picturedetroit - Tumblr blog

picturedetroit · 2 years

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“I Spy Some People Mover Tracks” This view is gone now, interrupted by a new building which replaced an old building (Hudson’s) that was a rich part of Detroit’s history but deemed not worth saving and torn down in the 90’s. Constant change is what keeps a city growing and what is actual progress is sometimes debatable. What isn’t debatable is the constant revenue necessary to make a city run. In order to thrive, cities need tax revenue and income from businesses, tourism, and the people who live there ~ but it’s also imperative that those finances be handled correctly. Detroit seems to have finally come out on top, fingers crossed that it will happen for the city of Flint as well. 📸: @picturedetroit | Christina Collie • • • • • #PictureDetroit #DPM #DetroitPeopleMover #PublicTransportation #LightRail #FlintviaDetroit #DowntownDetroit #ElevatedTrain #VisitDetroit #DetroitHistory#DocumentingDetroit #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #HomeDecor #RenaissanceCenter #GMRenCen #DetroitMarriott #MillenderCenter (at Downtown Detroit) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckx7yi3r79l/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#picturedetroit #dpm #detroitpeoplemover #publictransportation #lightrail #flintviadetroit #downtowndetroit #elevatedtrain #visitdetroit #detroithistory #documentingdetroit #throwbackthursday #tbt #homedecor #renaissancecenter #gmrencen #detroitmarriott #millendercenter

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Cathedral of Finance” The Guardian Building is considered one of Detroit’s top architectural jewels. Originally built for the Union Trust Bank, it’s nickname was “The Cathedral of Finance”, and no expense was spared when it came to materials and labor. There is a great book that goes into detail regarding the materials, artists, murals, etc., but the thing that has always blown my mind is the ceiling. Looks pretty beautiful, right? There is a ¾” layer of insulation above the main bank lobby (@bankofamerica is now located in the building) and that insulation is HORSEHAIR. But for me, the most amazing aspect is that the whole ceiling is PAINTED canvas. That’s right, the same stuff artists have painted on for centuries is what you’re looking at in this photo. There’s also a cool story behind the clock, but I’ll save that for another time. According to Dan Austin, of @historicdetroit, the work was done by 16 painters. Keep this in perspective, I could barely get one person to just paint the ceiling in my living room white… Wishing you all a happy Thursday! Shot: 6.11.15 © Christina x @PictureDetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit#DetroitArchitecture #GuardianBuilding @smithgroup #SmithGroup #ArtDeco (at Guardian Building) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgjaiEhuMlk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#picturedetroit #detroitarchitecture #guardianbuilding #smithgroup #artdeco

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Did you know?” The next couple of series are going to highlight some of my favorite buildings and the relationships between Detroit and Flint, Michigan. Shown here is one of the first postcards ever printed for @PictureDetroit highlighting the Guardian + Penobscot Buildings, two historical structures designed by @smithgoup (Wirt C. Rowland of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls as it was known in the 1920’s) in downtown Detroit. Both are amazing specimens of original Art Deco architecture with so many cool details that I’m not going to go into here, but I invite you to research on your own (@PureDetroit has a shop in the Guardian and also offers tours!) to discover the unique qualities that each of these buildings feature! According to research from Michiganmodern.org Smith, Hinchman and Grylls is one of the oldest architectural firms in America. Sheldon Smith, a self-taught architect, started the company in 1853 in Ohio, having gained experience with his brother, an architect on the east coast. In 1855 he moved the company to Detroit. In 1861, Smith’s son Mortimer, a formally trained architect, became a partner in the firm, but sadly it would not lengthy collaboration, Smith Snr. passed in 1869. After his fathers death, Mortimer began to expand the office and it is reported the office became a popular place for up-and coming architects to train and gain experience. One such novice was George D. Mason, who would go on to become one of Metro’s Detroit’s most outstanding and influential architects (projects include Detroit’s Masonic Temple + Mackinac’s Grand Hotel). What I just discovered, and find absolutely fascinating, is that Flint was also blessed with some amazing and beautiful feats of architecture by Rowland/Smith Group, and I’m excited to share these buildings over the next couple of weeks! Shot: 2013 © Christina x @PictureDetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit#DetroitArchitecture #GuardianBuilding #PenobscotBuilding #SmithGroup #ArtDeco (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgRblEnO-pq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#picturedetroit #detroitarchitecture #guardianbuilding #penobscotbuilding #smithgroup #artdeco

