving these days, let alone get involved in historic preservation.

Those that can help, external to the city, have been excused from the picture by the Council. "Stealing our jewels" is the rallying cry, and let the past glories of Detroit go bye-bye.

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Its a discussion but yes and no,we eat today but we also need to look at eating tomorrow,concentrate on making it at level playing field to outside investors and the historic aspect will fall into place,it is to hard to fight little battles all over town and it spreads everybody to thin to make a difference but concentrate on where it matters the most,city hall,it does not cost a dime these days with emails,back in the day it was going door to door.

Last week I toured a vacant small arms manufacturing facility that has been dormant for many years sure it had some busted out windows from kids with rocks but it was still intact in the inside and not stripped to death,the city was actually bigger then Detroit. But the city also makes it clear that it will not tolerate scrappers.

I told the facts and my interpretation. I do not apologize.

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Originally Posted by Vox

I suppose that the key word here is citizens. Obviously the citizens of Detroit have enough to worry about just surviving these days, let alone get involved in historic preservation.

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Thank you. This was the point I was trying to make. Yet I began the thread feeling badly about the scrapping, and wanting to talk about that. By the time I finished reading and made my post, was furious that it had descended into another indictment of Detroiters.

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Those that can help, external to the city, have been excused from the picture by the Council. "Stealing our jewels" is the rallying cry, and let the past glories of Detroit go bye-bye.

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The rhetoric on all sides needs to be toned down. Bing is a pragmatist. Like it or lump it, look for future leadership to follow that mold.

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Originally Posted by SWMAP

I told the facts and my interpretation. I do not apologize.

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The facts as you see them, right? Why would you apologize for your interpretation -- your opinion?

Broad statements about blacks and whites shouldn't enter into the discussion, though. There are ardent black preservationists who are carefully tending to and restoring that so-called "white legacy" in Indian Village and Palmer Woods, and white scrappers who don't care much about it beyond what they can sell. Just as there are white jazz theorists and aficionados, and blacks who couldn't give a sweet d*mn about it. It's the 21st century -- why get into tired binaries?

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Originally Posted by English

Well, this is a capitalist nation. People in Detroit are poor. I'm likely in the upper socioeconomic decile in the city, and most of you could buy and sell me several times over. My point is that this dog [[of blaming the Detroit masses) just doesn't count.

If I could secure every abandoned historic building, I WOULD. But I don't have the funds. Neither does anyone else here.

And I love how Detroiters -- all of us -- always get blamed for corrupt leadership. Over the 8 years I've posted here, I've occasionally been implicated for voting in the CAY administration, and yet, I was maybe 15 or 16 when he stepped down. I do take full blame for voting in KMK in 2001. I thought I'd done my research and he was the clear choice above Gil Hill. I've felt terrible for years about that vote. But I have voted in other elections for other leaders who were/are fair, ethical, and responsible.

I'd daresay that ALL of us can say that. Yet I'd argue that this state AND this nation has had leadership that's just as ethically bankrupt as that of Detroit -- money papers over a multitude of sins. No one seems to wish to blame all Americans for the state of our county and our priorities, least of all themselves.

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Okay you opened the door : ) What is Detroit ? Dirt with buildings and dirt and buildings does not make a city the citizens do.

What has happened in the past in Detroit has happened, either look back and learn and move forward or stay in place and sink only the citizens can make that decision and not the rest of the country.

There are a lot of caring people in Detroit and a lot are doing what they can and making an improvement in their part of the world I doubt that they are extremely well off so being poor as it may is already proven as a non valid excuse they still have a voice and can make it be heard and it does not cost anything.

Ok. Let's try this again.

This post is about a single door that has been broken open. This post is not about preservation strategies. It's not about city planning, or the free market role in property governance, or white colonialism, or racial legacy, or urban explorers ruining the city, or how the door got opened, or who opened the door, or why the damn door was built in the first place, or speculation on if the door leads to Narnia and if so what zoning bylaws apply.

