Just Window Shopping … But What a View!

Letter from the editor
1574

Ever since our April issue’s “Mile by Mile” road adventure, I’ve

had wanderlust. I’ve taken to forgoing the freeway, opting for alternate routes nearly everywhere I go.

If I drive my wife to work downtown, it’s Grand River instead of I-96. I cruise north on Woodward or Cass, when the M-1…umm…QLine construction gets on my nerves.

So when Matt Lewis and I discussed a riverfront real estate story (page 60), I took a drive. I’ve seen the Orleans Landing construction downtown, but it had been some time since I drove up Jefferson.

We sometimes forget the Detroit River is such an asset. After daydreaming about living in The Jeffersonian, I visited the Berry Subdivision, home to the (infamous) Manoogian Mansion. I noticed a “for sale” sign on The White House, a former bed and breakfast we last stayed at 20-some years ago.

A few calls turned into a side story (page 60). I spoke with Sean Shannon, whose late mother, Mary Jean, once presided over The White House. My wife makes fun of me for remembering decades-ago meals. But she remembered the name of Mary Jean’s dog! Sean was happy to reminisce about Ernie’s watchdog role and The Castle next door, which he ran for a while as a banquet hall.

I also sat down with architect Michael Poris (page 30). He’s been involved with Detroit’s revitalization for years, and is now on a team helping to develop a plan for the Detroit’s East Riverfront.

Our river dance isn’t quite over. We chose Grosse Ile, yet another asset on the Detroit River, as the backdrop for our outdoor entertaining story (page 44).

A special shout-out goes to Barry Gillan for opening up his household and grounds for a fabulous day on the river.