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“The Romance of Time” Honored to announce that my mixed media piece, “The Romance of Time” has been chosen to be exhibited at the @ccs_detroit Alumni show! The show opens: May 13, 2022 6:00 PM Valade Family Gallery (Inside the Taubman Building) 485 W Milwaukee St Detroit, MI 48202 The show will run concurrent with the Student Show, which opens the same evening at 7:00 PM. I want to thank Anthony Spangler and especially Todd Erickson, who worked with me to get my piece delivered around my grandmother’s funeral. It meant a lot, and there was a point where I thought I might need to withdraw from the show due to stress, so thank you so much for your kindness during that difficult time. Wishing all of the other Alumni a good show and I look forward to seeing you at the Opening! 💝 (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdTNeVeLC6K/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“This is not Mardi Gras” Although very close! ••••👹•••• Throwback to Detroit's 7th Annual #MarcheduNainRouge parade in 2016. Loved all of the music and dancing, and those costumes!! Revived this year, the parade will be held on March 20th; who plans on being there, and please don't forget to tell us about your costume... 👩‍🎤👨‍🎤💃🕺👯 "The Nain Rouge, French for 'red dwarf', is a mythical creature that some believe originated in Normandy, France, as a type of lutin. Contrary viewpoints speculate that the alleged creature is more closely related to the Algonquin myths of 'Glooscap' who, it is said, created protective nature spirits and dwarves in the Midwestern United States. Original legends tell of the creature being seen as a protector of Detroit, Michigan, but, due to modern interpretations, is now feared by its residents as 'the harbinger of doom.'" ~ Wikipedia Also, taking an unofficial poll: if you have a favorite style of the 3 in the post, would you mind commenting your fave below? I’d be willing to send out a Picture Detroit postcard of your choosing to anyone anywhere in the world as a “thank you” (I’d need you to DM me the name and address where you want it sent). 🥰 SHOT: 3.20.16 📸 x @PictureDetroit / Christina Collie ••••••••••••••••••• (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CapDS39rHRz/?utm_medium=tumblr