This post is asking for ONE thing: how do we secure one door that is swinging wide open, allowing scrappers easy access to a building full of WORKS OF ART that reflect the culture and heritage of Detroit.

I don't have the means to do it myself. I'm asking for your help.

I am not there but if Django sees this and wants to assist I would not have a problem sending Western Union funds tomorrow. if it keeps it safe that much longer its worth a shot.

alr2llc@yahoo.com my email

" the current city government rec'd an offer from the commander if Selfridge Air Base to secure and preserve the Armoury. I saw an email he later sent to interested parties in which he said that he had no reply from the Mayor at all. This transpired in 2011."

So what!?
What if I send a letter to Bing offering to prevent all crime at the Packard Plant?
The commander at Selfridge has no legal authority to stop crime at the Armory, if he did he would not need Bing's approval. The arm force's chain of command does not involve city mayors. Such a letter from the National Guard or even the State Police would be much more noteworthy.

Here is the best ownership information I could find:
KONICA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES INCU S MARINESP O BOX 54650 DEPT 23125LEXINGTON, KY 40555-4650

Why Konica? I have no idea.
Previous owners include the fire department, Sprinte Nextel, and Spectrasite Communications.

I am willing to contact Konica USA and get them to secure the building.
Anybody in?
I can't help until May 10 though.

form what you copy and past reads is that they were seeking permission to secure the building and not ordering them.

Legally you cannot just go to a property and throw some boards up you would need to contact the property owner and sign a release form so if you get hurt you cannot sue them for it.

But having said that I have thrown up many a complementary board on regen neighborhood houses that posed a quality of life issue but after taking a picture first .

Publicly take over these works of art and put them to productive use. I am sure that would prompt a response.

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Originally Posted by Richard

Okay you opened the door : ) What is Detroit ? Dirt with buildings and dirt and buildings does not make a city the citizens do.

What has happened in the past in Detroit has happened, either look back and learn and move forward or stay in place and sink only the citizens can make that decision and not the rest of the country.

There are a lot of caring people in Detroit and a lot are doing what they can and making an improvement in their part of the world I doubt that they are extremely well off so being poor as it may is already proven as a non valid excuse they still have a voice and can make it be heard and it does not cost anything.

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Yes. Exactly. This is what makes it so hard, Richard.

There are so many people who are trying with everything in them to make Detroit a better place. Everything. Sometimes, they succeed. But Detroit is a very big place with a lot of issues. And most people -- with some notable exceptions -- can't be good for the city until they are good to themselves. Having shelter, some modicum of food security, a steady job, knowing that your kids will be OK, and that your home will be reasonably safe if you leave it for many are prerequisites for volunteering and activism.

I guess I've always known that Detroit is more than this place with heroes and villains, with lazy city dwellers and smug wealthy suburbanites, with corrupt black nationalist city leaders, do-nothing teachers, or absentee landlords who don't care very much. Yes, it is all of those things. But it's so much more.

It's frustrating because, as I've always said, I was raised to not have these kinds of conversations. Nearly 13 years after his death, I can still hear my dad saying, "There is NOTHING that you can ever do, say, or be that will ever make them..."

I disagree. I think we need to have the difficult conversations, but not in an unproductive way. It's not 1975 anymore. We can talk about our disagreements, fight, get down and dirty, and then get up tomorrow and work to rebuild the city.

Well, this certainly has become a lively discussion. What actually is the basic problem here? The building? The beautiful artwork that's being destroyed? Are the scrappers actually saving what's being ruined so it can live on? Who's to blame? It's all pretty strange for an outsider looking in and trying to figure out what's happening inside this city. You have a unique situation.

Most of the artwork in the Broadhead Naval Armory iis in the form of 3 large murals, some plaster carving and a lot of woodwork.

Here's some images of the murals....
http://www.detroitfunk.com/?p=461

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Originally Posted by detroiturbex

This post is about a single door that has been broken open. This post is not about preservation strategies. It's not about city planning, or the free market role in property governance, or white colonialism, or racial legacy, or urban explorers ruining the city, or how the door got opened, or who opened the door, or why the damn door was built in the first place, or speculation on if the door leads to Narnia and if so what zoning bylaws apply.

