#fortcass

[walkingdetroit]

John K. King Used and Rare Books

I had a wonderful walk today on this beautiful 55 degree afternoon!

I hopped off the Fort/Cass People Mover and made my way over to Lafayette Street to visit John K. King Books, one of my favorite places to spend a few hours. The largest bookstore in Michigan, John K. King features four levels of books to peruse; you'll find everything from the classics to art, film, spirituality, and even artwork.

After leaving the store, I walked down Lafayette and enjoyed some of Desiree Kelly's vibrant pieces, one of my favorite artists in Detroit.

[walkingdetroit]

Art in the Stations: Fort/Cass

Overlooking the historic Detroit Club and the former Detroit Free Press building (now Press/321), Fort/Cass is one of the first People Mover stations I became familiar with due to its proximity to Rosa Parks Transit Center, John K. King Books, and the old Salvation Army thrift store (you can still check out Sally's on Fort)

"Untitled" by Farley Tobin is inspired by the Taj Mahal and created from 30,000 tiles to construct two murals. A Cranbook graduate, Tobin created and studied the history of ceramic tiles, architectural tile, and mosaic installations.

Her work can also be found in courthouses, museums, universities, and private homes.

Sandra Jo Osip is another Michigan-born artist who combines nature and her industrial environment. As you enter the Fort/Cass station, there are two six-feet high bronze sculptures to the left. "Progressions II" reminds me of shells with a floral flair, and was added to the station in 1992.

From Sandra's website, "In this time of uncertainty I began to offer hopefulness with bright and uplifting themes. Since flowers represent a new beginning and celebrate beauty, love hope and healing I used their forms, shapes and colors for the start of this new experimental journey."

I hope to meet these talented artists one day!

[walkingdetroit]

Love This Life

I took the QLINE down to Hart Plaza this afternoon without a plan, but with my tea in hand, I decided to make the most out of this beautiful Sunday.

I enjoyed some time by the Riverwalk and made my way down to West Riverfront. I wandered toward Fort Street (I don't recommend this path!) and walked toward Downtown, passing John K. King Books and up to Shelby and Washington Street.

After roaming around Downtown, I took Brush Park home and admired the beautiful homes as I always do. Once I got back, I checked my watch (4.4 miles), opened the patio door, and made a salad.

I love this life!

[walkingdetroit]

Michigan’s largest bookstore, John K. King Books. 📚

[walkingdetroit]

Lafayette and Cass 🎨 

 This mural was created in collaboration with No Kid Hungry, an amazing non-profit feeding children in need.

[walkingdetroit]

The Detroit Free Press building was designed by Albert Kahn in 1925 and is now home to the Press/321 apartments, restaurants, and retail after sitting empty since 2001. Isn’t she beautiful? 

[walkingdetroit]

Whenever I pass the Detroit Club it reminds me of Boston- especially the Back Bay.