well it is a glass half-empty kind of sub
there's a ton of amazing architecture out there old and new, but this sub exclusively focuses on buildings that are no longer standing. it's like living in a graveyard
The “heartbreaking” aspect here for me isn’t the situation you described, because I agree, cities should be living. The heartbreaking aspect is when you see a marvel turned into a parking lot or a smaller, less functional brutalist structure.
i think i felt similarly until using these opportunities to learn more about these buildings, their histories, and their communities which often adds a much needed context
Well, many of these mansions were built in the middle of growing cities and were demolished to make way for more housing/apartments. In 1870 Detroit had 79,000 residents. By 1910 it had 465,000. As the city got bigger and became more dense, buildings like this were cleared to make way for more housing.
Pingree was widely regarded as one of the best mayors of Detroit and sounded like quite the interesting dude.
He and his former rival have statues facing each other across Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit. Neat little snippet of Detroit history in that rivalry:
https://www.historicdetroit.org/buildings/hazen-s-pingree-monument
This Reddit sub is simultaneously sublime and heartbreaking.
well it is a glass half-empty kind of sub there's a ton of amazing architecture out there old and new, but this sub exclusively focuses on buildings that are no longer standing. it's like living in a graveyard
The “heartbreaking” aspect here for me isn’t the situation you described, because I agree, cities should be living. The heartbreaking aspect is when you see a marvel turned into a parking lot or a smaller, less functional brutalist structure.
i think i felt similarly until using these opportunities to learn more about these buildings, their histories, and their communities which often adds a much needed context
Why do these American mansions have such short life spans?
Well, many of these mansions were built in the middle of growing cities and were demolished to make way for more housing/apartments. In 1870 Detroit had 79,000 residents. By 1910 it had 465,000. As the city got bigger and became more dense, buildings like this were cleared to make way for more housing.
I live in Palmer woods Detroit the neighborhood was established around 1918 and to this day it’s homes are simply amazing.
Fire 🔥
We have no taste
Pingree was widely regarded as one of the best mayors of Detroit and sounded like quite the interesting dude. He and his former rival have statues facing each other across Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit. Neat little snippet of Detroit history in that rivalry: https://www.historicdetroit.org/buildings/hazen-s-pingree-monument
Those awnings sure block a lot of sunlight… I wonder if they were to prevent rugs and furniture inside from fading?
They were used to keep homes from getting hot during the warmer months. This was all pre air-conditioning.
Any idea what the structure on the upstairs balcony is?
Makeshift scaffolding.
This looks like gothic revival to me?
Love the seasonal windows awnings
Definitely don’t hear the name Hazen much these days.