Detroit's Renaissance Center From the Inside

From late April to mid-June, I had the opportunity to work on a project inside Detroit's Renaissance Center, aka the Ren Cen. This seven-tower complex dominates Detroit's skyline. The 73-story center tower is Detroit's tallest building and is famous for its views of downtown, Canada, and Southeast Michigan.

I had an office with windows in Tower 400, and the view captivated me every day.

This was my view.

Fog blankets the river and the Canadian shore.

A peaceful morning on the Detroit River.

Detroit Is Alive

Since moving back to Michigan in September, I have worked in Detroit for about half the time I have been here, with the other half in offices in Southfield. I recently began a new job farther out in the suburbs, and though I am enjoying this new opportunity, I will miss being in Detroit on a nearly daily basis.

Almost two years ago, I was upset that an internet search of Detroit produced results such as "Detroit is dead" or "Detroit is a dump." I presented photographic evidence to rebut those claims in a post titled Detroit Is More Than They Say It Is.

Today, a Google search of "Detroit is" turns up words like "magical" or "different" instead of dead. Though the city still has a lot of work to do, it is a magical place, and it definitely is different from other places.

Detroit Is Blossoming

A view of the Renaissance Center from Hart Plaza in the Spring

Detroit Is Proud

Spirit of Detroit mural at Checker Bar

Detroit Is Welcoming

Detroit's Woodbridge neighborhood

Kayaking Cass Lake

Stopping for a photo while my wife paddled on

At 2 square miles, Cass Lake is the largest lake in Oakland County. During the summer months, it is a popular spot for power boats, jet skis, and wave runners. Before the wakes from these recreational boats dominate the surface, mornings on Cass Lake are great time to take a kayak or canoe out for a peaceful trip around the lake.

A flag pole on the lake

On a morning in mid-May, my wife and I kayaked the southern shore of the lake. We launched from Marshbank Park in West Bloomfield. Marshbank Park has a fishing pier and a canoe/kayak launch, but no access for power boats. Power boat owners must launch their boats from Dodge #4 State Park on the other side of the lake.

Some of the larger houses in the distance

The lake has several giant houses with pristine yards and docks big enough for a small marina, but we also saw many smaller homes along the shores and the small canals that connect with the lake.

Family Fun at the Orchard Lake St. Mary's Polish Country Fair

The Orchard Lake St. Mary's Polish Country Fair

I am not a carnival person. I was as a kid, but I lost my interest in carnival food and fair rides sometime during my twenties. Knowing my daughters would enjoy the Orchard Lake St. Mary's Polish Country Fair, I put my disdain for fairs aside and took my family to the first night of the fair last night.

Traffic was a little heavy near the fair, but we arrived at 6:00 p.m., when rush hour traffic usually is bad on Commerce and Orchard Lake roads. Parking is free on the school's campus, and admission is $5 per person, or $10 per family. To go on the rides, visitors need to buy tickets, but the best deal is a $30 pass that lasts the whole weekend. Visitors can also buy a book of 22 tickets for $25, or individual tickets (that I believe were $1.50 each). Rides cost between 2 tickets for the small kids' rides to 4 tickets for the most popular rides like the Ferris wheel and roller coaster.

Goodbye to Hiller's

The Sanders ice cream stand at Hiller's

As I walked around the Hiller's Market in Commerce Township, something felt off. The staff and customers seemed a little quieter and somewhat subdued. As I approached the checkout, I noticed that my cashier looked upset.

When I offered him my Hiller's card, he stated that the store's rewards program was discontinued. When I asked why, he said that Kroger bought Hiller's earlier that day and was closing his store. Selfishly, my first thought was "No! How can I lose my favorite supermarket?!?!"

Then I realized why my cashier was so upset. He was losing his job while I selfishly was upset about losing my favorite supermarket. I said a few words of encouragement to him, paid for my groceries, and went on my way.

If you've never been to a Hiller's, you have been missing out. I have been to three of their locations and have always found their staff to be helpful and friendly. I also appreciated their efforts to feature Michigan-made products in their stores.

In the short time my family has been back in Michigan, Hiller's has been an important part of our lives. Soon after moving into our new home, my wife came home from Hiller's one night and gushed about how friendly everyone in the store was. Knowing that it was difficult to leave her family in Virginia, I was happy to hear that strangers were making her feel at home.

Just last month, my oldest daughter had to have her bottom two front teeth pulled to make room for her permanent teeth. They were her first baby teeth to go, and her dentist ordered us to go to the Sanders ice cream shop inside Hiller's to help with the swelling. As we sat there eating ice cream for lunch, I was looking forward to future stops with my daughters to get ice cream, after dentist trips, sporting events, or just to spend time with them. I looked forward to reminiscing with my oldest about her first trip to the Sander's ice cream shop.

I did not grow up going to Hiller's, but I was hoping my daughters would. I thank Hiller's employees for always making my family feel at home, and I wish them the best.