Campus Martius shows evidence that Detroit is changing

It’s no Central Park. It’s not even Grant Park. But for anyone who recalls Detroit of the 1980s as a wasteland lacking any public attractions (short of Tiger Stadium or Greektown, which are the only places I ever went), Campus Martius Park in the hub of downtown is proof that today’s Detroit ain’t the same ole’ Detroit.

Wander down there on lunch and it actually feels like you’re in…a city. There are people there, doing stuff like eating food. And listening to live jazz music. And chatting by the fountains. Not once have I seen anyone get shot, and I go there pretty regularly.

In the summer, they roll out a layer of thick sod to create a large lawn in front of the sound stage. And there are patio tables and chairs all around the place to sit and have a sandwich. In the winter, the sod disappears and is replaced by the skating rink you’ve probably heard about. If you can’t make it down this summer for one of the free concerts, you should try to get down there this winter when the rink is open. The atmosphere at night, with music playing over loud speakers that stand over the ice, is not what most people imagine when they think of “Detroit after dark”.

Signs at the park announce Campus Martius as being “Detroit’s Gathering Place”. In time, it may well be. I just think it’s cool that someone thinks Detroit even needs a gathering place again.

Colt 45 billboards causing a stir

Remember those news reports earlier this summer about the Colt 45 billboards in Detroit that are being fussed about by a lot of people, including some members of the Detroit City Council?

In case you haven’t had a chance/reason to be downtown lately, I thought I’d show you a picture of what all the ruckus is about.

Apparently some city council members are looking for a way to draft legislation that would give them some control over the content of billboard advertising. Not that I care if Colt 45 billboards are removed, but it seems like Detroit has image problems worth worrying about that are bigger than big beer ads. Naturally, one of the council members tossed out the “racist” comment, but from everything I read she didn’t elaborate as to how. (Billy Dee Williams is in the ads. I wonder if she’s calling him a racist?)

This whole thing raises a bunch of questions, such as: “What’s worse for the well-being of Detroiters, billboards promoting Colt 45, or billboards promoting the casinos?” Or better yet, “What’s worse for the well-being of Detroiters, billboards promoting Colt 45, or billboards (no longer available) that promoted Kwame Kilpatrick?”

There's a tough one...

Tiger Stadium takes a tumble

It’s hardly breaking news, but knowing that Tiger Stadium is gone doesn’t make it any less strange when you drive down Michigan Avenue these days.

The picture was taken when the stadium was on its deathbed, just before the final ruling came down that it wouldn’t be spared. When the final days of destruction were underway, I went by on my bike and watched for a while. I got some unbelievable pictures (which I’ll post here eventually) and watched as the rooftop over the third base line rippled to the ground after a crane swatted the girders out from under it. It was kind of sad to watch it get destroyed. Understandable, but still sad.

I don’t know what the plans are to commemorate the place, but I’m sure there’ll be some sort of memorial built at Michigan and Trumbull. I’ll post an update here when I see something happening.

River’s Edge Grille is a Detroit secret worth discovering

The big plastic sign that once hung on the building’s façade was busted up and tucked out of sight. Heavy snow tore it from the building last winter. A guy on a ladder holding a paintbrush shook his head and smiled. “Can you believe that? They put a sign up that can’t handle snow! This is Michigan, man!”

With its signage temporarily displaced, the River’s Edge Grille relied on less visible means of announcing itself earlier this summer. I doubt that fact has anything to do with the bar referring to itself on its website as being “Detroit’s best-kept secret,” but it’s kind of a funny irony.

And beside, the website might be right.

Ten or 15 years ago it was no secret. The River Rock Café, which once occupied the same building on Franklin just east of the RenCen, was one of the most popular hangouts downtown. And for years before it was River Rock, McNarney’s Irish Pub was well-known place to eat and drink. River’s Edge isn’t there yet, but my guess is it will be.

So close to the Ren Cen you’ll hurt your neck looking up at the 72^nd floor, River’s Edge is a nicely refurbished, three-room bar that’s definitely worth a taste. The bar & grill up front is finished with a mix of stained wood and old brick, and features the requisite ceiling-hung flat screens that bars are required these days. Both high-top and standard tables fill the space.

The back room looks more like a lounge, and on Fridays it hosts live music, typically from whatever cover band is on the schedule.

Be sure to stop by before summer fades away to check out the third room, the rooftop patio that gives a decent look toward the river. (Incidentally, during my lunch-time stop, I noticed steel-tip darts and a dartboard set up on the patio. I’ve got to believe those get put away at night.)

For more info: Stop by the River’s Edge Grille at 673 Franklin, call 313-393-3337, or visit riversedgegrille.com.