The Rooftop Cabins, perched atop the historic El Moore building, may be the most creative and controversial element of our renovation project. In Episode 1 of our podcast collection, “Stories of the El Moore,” we explain the series of decisions that led to the current design of the Rooftop Cabins, even how they got their name. […]
Rooftop Cabins – What were you guys thinking? Read More »
When we speak of community as being one of our triple bottom line margins for the El Moore project, to be clear we are including the people who already have a relationship with the El Moore because of their proximity to the El Moore site – our neighbors. What exactly is the best way to get
As we’ve mentioned in earlier posts, the El Moore was designed in 1898 by local architect Almon Clother Varney. Besides being an authority on gracious living in late 19th century Detroit (see Our Homes and Their Adornments , 1883), Varney was a prolific architect. His creations, which included apartment buildings, factories and offices, hotels and private residences,
Mr. Varney’s Neighborhood Read More »
This past week we saw the alley taking form with the exposed aggregate section extending from the alley to Second Avenue. Gravel is down in the parking lot area, a final step before cement is poured. The front steps, long damaged, were removed and will be replaced. In the meantime, the old front steps are being
Construction Update: Week of November 3, 2014 Read More »
Those who know the history of the City of Detroit know that our City was founded three hundred and thirteen years ago in 1701, by French explorers. Our Area Code is also “313”, so we have been really celebrating this year! “De-troit” can be roughly translated from the French to “the straits”. French explorer and
The Voices of Detroit: French Detroit Read More »
When Marilyn Sundstrom was first presented with the idea for a community garden across the street from her home on Second Avenue, she wasn’t exactly confident this was something that could work. In fact, let’s just say she wasn’t confident at all. “It was sort of interesting; Sue Mosey approached me one day – I’ve
Marilyn Sundstrom tells how the North Cass Community Garden grew Read More »
When work began on the El Moore, we were intrigued by the discovery that the builder had run parallel lines, gas and electric, for some of the lighting fixtures. Why both? What was going on back then? Of course, we had to learn more! We know that the 1880’s and 1890’s were a period of transition
Shifting Technologies, again, at the El Moore Read More »
Although progress is continuing inside the building, this week we’ll once again focus on the exterior work taking place. Winter will be here soon enough, shifting the focus to the interior work. In the meantime, the green alley, fence posts and elevator tower were the targets of intense work this week. The alley has been
Construction Update: Week of October 27, 2014 Read More »
