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Thoughts
The
Fort Shelby has been one of the more enjoyable buildings
to both visit and research. Although the Statler and
the Book-Cadillac were more lavish and massive their
renovations and ruination did not leave much of their
former selves. However, the Fort Shelby's lobby and
ballroom still exist much as they had. The upper floors
also retain more molding and have a unique feature
they only share with the Lee Plaza, servidors.
Like
most buildings the Fort Shelby is in good condition
in areas while in poor condition in others. Generally
the tower is in better shape then the 1917 building.
The Fort Shelby's floor structure appears to be more
solid then the Statler's and the water damage is not
much worse then was found in the Book-Cadillac. Given
that the Book-Cadillac is being renovated, I don't
see why structurally the Fort Shelby could not.
Two
years ago it was announced that the hotel would be
renovated and brought back to hotel service. Since
that time very little has been heard regarding these
plans. I hope that current economics is only slowing
the process down but fear that the plan will not materialize.
A renovated Fort Shelby could be just as important
to Detroit as the Book-Cadillac project is. Hopefully
the city, developers and preservationist will select
it as the next big project.
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