#marchedunainrouge

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Down by the River” The Ambassador Bridge (shown in this photo) stretches from Detroit, MI to Windsor, Ontario (CANADA). It’s one of two options for crossing the Detroit River into Canada, with a second bridge currently being built. To the best of my recollection, despite traveling from Detroit to Windsor hundreds of times, I have never been on this bridge. My family and friends and I always used the Windsor Tunnel to cross. And even though I remember times driving through the tunnel and seeing water seeping into the cracks, I always chose the tunnel over the bridge. I’m not normally afraid of bridges, or heights, I’ve crossed the Mackinac quite a few times ~ but there’s something about this one that scares the *?!@ out of me. So my joke has always been, if you want to cross from Detroit to Windsor, you’ve got to choose your phobia to avoid: whether it be claustrophobia going through the tunnel, or acrophobia crossing the bridge. 😜 Me, I’ve always been afraid of drowning, so… Recently the bridge has been making world-wide news for a convoy of truckers on the Canadian side blocking access in protest of Canadian Covid measures. But this isn’t the first time (in my memory) that the bridge has been the site of angst for truckers based on politics. The first was when Manny Maroun, OWNER of the Ambassador Bridge (now deceased, but the I believe the family still owns it) had built illegal gas stations and gift shops, then had roads built to divert traffic to these places. Truck drivers were being taken miles out of their way in order to cross the bridge: “$1.2 billion worth of goods cross the U.S.-Canada border each day at all of Michigan's border points, with a quarter of that going across the Ambassador Bridge”. (Jeff Bennett; Wall Street Journal; Jan. 10, 2011) Maroun’s company, Detroit International Bridge Company, was court-ordered to rebuild the on-ramps to original MDOT specs that made the bridge easily accessible from I-75 and I-96. The bridge has a fascinating history, and I would greatly encourage anyone with a passion for Detroit history especially to check it out. 📸x Christina / @picturedetroit SHOT: October 19, 2021 (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaFcFRyFjx5/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Greektown Under Snow” One of my favorite shots for a while now (actually most of my Greektown at night shots fall into that category), I gave away a signed canvas print of this last year in a drawing to celebrate my new website a couple of years ago. I was going to have another for Valentine’s Day, but decided to have some fun with it and do it for St. Paddy’s Day instead. I haven’t decided which print to giveaway, or maybe have a small selection that the winner can choose from… Wishing you all a Happy Thursday and a warm weekend! 🤍❄️☃️ 📸x Christina / @picturedetroit SHOT: March 5, 2016 • • • • • #PictureDetroit #FishBones #FiveGuys #Coldstone #Greektown #Santorini #SantoriniDetroit (Gone now) #OpportunityDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #TBT #DetroitUSA#PureDetroit313#RawDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit #GreektownCasino @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit #I❤️Detroit (at Fishbones Greektown Detroit) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzOLXgr1UY/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Greektown from Afar” Her lights beckon, I must go where adventure awaits! Swipe left to see original (edited) photo. Shot with iPhone 5. 📸x Christina / @picturedetroit SHOT: April 23, 2017 • • • • • #PictureDetroit #Greektown #GreektownCasino #OpportunityDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #TBT #DetroitUSA#PureDetroit313#RawDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit #I❤️Detroit (at Downtown Detroit) https://www.instagram.com/picturedetroit/p/CZPPU28r2_g/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Fall” Did you know that I create mixed media work from my photography? Although this work is way off from the season we’re experiencing, or about to experience, it’s one of my favorite pieces and has been sitting in storage for a while. It was originally shot in 2012 or 2013 (the info is on the back and it’s 2am and not getting out of bed to look) and features @stjosephoratory, founded in 1873. I also do commission work, and can even incorporate text (favorite quotes, poems, etc.) to really personalize my images as a special gift. I keep meaning to dedicate a page on my website just for this work and haven’t figured out exactly how to do it yet. I have something fun coming up, especially for those on my email list, so if you’re not on it, you can register via my website (link in bio). Wishing everyone a happy Thursday! ~ Christina ••••••••••••• 📸🎨x Christina / @picturedetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit #DequindreCut #StJosephOratory#Fel3000ft @Fel3000ft #OpportunityDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #DetroitUSA#PureDetroit313#RawDetroit#DocumentingDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit #I❤️Detroit (at Dequindre Cut) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY8Yx7FLduC/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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The only burgers I will ever crave! Wishing everyone a Happy Thursday and sending a wayyy belated bday shout-out to my friend, @decemberdevil 😈 Shot: March 25, 2021 © Christina x @PictureDetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit #MercuryBarDetroit #MercuryBurgerBar @MercuryBarDetroit #ForDetroit #MichiganCentralStation #ThrowBackThursday #TBT #OpportunityDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #DetroitUSA #PureDetroit313#RawDetroit#DocumentingDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit#CityLife #I❤️Detroit (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/picturedetroit/p/CYq6p4QrFo1/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Make sure you check out the Zenith…” When this place opened, it became one of my fave spots and I would recommend it constantly. The food was good, but more than that, I just loved the vibe. It was quintessentially Detroit: eclectic and random with a plethora of nostalgia. People would constantly reach out to Picture Detroit when planning a trip here, asking me what to see and do while visiting, and sometimes I’d even meet up with them and give them free tours, usually via the People Mover. Below is note I’d sent back in 2015 to someone planning a trip to Detroit; many of the places listed have changed names or are gone now… 📸x @picturedetroit | Christina SHOT: 1.14.14 ••••••••••••• © • • • • #PictureDetroit#Mannequin #StoreFront #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #ActuallyDetroit #Detroit_Igers #DetroitProud #EverydayMotorCity #MotorCityShooters #HistoricArchitecture #RawDetroit #PureDetroit313 #HistoricDetroitArchitecture #PositiveDetroit #PureDetroit #PureMichigan #SeenInDetroit #ShootDetroit #VisitDetroit #WeAreDetroit #StreetDreamsMag #UrbanGrammers #GirlsCreating #CCSAlumna #ReflectionsOfDetroit (at Fisher Building) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYYi11YrsgY/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Happiest of New Years!” My friend Kia, modeling in front of the John Varvatos store (closed 2021) in Downtown Detroit. Many thanks for all of your support and so grateful to everyone who supported small businesses and shopped local this year! 🙏 Wishing you all the happiest new year in 2022! 📸x Christina @picturedetroit SHOT: 12.31.16 ••••••••••••• © • • • • #Varvatos #WindowShotWednesday #ActuallyDetroit #Detroit_Igers #DetroitProud #EverydayMotorCity #MotorCityShooters #HistoricArchitecture #PureDetroit313 #HistoricDetroitArchitecture #PictureDetroit #PositiveDetroit #PureDetroit #PureMichigan #DepictTheD #SeenInDetroit #ShootDetroit #VisitDetroit #WeAreDetroit #StreetDreamsMag #UrbanGrammers #GirlsCreating #ArtIsInMarket #SupportYourLocalArtist #CCSAlumna #CollegeForCreativeStudies (at John Varvatos) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHWq7vlMKm/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“Coast Guard Boat” I sometimes feel like once I die, thousands upon thousands of images I took once moving back to Detroit will be discovered and someone will go through and curate them and maybe they will be stored (probably digitally) in a museum somewhere to help document the history of Detroit during this period, one of Detroit’s most turbulent times (I believe every 10 years is pretty accurate) moments before her bankruptcy and while her Mayor was on trial before being sentenced to prison. She has always been beautiful, it’s just taken the world a while to remember. Many thanks to Dan Gilbert and his team for all that they’ve done to bring Detroit’s beauty and reputation back from the abyss. Shot: January 26, 2013 © Christina x @PictureDetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit #OpportunityDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #DetroitUSA #PureDetroit313#RawDetroit#DocumentingDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit#CityLife #I❤️Detroit (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1M065rO99/?utm_medium=tumblr

