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YOUR GUARDIAN AWAITS

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A few weeks back I headed downtown with Thomas Nighswander and some members of Michigan Photo Adventures to ride along the Detroit People Mover in order to search out future photographic opportunities. One of the main stops of the day was the landmark Guardian Building located within the Financial district of downtown Detroit. Built in 1929, the building served as a great example of bold Art Deco Architecture while being designated in 1989 as a National Historic Landmark. 

The lavish interior of the Guardian building is clothed in mosaic, Pewabic and Rookwood tile. It has been nicknamed the Cathedral of Finance due to the building's exterior resemblance to a cathedral as well as the existing interior archway.

The overwhelming Native American Themes are evident both inside and outside the building. The architect Wirt C. Rowland worked closely with the Muralist Ezra Winter to ensure the exterior architecture and interior furnishings presented a consistent theme throughout.

The skyscraper extends 36 stories into the sky  while housing numerous offices for large corporations. In 2007, Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano signed an agreement with the current owners  to purchase the Guardian building in order to relocate its offices from the Wayne County Building.

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

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Located in the middle of Hemisfair Park in downtown San Antonio is the iconic structure known as the Tower of The Americas. This 750-foot tower houses a cocktail lounge, rotating restaurant as well as an observation deck which provides phenomenal panoramic views of the city. The tower, recognized as the tallest building in San Antonio, was designed by architect O'Neil Ford as the main theme structure for the 1968 World's Fair, Hemisfair '68. 

Construction of the tower commenced on August 9, 1966 and was completed 18 months later, just prior to the opening ceremonies of the fair on April 6, 1968. Interestingly enough, the top portion of the building was constructed at ground level and hoisted on top of the concrete pillar by cables which actually snapped leaving the top resting rather precariously on the concrete shaft. The job was then completed using oil field pipes to secure the tophouse in position.

The ride to the top takes approximately five and a half minutes and can provide some great photographic opportunities if you can avoid the crowds. 





THE ICONIC GRAND HOTEL

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As the thermometer begins to dip here in the midwest, I can't help but reminisce about some time I spent last summer on Mackinaw Island, Michigan at the famed Grand Hotel. The famous historic landmark is located on a small island between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The hotel has been frequented by past presidents, luminaries, dignitaries,  and celebrities alike. The hotel has taken some flack for charging visitors a $10 fee for visiting the property.

The Grand Hotel contains the longest porch in world measuring approximately 660 feet in length while overlooking an expansive tea garden. The porch area hosts vacationers, concertgoers, along with the those attending the Annual Mackinac Policy Conference.

As you make your way through the main corridor and up a few stairs you end up at the main level of the hotel containing restaurants, bars and numerous seating areas. Once at the crossroads, you see my personal favorite, the Audubon Wine Bar to the right, a luxuriously comfortable seating area straight ahead and more seating areas to the left for everyday conversation.

The Audubon Wine Bar provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the finest wines from Napa Valley, the greatest cognacs from France along with the finest single malt scotches from Scotland. The plethora of wall to wall books provides a very comfortable clubby feel without the usual ostentatiousness accompanying watering holes of this magnitude.  One final note, this place serves the best Truffle fries in the entires state, if not, the country. Do not leave without sampling these culinary delights.

As you leave the bar after ingesting your favorite cocktails, a short walk out the door leads you to another area for the ultimate relaxation. Enormous, plush couches await adorned with priceless chandeliers above.

The final destination on this wonderful journey through the Grand Hotel takes us to the top floor to the Cupola Bar which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac. As is the case throughout the hotel, the customer service is second to none and the worn "no" is non-existent. This is a definite stop while visiting the hotel and will provide memories that last a lifetime.  I am already anticipating my return visit next spring.





THE CHURCHES OF SAN ANTONIO

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The city of San Antonio, Texas is known for many things - The iconic river walk, Gigantic portions of beef, The San Antonio Spurs as well as the Famous Alamo. Among the less publicized attractions are the numerous churches located throughout the city. On a recent trip to San Antonio, I was fortunate enough to acquire access to three of the more better known churches in the city.

Little Church of LaVillita

The non-denominational Little Church of LaVillita happens to be one of San Antonio's most unique historical sites. Situated just off the river walk in the Historic Art Village of Lavillita, the Church was built in 1879 in Gothic Revival Architecture with a stunning stained glass window greeting all visitors upon entry. The meticulously crafted concrete walls provide an extremely unique experience among the churches of today while actively conducting services every Sunday Morning.

Saint Joseph Church

The Parish of Saint Joseph was the brainchild of a group of German Catholic immigrants searching for a place of worship in the mid 1800's. The church was constructed in a rather spartan fashion with small additions being made as funds allowed by the community. The exterior structure was finally considered completed in 1898 when a steeple was added to the gothic style rooftop. In 1902, the church was granted an immense upgrade as a handful of beautiful stained glass windows were purchased from a glass factory in Bavaria, Germany for the sum of $3000. 