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This is by far my favorite post of the year. In all seriousness, Your heart is in the right place, but I'm really not sure what you can do, besides trying to contact the owner. I was also wondering what your relationship is with the building? Do you live or work next to it? Drive past it on your daily commute? I'm only asking because I'm wondering if there are different angles you could play with the owners. . . "I want that door secured - it's dangerous having it open. . . " or "Hey, I really need you to fix that door - the people going in and out are scaring our customers. . . " I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud. How do you get an absentee landlord to listen?

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Originally Posted by detroiturbex

Ok. Let's try this again.

This post is about a single door that has been broken open. This post is not about preservation strategies. It's not about city planning, or the free market role in property governance, or white colonialism, or racial legacy, or urban explorers ruining the city, or how the door got opened, or who opened the door, or why the damn door was built in the first place, or speculation on if the door leads to Narnia and if so what zoning bylaws apply.

This post is asking for ONE thing: how do we secure one door that is swinging wide open, allowing scrappers easy access to a building full of WORKS OF ART that reflect the culture and heritage of Detroit.

I don't have the means to do it myself. I'm asking for your help.

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I agree that your initial post was initially about the "single door," but the thread quickly moved into other issues. Such is DYes.

If the answers were simple, detroiturbex, the city of Detroit would be a completely different place. You don't know how much I wish that they were.

Did you not read my post above? Recently, the U. S. Navy, in the person of commander Eric Isaacson at Selfridge ANG base, wrote to the mayor of Detroit with an offer to secure and preserve the armorey. He never rec'd a reply to my knowledge. You can infer that the Navy, at least, has concluded that the City controls the building.

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Originally Posted by SWMAP

Did you not read my post above? Recently, the U. S. Navy, in the person of commander Eric Isaacson at Selfridge ANG base, wrote to the mayor of Detroit with an offer to secure and preserve the armorey. He never rec'd a reply to my knowledge. You can infer that the Navy, at least, has concluded that the City controls the building.

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" the current city government rec'd an offer from the commander if Selfridge Air Base to secure and preserve the Armoury. I saw an email he later sent to interested parties in which he said that he had no reply from the Mayor at all. This transpired in 2011."

So what!?
What if I send a letter to Bing offering to prevent all crime at the Packard Plant?
The commander at Selfridge has no legal authority to stop crime at the Armory, if he did he would not need Bing's approval. The arm force's chain of command does not involve city mayors. Such a letter from the National Guard or even the State Police would be much more noteworthy.

Here is the best ownership information I could find:
KONICA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES INCU S MARINESP O BOX 54650 DEPT 23125LEXINGTON, KY 40555-4650

Why Konica? I have no idea.
Previous owners include the fire department, Sprinte Nextel, and Spectrasite Communications.

I am willing to contact Konica USA and get them to secure the building.
Anybody in?
I can't help until May 10 though.

The guy at Selfridge wasn't offering to police the site. He was offering to secure the entries, etc much in the same way people in Detroit neighborhoods are securing vacant property from vandalism.

I don' understand why you are worried about chain of command? The Broadhead is a navel historic site. That's why the Navy is interested in assisting in it's preservation if anyone in the City goverment would also be interested. But apparently not.

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Originally Posted by English

Because Detroit has been abandoned by the people that fund such things.

There. I fixed your statement for you.

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no. it was right the first time. If there were enough of those that cared, the door would be secured. If there were enough of those that cared, a police officer would respond to reports that doors were open and looting was occurring. If there were enough of those that cared, a property located on a park, on a major thoroughfare, adjacent to one of the city's most visible attractions and landmarks would not be left to rot. There may be those that care, and you are clearly one of them, however you are outnumbered massively.

