Tuesday Tidbits: The Whitney Restaurant in Detroit

 

The Whitney Restaurant, one of Detroit's jewels, has been completely renovated is quickly becoming a dining destination in Detroit. Originally a mansion built for David Whitney, one of Detroit's lumber barons of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Whitney is located in Detroit's Midtown near Wayne State University. 

Built in 1884 at a cost of $400,000, the mansion includes over 21,000 square feet with 52 rooms, 218 windows, 20 fireplaces and an elevator; as well as a 6,000 square foot carriage house. Over the years, the Whitney Mansion has been the home of the Wayne County Medical Society and the Visiting Nurses Association. It was purchased in 1980 by Richard Kughn and transformed into a restaurant in 1986. In 2007, another Detroit supporter, Bud Liebler, bought The Whitney and restored it to its present splendor. The Whitney continues to be a treasured Detroit icon.

The staff at the Whitney is preparing for a wonderful Mother's Day celebration; reservations are being accepted for the special menu for the special day.

The Whitney restaurant is on Woodward Avenue in the heart of Detroit's cultural center.

The Whitney
4421 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-5700

You can email The Whitney at info@thewhitney.com

 

Posted via web from The DSpot Redeux Blog

TechTown in Detroit: Bridging Entrepreneurship and Innovation

In an area in Detroit now known as the "New Center", technology companies and innovative business incubators have been making their presence known. The New Center, previously known as "New Amsterdam", is located in the center of Detroit near Woodward, Grand Boulevard (East and West), Warren Avenue, and the I-94 Freeway. Most importantly, TechTown is in the area of the former General Motors Headquarters and many of the offices of TechTown are located in historic buildings designed by the late world-renowned architect Albert Kahn.

Two of the first companies in New Amsterdam was the Burroughs Adding Machine Company (now Unisys Corporation) and the American Electrical Heater Company. After declining in the 1950s, the area began its revitalization in the 1990s led by the president of Wayne State University, Dr. Irvin D. Reid.

Today, the New Center Area and TechTown is rapidly growing into a mixed-used neighborhood with lofts, schools, entertainment, shopping, and a renowned research and technology park focusing on small technology-based startups and enterprises. Close by is the Detroit Midtown neighborhood, including the Detroit Cultural Center with various museums, libraries and art galleries, the Detroit Medical Center, and Wayne State University.

 

Posted via web from The DSpot Redeux Blog

Redeux News: WDET Dropping Matt Watroba's "Folks Like Us"

Starting with Judy Adams a few years ago, WDET continues to drop the extraordinary "only on 'DET" shows that made WDET a Detroit institution. Then they wonder why their pledges are WAY down. John Penny, Robert Jones, etc.,...going, going, gone.

"Folks Like Us" and "The Arkansas Traveler" weren't exactly MY cup of tea, but I really enjoyed the diversity of WDET and its prior commitment to being a "different" kind of radio station for Detroit.

The "numbers" of a particular show are not supposed to matter so much for a local public broadcasting station, because it is supported by its listeners. But what happens when the public broadcasting station deletes the shows the listeners are willing to pay for with their contributions?

Another "public-supported" station going corporate...why am I not surprised?

Here's an email from Matt--his final show is today from 4-7 pm.

From: Matt Watroba mattwatroba@hotmail.com>
> Date: December 19, 2009 10:45:49 AM GMT-05:00
> To: matt@watrobanetwork.com>
> Cc: mattwatroba@hotmail.com>
> Subject: Folks Like Us News
>
>
> Happy Holidays to all!
> Please tune in on Sunday, December 20th from 4PM--7 to what will be the last Folks Like Us program to be broadcast on WDET. That’s right. After 23 years on the station, the new management has decided that roots music programming is no longer relevant to the audience they are interested in attracting or maintaining. They dropped me, the Arkansas Traveler, And Robert Jones in an attempt to make their music mix “more contemporary” (sound familiar anyone?). I must be honest and say, as both a host and a life-long listener, I feel the switch to a news format (a few years ago) and these recent changes will most likely ruin what was once a self-sufficient, cultural jewel in our struggling city. What they might tell you (if you are one of the few to get a response from them) is that the roots programming just didn’t have the numbers. Please keep in mind the methodic way in which all this happened. When Mikel Ellcessor, the new station manager, came in about one year ago, he moved Folks Like Us and The Arkansas Traveler to the least listened to time slot in radio—Sunday evenings. He did this without ever mentioning the changes in a single e-newsletter or on-air promotion to our audience. After two pledge drives—what a surprise—the numbers went down. If you get a chance, be sure to ask him how the numbers were before the un-ceremonial shifting of time-slots. Now, the most important truth:
> Serving this audience for over 23 years as host of the Folks Like Us Program has been one of the absolute privileges of my rich and wonderful life. Sharing this truly essential music with you over the years has, in many ways, made me what I am. Words will never be able to adequately express the gratitude I have for you—the listener who has allowed me the gift of enriching my own life through—hopefully--enriching yours. I need you to know that I consider this a minor set-back. I am not giving up my quest to share this music with as many people as possible. While we discover and create other ways to do this, please keep checking the show’s website, www.folkslikeus.org. We will continue to keep you updated on roots music events in the area and what is happening with the future of the program. If you have any influence with other media outlets that would love to welcome thousands of loyal, supportive listeners to their fold, this would be the time to talk to them. If you want to let WDET know how you feel, you may contact them through www.wdet.org, but keep in mind that these changes were also fueled by the folks at Wayne State University who hired them.
> Please tune in on Sunday for a celebration of 23 years on Detroit Public Radio!
>
> With love and gratitude,
> Matt Watroba
> 

Wordless Wednesday: Detroit Startup Resources

UM, MSU, Wayne State University Research Corridor ranks 3rd nationally for startups created in 2008

Source: wayne.edu

Daily news and features from crainsdetroit.com and from the weekly newspaper Crain's Detroit Business. RSS feeds for breaking news and the Detroit automotive, technology, health care, manufacturing, sports, real estate, nonprofit and government sectors.

