HISTORIC BUILDING HOME TO STEP ON BUS TOURS: AN ENJOYABLE & EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY

Office of Step On Bus Tours 

Magicians, architects, writers, barbers and the landed gentry have had a role in the historical development of the Ferndale Arts Building, originally created as the Pioneer building back in the early 20s, when Gatsby was king of the Roaring 20s.

 

 Historic Building Tours are part and parcel of trips offered by Step On Bus Tours. In keeping with its historic building and educational trips, it makes sense for us to be located in the Ferndale Arts Building, once known as the Pioneer Apartments.  It's been converted into studios and offices for small businesses.

I love this building because it just oozes history. Not too many people know this, but back in the 80's, Romig Magic was located in this building, which was the hub for magicians.  This was the place where big magic  talent gathered and performed for each other.

Located in the basement, we enjoy its small office because of the charm, whether it is the built in drawers and shelves or the bench in the closet. Affectionately, it is called "The Vault."

The cozy office was once a hotel and apartment. The former bedroom has two windows that look out onto the building's enclosed courtyard. During the winter,  snow falls but not a lot because it is so protected. In summer birds swoop and fly in the small space.

Unlike most offices in the building, the units has  it's own bathroom. May sound unusual to some, but most offices share a lavatory and with the public. We prefer the cleanliness of our own loo.

There is an outer office where her assistant works. Plaster walls about about a foot deep. It would make a great air-raid shelter. Total space is about 250 feet.

Constructed in 1924, Builder Ralph Merriman saw opportunity for a hotel close to Detroit,yet far enough to enjoy a rural landscape of the day. Throughout the years, the building housed many government officials, developers and decision makers.

Historical Tours are the centerpiece of our trips, which are thoroughly different because I spent the time to delve into the details of history, mystery and gossip so I can give a well-researched commentary to my travelers. I'm a history buff. It's what my tour-goers enjoy hearing about. So to be true to myself, I felt I needed to be authentic and locate my business in a historic structure.

A mural on the side of the building depicts the funkiness of the people of town.  It's just an upbeat place to be because there is a lot going on. The mural truly shows the variety of people in the city and that's what Step On is about – diversity.