The abandoned Lee Plaza Hotel in Detroit. Built to be a fashionable residential hotel for wealthy younger clientele, it was doomed nearly from the moment construction ended. Here's the story: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/lee-plaza-hotel
@AbandonedAmerica great article. I then had to go and look at historic street view to see if it was still standing...
It seems they fixed some lower roofing, and even went so far as to replace all the windows - which are now being vandalized again! The solitary Urn appears to still be there, though.
@AbandonedAmerica I hope you'll forgive my potential threadjack, but for many years - as an outsider on the other side of the world - I've vicariously (through reality restoration shows, and your wonderful posts) watched magnificent buildings in your country, especially in Detroit, become derelict husks of their former selves, and wonder how this happens. And yet, living in an island state in Australia, we are watching as many fine Churche buildings are being sold to private ownes in various states of disrepair, and people are screaming out "How?!?" and "Why?!?", and I've never understood why they can't comprehend why?!? And yet my foolish first reaction upon seeing your Hotel photos was still also "How?!?" and "Why?!?" , and it's really the same reasons! Fortunes change, patrons/congregations disappear, attracted by something/somewhere else, and maintenance costs exceed income. House of God, or House of Accommodation, if it isn't bringing in the money for maintenance, the building is on borrowed time. And I can't believe it's only just now, through your posting this, that I realise how hypocritical and dim I've been, and I thank you!
@colinchick it is a fairly universal phenomenon, and I think part of the issue in the US is sprawling geography and changes in the wealth of certain areas due to many factors - poverty is not to be underestimated. But we also are wasteful with architecture. It seems that disposable culture is everywhere now though
@alexproe@lauren I sure hope so, but having heard several stories like this about the Lee Plaza alone, I'm afraid I'll remain a bit skeptical until work actually starts
Edit: I spoke too soon - the comment below this pointed out that it appears there is new roofing and windows. Fingers crossed!
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