Detroit is still the fascinating city of all things automotive, but it is also a
city transformed. Have you visited Detroit lately?
Arrival
at Detroit’s Metro Airport sets the stage for the new Detroit. The
Northwest Airlines World Gateway Terminal provides nearly 100 gates, an elevated
tram, spacious walkways, unique Detroit-themed shops and restaurants. A
second terminal is under construction. Detroit’s largest convention hotel
recently renovated its rooms and its over 100,000 square feet of meeting space.
The
Wintergarden, a new five story glass atrium overlooking the Detroit River has
opened with a wide selection of boutiques and shops. Other hotels have upgraded
and enhanced their facilities; early 20th century office buildings have been
restored and converted to trendy condos in a remarkable revitalization effort
throughout the whole city of Detroit.
New side-by-side stadiums for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions anchor
Detroit’s entertainment district. The world’s largest Polar Bear exhibit, The
Arctic Ring of Life, is now open at the Detroit Zoo. The state-of-the-art,
interactive facility encompasses over four acres and features a 70-foot
underwater glass tunnel for easy viewing.
Campus
Martius, in the heart of the business district, includes Compuware’s world
headquarters. This software and technology giant anchors the 10-block area. Its
15-story office building will overlook a new city park with an ice-skating rink,
band shells and outdoor cafes. Fountains and public benches are plentiful. Up to
150 special events a year are scheduled for Detroit’s newest public green space.
A $500
million development project is underway along the Detroit River. Tri-Centennial
Park (the state's first urban state park to be opened in more than 100 years)
will be the first phase completed. Two other parks will be connected with a
network of bike and jogging trails. In addition to the "greening" of the
riverfront, a new harbor for cruise ships and pleasure boats will open near GM
World Headquarters. This phase will complete a 3-mile network of parks that
stretch from Belle Isle’s MacArthur Bridge to Joe Louis Arena.
Greenfield Village re-opened in June 2003 after extensive renovations and
improvements. Visitors can experience 300 years of American history through 83
historic structures, including the actual Wright Brothers Cycle Shop from Dayton
Ohio, where Orville and Wilbur built their first airplane or explore Thomas
Edison’s Menlo Park Laboratories from New Jersey, where Edison invented the
light bulb and phonograph. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight with
a special 40,000-square-foot permanent exhibit,‘Heroes of the Sky’, featuring
the stories and airplanes from the first 40 years of aviation.
MotorCity
Casino and MGM Grand Detroit Casino are each in the process of enlarging their
gaming space to 100,000 square feet. Convention space and hotels are being
added.
It's a great time to visit Detroit!
Worldwide Hotels