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Originally Posted by bailey

no. it was right the first time. If there were enough of those that cared, the door would be secured. If there were enough of those that cared, a police officer would respond to reports that doors were open and looting was occurring. If there were enough of those that cared, a property located on a park, on a major thoroughfare, adjacent to one of the city's most visible attractions and landmarks would not be left to rot. There may be those that care, and you are clearly one of them, however you are outnumbered massively.

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You're basically wrong about everything, all the time, but you were right about something: we, like English, who care, are outnumbered massively. By people like you.

The problem is that the city has been abandoned by people who don't care; again, people like you.

You're preaching about what other people should be doing, at the same time talking about how you could really give a shit. Thanks for all your help. Obviously the world needs more people like you.

And this building is how old and you're calling it obselete? You know in Europe something 100 years old is quite modern, and they make use of quite everything, somehow. I'm assuming you don't get out much, though.

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You're basically wrong about everything, all the time, but you were right about something: we, like English, who care, are outnumbered massively. By people like you.the problem is that the city has been abandoned by people who don't care; again, people like you

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Well, first off, you're free to ignore me. Secondly, you know nothing about what I have done in and around Detroit because I'm not about to post my resume nor my residence history here, but let me just say, your self righteousness is cute. By the way, shouldn't you be writing another dear diary post about how hard it is for you to get the simplest of tasks completed at CAYMAC or other such complaint about the day to day inconveniences that plague you in your little adventures in detroit home ownership?

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You're preaching about what other people should be doing, at the same time talking about how you could really give a shit. Thanks for all your help. Obviously the world needs more people like you.

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I'm not preaching about anything, if anyone is preaching it's you.I'm discussing the reality facing this building on yet another thread lamenting the demise of yet another architectural and artistic gem due to institutionally sanctioned neglect. You're preaching at ME not doing anything, what are you doing beside pointing fingers? Go down and board up the building and see what happens tomorrow. After you do if few times finding your efforts destroyed, you'll quickly understand the futility because no one will ever be held accountable for the destruction. Not the city, not the owners, not the ruin pornographers, and least of all the scrappers....although we can hope they run afoul of live power or sharp edges.

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And this building is how old and you're calling it obsolete[fixed that for you]? You know in Europe something 100 years old is quite modern, and they make use of quite everything, somehow. I'm assuming you don't get out much, though.

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Ok are you seriously this dumb, or are you just willfully misrepresenting what I said? What I said was the building had outlived its purpose AND----sort of a key thing coming up here so you should pay attention....ready for it?....here it comes--- there is evidently no one interested in retrofitting it for any new use.

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Originally Posted by DetroitPole

You know in Europe something 100 years old is quite modern, and they make use of quite everything, somehow. I'm assuming you don't get out much, though.

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I always wonder if folks who repeat this canard have ever been to Europe.

European cities are generally modern. They generally feel more modern than Detroit city proper.

Rome's predominant style is Mussolini-era modernism. Spainish cities have been totally rebuilt. Germany's cities were a tabula rasa after WWII. British and Dutch cities are filled with boxy brutalist architecture.

The only predominately old European cities are cutesy tourist towns like Venice and Bruges.

As for Detroit, it can't save everything, and needs to prioritize. IMO, this building is not a priority.

Just like you ask if people have ever been to Europe... have you ever been inside the Armory??

So let me get this straight... the building is not a priority... so let's let it not only be abandoned, but look abandoned as well?? It's on a major intersection of E. Jefferson and E. Grand Blvd. It's on the state and National Register of Historic Places... so it is not a priority??

It's more like penny wise, pound foolish... all it needs is a frigin' secure door?

Dossin Museum owns Brodhead? If so, when did that happen?

"In 2006, the Society reached a new agreement with the City of Detroit to once again become the day-to-day manager of the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the more than 200,000 artifacts held in the collections."

http://www.detroithistorical.org/mai...e_society.aspx

I believe, however, that the Dossin is owned by the CoD, as is Fort Wayne.

