Statler Hotel, Book Cadillac, and Madison-Lenox Hotels

Detroit has three amazing historic hotels - one is in the process of being revamped (Book Cadillac), one has just made it onto the 11 most endangered historic places in the USA for 2004 (Madison-Lenox), and the third is slated for demolition (Statler).

These three hotels were amazing - built pre-depression & catered to the rich & famous.

Although a little different than Samantha's normal show. I think talking about the historic hotels in the US that have been brought back & talking about those that still need to be saved - would make for a great show!

Yes, Red-haired Sorority Girl, I think that's a wonderful idea indeed. Perhaps the main reason I watch Great Hotels (well, the 2nd reason, and the first was never with the idea of ever staying at those posh places) was the interest in seeing the truly Great old hotels from the inside. An episode designed possibly to help preserve those in danger would be a wonderful thing, and in their time many of the Grande Dames which are thriving again today likely were in serious danger, esp. in the 1960s through 80s. Ms. Brown herself has admitted great affection for the grand old hotel in (I believe) Wentworth-on-Sea, NH which apparently has acheived a rebirth. People can also join the National Trust For Historic Preservation as well (doesn't have to cost much) and you get a nice magazine in addition, with ads for many of these old places, in fact... I applaud any effort that keeps wonderful old buildings alive and spares us from the mind-numbingly bland sheet-rock interiors and blank concrete exterior walls of this generation. Thanks, Ms. ZTA

Sadly a historic Victorian home in, I think, Ada, MI was torn down. It was a B&B. The reason it was torn down was such a disrespectful thing. It was historic, but not in an historic part of down. Isn't that sickening! It had amazing detailed work on the windows. The sold everything to auction that was in the B&B house. The town tried everything to save it, but the stupid town board sided with the developer. I love old homes. They just don't make details has intricate, as they did in the Victorian times! It is such a shame that people don't consider all the hard work that went to old homes. They're part of our heritage. It shouldn't matter what part of town an old home is in. If it's historic, there's a reason for that, and therefore shouldn't be torn down!!! Can you tell I'm passionate about this subject?!

I couldn't agree more with the both of you. Historic preservation is so important. When I think of the great cities in the world - I almost always associate them with their skyline. Here in Detroit I have been writing to my senator, my governor, the Detroit Historic Commission to try to save these historic places. I am so passionate about it - as it sounds both of you are.

Do you ever watch HGTV? There's a show on there called, This Old Home. There are a few other shows that promote preservation of old homes.

I couldn't agree more. Detroit had some of the finest hotels in the nation, all with their own rich history. The Statler is one of the most fascinating. It's architecture and history range from being the first hotel to provide outside lighting to each room, being the first hotel in the nation to have air conditioning as well as being home away from home to many notable people such as Harry Houdini, whom ironically was staying at the Statler when he died Halloween night, October 31, 1926.

Unfortunately the Statler is slated for demoltion this August. AN episode on these hotels would definately help preserve the beauty Detroit has.

Somebody who's rich and who loves old homes & hotels, please buy at least one of them! Save the Statler at least! Buy and then preserve it! Please help! Our history needs to be preserved!!! Is there anyway to get a petition going?

Hello,
Some of my favortie episodes with Sammantha are when she goes to lodges. There are some wonderful Lodges in the Yellowstone area and I think it would be great to do a show on the area. I think the natural beauty and wildlife encounters would be very entertaining and more over Sam would have a great time.

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Originally posted by zta_redhead:
Statler Hotel, Book Cadillac, and Madison-Lenox Hotels

Detroit has three amazing historic hotels - one is in the process of being revamped (Book Cadillac), one has just made it onto the 11 most endangered historic places in the USA for 2004 (Madison-Lenox), and the third is slated for demolition (Statler).

These three hotels were amazing - built pre-depression & catered to the rich & famous.

Although a little different than Samantha's normal show. I think talking about the historic hotels in the US that have been brought back & talking about those that still need to be saved - would make for a great show!

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This website has some fascinating pictures and histories of these endangered classic hotels. Luckily, at least one of the hotels is being renovated. Hopefully the rest can still be saved before the wrecking ball comes.

http://www.forgottendetroit.com/index.html

It's just sad to think, that a lot of people don't take an interest in old homes. I don't understand that! How can a developer just tear these beautiful, & historic places down? Old homes & hotels are a part of our history. Historic places tell stories of who we are as Americans, & how far we have come! If we destroy a part of our history, then we destroy a part of who we are! We NEED to save historic places, and pass the stories on to future generations, about these amazing homes & hotels! I still think we need to get a petition going!!!

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Originally posted by skukan:
I couldn't agree more. Detroit had some of the finest hotels in the nation, all with their own rich history. The Statler is one of the most fascinating. It's architecture and history range from being the first hotel to provide outside lighting to each room, being the first hotel in the nation to have air conditioning as well as being home away from home to many notable people such as Harry Houdini, whom ironically was staying at the Statler when he died Halloween night, October 31, 1926.

Unfortunately the Statler is slated for demoltion this August. AN episode on these hotels would definately help preserve the beauty Detroit has.

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There's now a website created for those who are interested in helping prevent the demolition of the Statler. It has an interesting history of the hotel as well as pictures. It also has an online petition.

http://www.savethestatler.com

There's also a "save the Statler" rally at the hotel tomorrow which I believe will be at the same time demolition contractors tour the hotel.

I hope we can save The Statler! I signed the petition, so hopefully that helps!

Well, some good news finally. The 1917 Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel in downtown Detroit will get a second life. There are some amazing pictures showing how this place was frozen in time when it closed down. Perhaps this is a future episode in the making.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/BIZ/612210358

http://www.forgottendetroit.com/fsh/history.html
http://www.forgottendetroit.com/fsh/photos.html