Picture an aging automotive warehouse: a one-story, raw space of cement block and steel beams with industrial troughs and drains set into the floor. Then Imagine the same space as a sleek, state-of-the-art recording studio with sound systems catering to high-profile musicians, distinct areas carved out for both creativity and relaxation, a full-service kitchen, an indoor basketball court, and glassed-in…
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Great Lakes By Design: Raising The Bar
Design Corner Alexander Girard, Architect – author and adjunct associate professor weaves a comprehensive story about the textile visionary considered by some as an unknown pioneer in midcentury design Heirloom Houses – writer and designer presents an architectural monograph of 15 beautifully crafted homes by Wade Weissman Architecture Inc. Mad Scientist Table – a set of adaptive tables inspired by the modern day mad scientist…
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Traverse City’s East end
Text: R.Collins During the last several years, downtown Traverse City has developed as both a local and tourist destination filled with an eclectic assortment of eateries, venues, shops, and bars, leaving areas like the city’s eastern side less noticed. More recently, the East side has grown into having a similar reputation for locally-renowned venues and businesses that showcase the best…
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Detroit foundation
Newly transformed into a 100-room boutique hotel, the site of the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters and adjacent Pontchartrain Wine Cellars expresses an authenticity to its landmarked designation by embracing and celebrating Detroit’s design, art, architecture, and industrial communities. “One of the interesting things about the hotel to me, is it is just full of richness and it is not…
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Mountain inn
Text: Kyle Gandy Crystal Mountain, a nationally recognized four-season resort located about 28 miles southwest of Traverse City in Thompsonville, Michigan, has recently undergone an $11 million, 31,200-square-foot expansion—The Inn at the Mountain—that comprises 25 suites, a specialty market, a rooftop terrace, and coffee and wine bar. “One of the demands, in terms of our guests, is that we needed…
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Bright farmhouse
With its intentional use of natural, light materials, this farmhouse shines with timeless style. Text: R. Collins Familiar with modern design trends and imbuing a sense of timeless style, Visbeen Architects and full-service interior design firm Vision Interiors by Visbeen reworked midcentury design concepts blended with the equally classic residential style often known for its use of raw wood and…
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Crafted pairing
Text: R.Collins For years, craft food and spirits enthusiasts have learned to expect quality, care, and tightly-packed flavor from Detroit, Michigan-area natives Valentine Distilling Company and McClure’s Pickles. Last week on Aug. 7, 2018, the pair announced a collaboration to renew the 2017’s well-received Bloody Mary Mix Kit, in-step with tailgate season. The Kit—being released for distribution in late September…
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Park project
Text: Kyle Gandy The Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation, located at 201 Market Ave. SW, is a perennial division of city government responsible for the myriad of parks meticulously woven into the urban metropolis of the city. Their latest project is a $250,000 reconstruction and modernization of Coit Park, which is tucked away in the northeastern region of…
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SmithGroup designs its future
Text: R. Collins SmithGroup, a 165-year-old integrated design group formerly known as SmithGroupJJR, announced this week Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2018 it has realigned the firm’s vision to design a better future. The vehicles of the rebranding initiative comprise a simplified name, the introduction of a stylish and efficient new website, and four key goals designed to catalyze the success of…