As for the Broadhead Armory [[and Fort Wayne), it has been on the radar with the GSA since October 2010 as both REL and I brought it to the attention of one of the inspectors who gave the presentation at the DIA in regard to the WPA Art Recovery Act and the efforts being undertaken to secure these very important WPA artworks. we have been in communication sporadically, but I have sent him the information that has been mentioned in this thread and when I do hear from him I will try to let you all know what his response is.

The thing that really bothers me is that even though the CoD doesn't seem interested in doing anything to secure the site, why wouldn't they take the offering of the DoN? I guess after all the dealings that I have been involved with at the Fort this does not really suprise me.

Also, for the record, I believe that REL called the police department once when witnessing someone breaking in last year and they responded pretty quickly. Perhaps someone, in the interim, could call the precinct commander of that area and ask for his help?

The bottom line in all of this is that these WPA artworks are owned and belong in the possession of the American people, as they were the ones who supported and paid for Roosevelt's goal of getting people back to work and instilling hope for a brighter future. Roosevelt was brilliant in this effort, putting over 3 million people to work maintaining and upgrading our cultural infrastructure in a time where there was no employment. These artworks were an important part of that effort and every attempt should be made to preserve and secure them.

Limit scrap metal redemption to licensed contractors with a signed and stamped copy of their building permit.

Problem solved

To be fair, also get rid of the bottle deposit program. Ever since I moved out of state, I look back and find [[what I thought was a good program) a complete joke.

Wolverine... that program actually helps the less fortunate scrape together a few extra dollars when they go thru the trash containers at gas stations and picking them up in parking lots... etc.

[[Yeah let me guess, they get enough to buy a 40 oz.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gistok

Wolverine... that program actually helps the less fortunate scrape together a few extra dollars when they go thru the trash containers at gas stations and picking them up in parking lots... etc.

[[Yeah let me guess, they get enough to buy a 40 oz.)

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Gistok, the less fortunate in other states manage to get by on other programs without having to dig through trash cans. The benefits reach a very very very small fraction of the population...and that's really not the intention of the program anyway. As for school fundraising...another unintended activity, the school could just raise the price on pop. I believe most contracts with beverages companies permit schools to do this.

And for anyone that doesn't make all that much money, they are paying more to purchase beverages to begin with, and will be more inconvenienced to return them if they lack a vehicle. If they take a bus or do drive a car, what they make back on the deposit is then lost in fare or the cost of gas.

The fact that it takes energy for the consumer to return the cans and power the sorting machines entirely offsets the environmental gains of recycling.

This really saddens me as my dad fought a lot at the Armory as a pro boxer out of Detroit during 1932 - 33. Joe Louis also fought there as an amateur in the early 30's.

Isn't that building on the National Register of Historic Buildings? I thought that the city was having someone to keep guard of the building. It has a nice size baskeball court in it also. I had thought that it could be used for tournaments or something.

Just got an email about an opportunity for the public to help clean up the Brodhead Armory. Hopefully this means further security and protective measures will be installed to keep the looters out!!! I can't reproduce the copy of the poster here, but below is the information/contact. Get involved, make a difference in protecting Detroit's historical places!!!

Heep Detroit Beautiful:
The Historic District Commission would like you to join them to CLEAN UP THE BRODHEAD ARMORY.

Please Bring:
Rakes & Shovels
Tree trimmers
Brooms
Weed Wackers
[[Gloves, garbage bags and water will be provided)

7600 E. Jefferson, just East of the Belle Isle bridge

Saturday May 21, 2011

Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Contact: Susan McBride 313-224-6536 smcbride@detroitmi.gov

Just received this email invite:

Please join the Historic District Commission in "Keeping Detroit Beautiful"!
We will be cleaning up around the Brodhead Armory on Saturday May 21st from 9AM-1PM.

Please bring rakes, shovels, tree trimmers, brooms, and weed whackers.

Gloves, garbage bags, and water will be supplied.

The Brodhead Armory is located at 7600 E. Jefferson, just east of the Belle Isle Bridge.