Exterior Saint Joseph Church

The resiliency of the church was tested in 1945 when Joske's department store sought to purchase the church and grounds in order to expand its operation. The parishioners voted unanimously not to sell, exhibiting tremendous faith and resolve. As a result, the church remains a symbol of faith while surrounded by the Rivercenter Mall, hotels and residences. For this reason, the church is known to locals as the "jewel in the heart of San Antonio". The church serves as a respite for many locals and tourists alike every Sunday morning.

Front Section Saint Joseph Parish

This picturesque institution requires a visit by anyone in the vicinity of San Antonio - it is definitely worth the drive.

San Fernando Cathedral

Located in Downtown San Antonio is the world famous San Fernando Cathedral which has been honored to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as the Mother Church of the ArchDiocese of San Antonio. The original church was built between 1738 and 1750 with the original walls forming the sanctuary of the cathedral. This church has the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in the State of Texas. 

The Church gets its name from Ferdinand III of Castile, who was a a 13th century ruler.  The Cathedral was built by settlers from the Canary Islands. Due to this effort, the interior contains a picture of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.

The Cathedral was enlarged in the Gothic Style in 1868, with the addition of the existing nave. The striking stained glass windows were added in 1920.

San Fernando Cathedral happens to have the elite status of being the only church in all of Texas ever visited by a  Pope - Pope John Paul II arrived in 1987. The cathedral serves as the foundation for religious citizens of San Antonio.  Each year, countless events are held here including baptism, weddings, funerals, as well as other special activities.

 

 

THE ICONIC LEGGS INN

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Perched on a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan lies the world famous Leggs Inn Restaurant which exhibits a rather unique and mysterious approach with its architecture and decor.

Entry Foyer 

Located in Cross Village, Michigan, this restaurant features medieval looking stone, timber and driftwood taking us back in time to an experience unlike any other. The creator, a Polish immigrant by the name of Stanley Smolak, used his love of the inhabiting Ottawa and Chippewa Indians as influence for the blend of Old World European and Indian Cultures seen throughout the interior decor. Above is the entry foyer which displays an elaborate collection of nature and hand carved furniture made of tree stumps, limbs and roots which are seen throughout multiple rooms in the restaurant.

The Pool Room

The pool room continues the theme of meticulously handcrafted wood as the mainstay of its architectural foundation. 

Entrance to the game room

The cuisine is a balanced offering of authentic Polish and American dishes. Every dish is given the proper attention to detail to ensure an extremely enjoyable and memorable experience. In addition,the bar serves a multitude of accompanying hand crafted local beers not found at most establishments.

Step up to the bar

After satisfying customers for decades, the Leggs Inn has become a world famous destination acquiring praise from countless national magazines, publications and broadcasters throughout the country. 

Best view in the House

The Smolak family has gone to great lengths to enforce world-class friendly service to deliver amazing culinary delights. The waitstaff deliver the perfect combination of friendliness and attention creating a rather unique and unforgettable experience. This place has earned a guaranteed visit on my next trip to Northern Michigan.

CHRIST CHURCH OF CRANBROOK

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A while back I was given the opportunity to photograph the beautiful Christ Church Cranbrook in the affluent community of Bloomfield Hills, MI.  I was fortunate to be a group of about 18 photographers who had the church to ourselves for a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon.  The Church was the creation of newspaper magnate George G. Booth and his wife, Ellen who purchased a 175-acre farm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan back in 1904.  They proceeded to construct a series of buildings including an elementary school in the community in the early twenties.  Mr. Booth noticed that many residents were traveling to other neighborhoods to fulfill their worshipping needs, so he built this Episcopalian Church to serve the community of Cranbrook.  The attention to architectural detail is a direct reflection of artistic spirit and inspiration which enriched the lives of George and Ellen Booth.

The Church opened its doors to the community in 1928 and has flourished by serving approximately 900 families while also providing great educational and outreach opportunities to those in need.

A bird's eye view of the Church from the existing and compact rear balcony.

The church is famous for it's intricate woodcarvings, impressive pipe organ, as well as it's numerous stained glass windows.

The best view in the house.

Church Corner

The exquisite stained glass windows are seen throughout and captured in virtually every photograph taken of this wonderful institution.

Front Section  

A closer view of the front of the church provides greater appreciation of the thoughtful design and planning that went it to the exhaustive construction and meticulous attention to detail.

Church Corridor

Church Exterior and Entrance

Historic Landmark Plaque

The Church was granted the coveted designation of becoming a National Historic Landmark in 1989 which can be seen just outside the entrance.

Church Sign

I had a wonderful time visiting this tremendous institution and I would like to thank our tour guide, Peggy, for her amazing insight and hospitality she providing throughout the afternoon. This is a place you must visit if you get the chance - I look forward to return visit.