SAVED BY THE BALL: THE "D's" DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

For years it was known as the Downtown Library that housed the largest collection of periodicals --

Closed in 1998. Designated as a tear-down.
 

geeze, does anyone other than ole-fashion me use that word anymore? 

This amazing library in the middle of Detroit's bustling city center is located on a triangular shaped property designed by my favorite rogue Augustus B. Woodward (he was the Ultimate Marketing Maven way before it was stylish), a city father and mayor so loved by the people. Woodward (I just love the fact that he named a major boulevard after himself -- the craziest promotion of the day) who really wanted several odd shaped areas throughout the city to add interest, get people walking around and encourage retailers to open more stores. 

In short, Woodward wanted to bring the vibrancy of European street design to Detroit and he was fought at every turn -- pun intended.

So the Library is actually bounded by three streets, the aptly named Library, Gratiot and Farmer, which is kitty corner from the historic Finney Barn, a marker explains that it housed escaping southern Fugitives in the mid 1800s. 

You can see on the library facade that it is called the Rose & Robert Skillman Library, and thank God it is.  This branch closed in 1998 and was supposed to be razed when J.L. Hudson's was imploded. Fortunately someone had the clear head to save this gem and carried the cause with I'm sure endless back-to-back meetings. Then the appeal was made to the Skillman Foundation and $5 million later, the branch got renovated and reopened in 2003. ( -- why am I never invited to grand reopening's like this?).

When the building was conceptualized, the architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls was chosen to design the structure. Of course, they couldn't decide which particular style to use so they married Art Deco with Classical and viola! An astoundingly beautiful building that has all of the elegance and panache of the 1930s. 

There's no must and dust here.  In fact it's a globally significant place that houses the National Automobile Historical Collection of everything having to do with vehicles including bicycles! 

Here you'll find any fact about any vehicle, promo brochures, photographs and ads for starters. A favorite visited by car enthusiasts. 

I highly recommend dropping in this library and often. You'll see something different every time you walk through the bronze doors.  Sit inside and take in the beauty of the place and you'll be swept back into the 1930s -- the era of rum running on the Detroit River. Do not rush here but walk and sit in wonder of this very special library. 

The crucial thing you must keep in mind is parking. Nearby underground garage parking will get you $1.50 off the $3 two hour rate provided the circulation desk stamps your receipt, or you can park on one of the three streets. Be sure to put plenty of money in the meter as the maids love to give $20 parking tickets. Ask me how I know.

So, let us bow our heads and breathe a sigh of relief that someone had the wherewithall to save this structure. Most of all, take a walk inside ... the marble, the wood the metalwork is unlike any other.