For my last post I would like to talk about Greektown station. This is a high traffic area due to the casino and all the great food down Monroe Street. The title is “Neon for the Greektown Station” and is the work of Stephen Antomakos. Here is the description from The People Movers site, “A stunning, colorful series of neon designs adds a sense of excitement and festivity to Detroit's most active nighttime entertainment district. Free-form neon tubing stretches across the sides and windows of the station, then arches across the guideway, with sculptural raceways adding a feeling of motion to this innovative art form.”
I would say I saved the best for last, and I feel most would agree with me. Yea all of the art along The People Mover track is great to look at and talk about. Its just something about the glow of neon lights over a busy city that makes me stop and see the city from a whole new light. The city of Detroit has had its ups and downs that is cretin, but Greektown casino was one of the first casinos in the city. This casino has become iconic to the city as The People Mover itself. This around the Greektown station has become “the” downtown area of Detroit.
Most people done event recognize the neon lights because of the casino, they think its part of the casinos bright lights to lure you in and gamble. This is not the case it was not done to lure guest into the casino, it was done to be seen by people during the busy city nights. I would say that this is my favorite station because it goes unnoticed for the most part. People don't stop to enjoy how the neon lights up the street and brings color to what would be a dark intersection. Detroit should consider spreading out its art to reach all areas of the city to bring beauty where there was once despair, mush like these neons have brought Monroe Street.
Here is a picture of the Fredmont Light show in Las Vegas, if you haven't seen this, do yourself a favor and go it this summer. Las Vegas is a great town full of neon lights and shows the true art that is neon. I am a city kid at heart and this is the reason I saved Greektown for last, I feel this is the heart of Detroit.
Thanks to Google Images for all of my great photos.
I love the people mover! Do you think it's something that is being utilized the way that it should be? The reason I ask is because the few times I have ridden on it, I felt like there was almost nobody else on it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a few complaints that it is a useless piece of public transportation because it only covers such a small area of the city.
Personally I love it, and I think its a great concept, but I don't see the practicality behind it since it only goes to the major tourist areas of the city. I'm curious to hear what you think!
I think that’s a great point, it does only go to tourist sections of the city but I feel that’s the purpose. People can come to the city and visit a place like Greektown and hop on The People Mover to see the city. This gives them the freedom to see most of the city without the threat of weather or other dangers they might have to face while walking around the city.
DeleteI haven't ridden the people mover in years but applaud the efforts of the city to provide a simulated above-ground rail "system." It reminds me of the monorail for Disney or Vegas - because it only goes back and forth on a specific route.
ReplyDeleteI like Greektown for all its authentic ethnic offerings. The restaurants and bakery are my favorite.
And yes, been to Freemont Street in Vegas for the video and laser show. KISS was featured when I saw it. It was pretty cool. Caution - very eccentric part of that city...
Yes Freemont Street is eccentric and interesting but that’s part of the excitement that is Vegas. This is “old school” Vegas and I feel a lot of people who travel to Las Vegas don’t see this section of the great city.
DeleteGreettown is definitely one of the highlights of Detroit. Its good to see that work is being put in to make it look pleasent and presentable. The food down there is amazing and there is a wide variety to choose from as well. A must visit when coming to Detroit!
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