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picturedetroit · 2 years

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“CARE” In the background of this image one can see what was known as the “Care Building”, torn down in 2014. The words and phrases on the side of the building were done for the Kid Rock video: “Care”. This was also one of the main areas where filming for Transformers 4: Age of Extinction took place in July 2013. Shot: August 2013 © Christina x @PictureDetroit • • • • • #PictureDetroit @HourDetroit #HourDetroit @BuildInstitute #CrainsDetroit #ThrowbackThursday#MidMichiganNow #DetroitUSA #DocumentingDetroit#WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #DowntownDetroit #NothingStopsDetroit #DocumentingDetroit @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography #VisitDetroit @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #ActuallyDetroit#CityLife #I❤️Detroit (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXi50ZsrtHs/?utm_medium=tumblr

#picturedetroit #hourdetroit #crainsdetroit #throwbackthursday #midmichigannow #detroitusa #documentingdetroit #wxyzdetroit #motorcity #downtowndetroit #nothingstopsdetroit #michiganphotography #visitdetroit #puremichigan #streetdreamsmag #actuallydetroit #citylife #i❤️detroit

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picturedetroit · 3 years

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“Nothing Stops Detroit” Signed and framed canvas print basement sale (meaning I want it out of my basement). This is a classic Picture Detroit print that I discovered stacked with a group of favorites from when I was still excited about doing a ton of vendor shows. It would make a great gift! 30x20” $200 #ShopLocal #PictureDetroit#NothingStopsDetroit (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXQX0QiriPh/?utm_medium=tumblr

#shoplocal #picturedetroit #nothingstopsdetroit

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picturedetroit · 3 years

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“Swinging at the Fort Shelby DoubleTree Suites” Recently stumbled upon a series of photos shot for two events Picture Detroit was hired to photograph for the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby (official name, I normally refer to it as just “The DoubleTree”) a couple of years ago. The first event was a celebration of the employees who work for the company, the second was a 10-year anniversary celebration with clients, which I loved because many of my associates from the DMCVB (aka @visitdetroit) came out to celebrate. The theme for both was the roaring 20’s, it was fantastic to see everyone dressed to the nine’s and watch the live band swing. Unfortunately I no longer remember the name of the band, but if I remember correctly it was actually multiple musicians who came together to just play for the event… Christina x @PictureDetroit Shot: 12.10.18 • • • • #PictureDetroit #PhotoShoot #EventPhotography#HiltonDetroit#DoubleTree #FortShelby #HolidayParty #Roaring20s #BigBandMusic #Flapper#Saxophone #Detroit#ChristmastimeInDetroit (at Fort Shelby Residences) https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_BOM9lBjr/?utm_medium=tumblr

#picturedetroit #photoshoot #eventphotography #hiltondetroit #doubletree #fortshelby #holidayparty #roaring20s #bigbandmusic #flapper #saxophone #detroit #christmastimeindetroit

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picturedetroit · 3 years

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“Only 7 left!” Good morning and Happy Thursday! Sending a big thank you to everyone who has supported Picture Detroit all of these years, this is our sixth year putting out calendars and the first year we’ve ventured into including a new city (Flint, where Picture Detroit’s photographer, Christina, recently moved for family reasons). Only 40 of each design were ordered and we now have less than 10 of each left ~ but it’s still November, which means that they are still on sale until the end of the month with free shipping in OH and Michigan! This year’s Detroit calendar is focused specifically on Belle Isle Park, one of Detroit’s Crown Jewels and the location of the Detroit Grand Prix for many years (check out the Grand Prix Wikipedia page for some great history!). Further good news, in addition to Inspire Marketplace, you can now also find Picture Detroit in Frankenmuth at the Michigan Shoppe! #PictureDetroit . . . . #downtowndetroit#ambassadorbridge#aquarium#conservatory#belleisle#Detroit#belleislefountain#architecture#2022#detroitcalendar#VisitDetroit#SayNiceThingsAboutDetroit#MotorCityShooters#DocumentingDetroit#DetroitUSA #WXYZDetroit #MotorCity #NothingStopsDetroit #EverydayMotorCity #PureDetroit313 @puremichigan #MichiganPhotography @visitdetroit #PureMichigan #StreetDreamsMag #RawDetroit #DetroitRespect #ActuallyDetroit #CityViews#I❤️Detroit #DetroitHomecoming (at Belle Isle Park - Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWag9O4L92-/?utm_medium=tumblr

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