Okay, so I put a few pics together since they wouldn't fit anywhere else; a quick handful of shots from the morning commute, then some from the recent arts festival at Gordon Square (the heart of the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood) and then the annual GIFT Cruise on the Goodtime III. This was a great weekend for pics :-)
I hate the morning commute, but this takes the edge off significantly
I *still* keep thinking that Thor, Captain America and company are going to be flying around here (both buildings were prominently shown in 'The Avengers'):
Anyway, onto Gordon Square - en route we pass Lorain Avenue, the main drag of Ohio City:
Some nice old gems in Ohio City:
And some in need of signifcant polish
Unfortunately due to time constraints, we didn't get to check out the events for the Weapons of Mass Creation event - a combo of bands, designers, etc.; really wish we had time.
Even so, there was plenty going on - the neighborhood arts fest was happening, Food Network was in town filming a food truck show episode. They were parked outside the Happy Dog - a spot that's very popular with the hipster set; I felt a little under-tattooed, under-facial haired, under-wearing dark jeans in 80+ temps but it was all good.
A big part of the area's charm (IMHO) are the interesting historic commercial buildings:
And the quirky businesses:
The area was recently redeveloped with new bus shelters, pavers, and other accoutrements:
One of the area's landmarks, a former Orthodox church:
The main intersection at West 65th and Detroit:
Retailers in the area include modern furniture/furnishing spots like DuoHome:
And a newer spot next door that specializes in vintage pieces:
For a relatively small area, Gordon Square has some interesting architectural diversity - from neo-classical to Tudor-esque, to modern, you name it:
Saw this in a storefront - these were part of the cornice of the Engineers Building (demolished to make way for the Marriott at Key Center):
Back toward West 65th and Detroit:
Off to the next segment:
En route to the GIFT Cruise on the Goodtime III:
It's a goofy angle but for some reason I like this view of the skyline:
A quick refresher, the GIFT Cruise is a fundraiser for the local chapter of international gay bowling leagues. I attend because 1. I always get some good photos and 2. I'm happy to contribute to their efforts. Here we are, at the Goodtime III:
Kodak view:
Other boaters were out and about
:
Construction of the Medical Mart and convention center:
You're welcome, gentlemen
The Federal Building is getting a new "facade" enclosed in glass; figured this might be the last time to get this shot:
Runways of Burke Lakefront Airport and the highrises of Bratenahl in the background:
Cleveland City Hall:
We finally set sail:
Gulls convening at the port - the screeching sounded like a damn Justin Bieber concert!
Ernst and Young Tower under construction at Flats East Bank:
And after a train crosses the lift bridge, we make our way up and down the Cuyahoga - you know the drill :-)
And we finish with what has to be one of the best sunsets I've ever seen over Lake Erie:
Hope you enjoyed