Don't miss Detroit's next big entrepreneurial adventure: E2 Detroit 2009, an October 15th conference co-sponsored by TechTown
Source: wayne.edu

TechTown -- helping minds and means connect since 2004. It all began with an idea for an economic engine that would jump-start the city's flagging economy. Wayne State University, General Motors Corporation and Henry Ford Health System collaborated to create a business incubator that would provide startups with the resources they need to be successful.


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Things to Do Thursday: 2nd Annual MotorCity Tapfest

Robert L. Reed, Master Tap Dancer
Photo Credit: The Detroit News

Dr. Jeni Legon
American Tap Dance Pioneer
Inductee in the American Tap Dance Foundation Hall of Fame

The 2nd Annual Motor City Tapfest will be held August 20 - 23 2009 at the Old Main Building of Wayne State University, 4841 Cass Avenue in Detroit Michigan.

Activities include Master Tap Classes for all levels and ages, a tap jam to learn improvisational skills, a panel discussion of the business of tap dancing, a concert by tap faculty, and peer performances.

From The Detroit News:

Dr. Jeni LeGon, who danced with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson as one of the first African-American women to sign a contract with a Hollywood studio, will be the honored guest at the All-Star Faculty Concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at WSU's Community Arts Auditorium, at 450 Reuther Mall in Detroit. This event is open to the public.

Find out all of the details here...

Sammy Davis, Jr.: The GREATEST Entertainer of All Time
His tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

Tuesday Tidbits: Wayne State Farmer's Market

 

Wayne State University SEED Program Wednesday Farmer's Market 

 Fresh, locally-grown produce, plants, and flowers will be available in Midtown Detroit every Wednesday through October on the Wayne State University Campus!

• Every Wednesday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
• 5201 Cass Ave. (In front of Prentis Hall; across the street from the Detroit Public Library).
• Market accepts cash, Michigan Bridge Card, and WSU One Card.

 For more information, contact Kami Pothukuchi at k.pothukuchi@waynedu

 

According to the SEED Wayne Website:

SEED Wayne is dedicated to building sustainable food systems on the campus of Wayne State University and in Detroit communities. 
SEED Wayne works in partnership with community-based organizations promoting food security, urban agriculture, farm-to-institution, and food and fitness planning and policy development. 

Shopping in Detroit: Made in Detroit Apparel

Kid Rock is an international superstar with roots in Detroit. He and his brother, Billy Ritchie, have teamed up with the Made in Detroit Apparel Company to produce and sell authentic "Made in Detroit"-branded apparel and accessories. Made in Detroit has been a Detroit staple since 1991, but since the Ritchie Brothers took over the brand, the product line has been expanded to include limited edition items for Wayne State University and authorized retailers in Detroit, the Detroit Metroplex, and Los Angeles.

The profits for the Wayne State-branded items are donated to a special foundation started by Kid Rock to fund scholarships for music students at Wayne State. Those items are available online at Wayne State, online at WDET, and at the Barnes and Noble College Store on the Wayne State Campus.

 

"Made in Detroit" items are available in Detroit at the Showtime Detroit Clothing Store on Woodward and Palmer near I-94 and the WSU campus, as well as many stores in the Detroit Suburbs. Hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and accessories are available for men, women, and youth.

Doin' It in Detroit: Detroit Historical Museum

 
The Detroit Historical Society, established in 1921, is the "umbrella" organization for The Detroit Historical Museum and The Dossin Great Lakes Museum. As the weather turns cooler, it's a great time for "Doin' It in Detroit" at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Located in the heart of the Detroit Cultural Center near Wayne State University, the Detroit Historical Museum is one of the oldest and largest metropolitan history museums. It was established in 1928. Over 300 years of Detroit history, including the very popular "Streets of Old Detroit" and "The Motor City", an authentic auto assembly line, are housed in over 8,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Current exhibitions include:

	Hero or Villain? Metro Detroit's Legacy of Leadership What makes a leader? Are there certain qualities or characteristics that define leadership? Are leaders a product of their time or would they have risen to such status regardless of when they lived? Moreover, why do some think of a particular leader as a “hero” and others as a “villain”?

100 Years Ago Did you ever wonder how large the City of Detroit was 100 years ago? Do you know what song made its debut a century ago and is still sung by millions of people each year?

1920s: Detroit's Building Boom The 1920s is often called Detroit's Golden Age - find out why in this exciting temporary exhibit, which features a look at the skyscrapers, infrastructure and architects who made this decade great.

Detroit's Official Symbols Learn about the City of Detroit's flag and official seal in this great exhibit!

Doorway to Freedom - Detroit and the Underground Railroad Learn about Detroit's important role in the Underground Railroad in this exhibit.

Fabulous 5: Detroit's Entertainment Venues Visitors will learn about five of the region's greatest entertainment venues in this temporary exhibit.

Frontiers to Factories Come see what Detroit was like before the advent of the automobile!

Regular Museum Hours:

Wednesday through Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday – Noon to 5 p.m.

Admission Prices and Parking:

Adults: $6
Seniors (ages 60 and above): $4
Youth (ages 5-17): $4
Students (with valid ID): $4
Children under age 4: FREE
Detroit Historical Society members: FREE

Parking is $4.00 per car in the lot adjacent to the Museum.



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