For more info: Susan McBride, phone [[313) 224-6536 or smcbride@detroitmi.gov

Bump...for this Saturday's clean-up at the Brodhead Armory.

So what the current condition? I just now saw this post by Richard which he made back in April. Wish you would have sent me a PM Richard. Would have felt good to make up for past transgressions. Sumas and I are going to run by tomorrow and check it out, its just a few blocks away. Weve got plenty of scrap wood.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Richard

I am not there but if Django sees this and wants to assist I would not have a problem sending Western Union funds tomorrow. if it keeps it safe that much longer its worth a shot.

alr2llc@yahoo.com my email

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But I get the feeling its all been taken care of.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stromberg2

Fucking animals.....fucking city!! There is something to be said about what SWMAP said. It's controlled neglect.

Stromberg2

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This is exactly the same anger I felt yesterday afternoon. I took a friend to see MCS. We parked and sat on the roof of my car for a few minutes. Off to the east-ish we heard a thud bang, then a few more, then breaking glass. Some dip sh#t thug teens were chucking rocks at the old post office.

If you've never earned anything-you'll never respect anything. Chances are these kids, more than likely the beneficiaries of state and federal entitlement programs, have never felt the pain of having something they worked hard on or something they have built be destroyed. Because they never have had to work, build or think.

If you spent as much time reading books as you do throwing rocks, maybe one day you'll have something. Instead, society gets the privilege to share the costs of your poor decisions.

I wanna do a social experiment ala to catch a predator. Let's buy an empty lot. Clearly mark it private property no trespassing and prop up single window in the lot and see what happens. Hidden cameras will catch the action and Chris Hansen will run out to ask questions of those who choose to 'interact' with the window.

You may as well post this too.

http://urlybits.com/wp-content/uploa...-gallery-b.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hamtown mike

This is exactly the same anger I felt yesterday afternoon. I took a friend to see MCS. We parked and sat on the roof of my car for a few minutes. Off to the east-ish we heard a thud bang, then a few more, then breaking glass. Some dip sh#t thug teens were chucking rocks at the old post office.

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Does "thug" mean "black"?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hamtown mike

If you've never earned anything-you'll never respect anything. Chances are these kids, more than likely the beneficiaries of state and federal entitlement programs, [rant continues]

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These kids have no future, little education, live in tough neighborhoods with parents who don't care enough, and you want to complain about the entitlements? As if all inner-city people needed were a slightly stronger work ethic to make it?

Far be it from me to defend destruction of private property, but I grew up in lily-white Dearborn and we still threw rocks through windows. And I know of plenty of people who've been raised in the comparative lap of luxury and never earned a dollar in their lives; kids from Farmington, Birmingham and Bloomfield who come down to the city and hurl rocks at windows. Why not discuss their "pathologies" as well?

During much of last year white unemployment held steady at around 8.8 percent. Unemployment for black teens, according to the Kirwan Institute at Ohio State University, hit 45 percent. In Detroit it's arguably higher. So where are these kids supposed to learn what it's like to earn? Knowhatimean?

Anyway, we drove by the Armory and it see,ed pretty well boarded up. Particle board and Tapcons dont do much really when you have a crow or spud bar. I wasnt able to check out the back of the building as it looked pretty well fenced off but there very well could have been a hole cut in the fence, I imagine it would be pretty hidden back there if someone wanted to get in the back way unseen.

I never even knew about his place till I read this thread. Wish I had a chance to take a walk through and take some pics.

That's really sad to see, but it's a sign of the times. Just remember that we can't judge people. No one commits a crime because they want to. If society adequately provided for all of its members, things like this would never happen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willbeme

That's really sad to see, but it's a sign of the times. Just remember that we can't judge people. No one commits a crime because they want to. If society adequately provided for all of its members, things like this would never happen.

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It is the responsibility of its members to be a part of society unless of course one prefers past Russia,Cuba etc, and we see how well that worked out.No one forces anybody to commit crimes.Our society has provided safety nets to those so the need to commit crimes should not be there.