This 73 yr, Old Motown gal remembers waiting for our train in that old station, going to doctor's appointments with my mom in those sky scrappers, attending concerts at the Grand Ballroom as a teen, etc. etc. I was riveted to my seat watching this. No one could've told it better than this guy. I left (Lincoln Park) as a young woman but Detroit will always be home.
Detroit fell because it was the heart of the failed car centric insanity that has bankrupted American cities and its citizens and destroyed the landscape. America was foolish to abandon passenger rail. We dont have a balanced transportation system in America. Dethrone king car and America can survive.
To me, the criminal thing is not so much the illegal entry, but the fact that these beautiful pieces of archictecture are left to die in the first place. Your video is extremely fascinating, as is your own personal story. Thanks for sharing.
@@josephinetracy1485 Termites being black people. Africans ruin it everywhere. North Africans, African Americans, etc. Moroccans aren't even black. They're worse
@@holoholopainen1627 US auto industry was in turmoil in the 70s due to the gas and oil crisis. US manufacturing went overseas, so there were few jobs left in Detroit leading to urban flight. And the downward spiral begins.
I'm from a small town in Maine and there was an old textile mill that went abandoned back in the late 70's-early 80's. It was the stomping grounds for me and my boys that built a skate park in the basement, and many ventures from the bowels of the place to the top of the water tower. It became a hobby of mine to explore the many abandoned mills dotting the rivers of the N.E area well before the net was even a thing. I still have that thrill to go check out these places that remain but kids and life have changed priorities. If only I was in a place like Detroit back in the day. You hit the JACKPOT of killer places to investigate. This doc was freakin awesome bro.
Wow! I played football for Cass Tech and the pic in this was of my team. Literally, I was the safety on the field when that pic was taken and I know every single person in that pic and in the others. Some of those pics were of my classmates This has me so emotional right now. Many of my classmates have passed away and this brought back memories of those classrooms that I used to be in. The new Cass Tech looks like a junior college and is a thriving school and it always was and will be an amazing school in Detroit. This is truly your calling and thank you for these pictures. I will show my son this when he is older and he is only 11 months now. I live in South Florida now but it makes me feel like I'm back home. Thanks again!
My grandpa and Dad were metal crafters from a long line of metal and wood workers that came to Michigan from Holland in the early 1800s...many Michiganders are
I’m 74 yrs. old. Was born and raised in Detroit. We lived for years right across the park from the train depot on 15th and Michigan Ave. my sisters and I go down there every few years to just look around and reminisce. So many memories. Mostly good ones. I live in Eastpointe now. We loved going over to the depot and watch people come and go from the train. We used to crawl under the bathroom doors because we didnt have the nickel to pay to open the door. 🤪
74 and not dead------amazing-----you are the exception-----80 percent of my best friends family has been murdered----wrong place .......wrong time------colleteral damage--------detroit is a slaughter house------
Told many people about this video to watch. I always come back every so often to re-watch. So grateful people like him are willing to risk life and limb and get these photos.
What UA-cam SHOULD be all about. It's not though. It's all about music videos and personalities nowadays sadly. Corporate. It's a shame. And there's no competitor that's going to be able to breakthrough either at this point.
Yeah agem of inaction backed by public throwing money. 7.4.21 UK. the people that country are same as Uk and Europe and eslewhere. basically they dont give a damn about their fellow man long as they themseves have got money, new kitchen.art sport drama actors to adore. Kids passing exams. food. They even teach their kids to do it. The immigrants to US killed, tortured, beat to death the original 6 Million occupants of US and that included females and kids. it was carried out because of religion and other criteria like money. When we toured Cent london for 12 yrs accompanied by victims we were looking for help for them. We experienced Police and other violence including that offered by a totaly evil public. we got death threats from Hm Court system. vio;lent threats from US Embassy and so on. we took on board bodyguards. Amongst the crrptn is the entire Law system which now incl CCC old Bailey. also implicatede is the entire media and the BBC p\art of that told us to hide the evidence abroad. The EEc Court brussels has said nothing can be done about corruption. In 12 ys we found one and a half people who could be trusted. Many of the victims were found to be charlatans down on their luck. We have started a world Political Org who will wipe 'politics' off the face of the Planet. We no longer 'feel sorry' for anyone in US unless they prove integrity. They can walk on the moon but cant even choose a non corrupt president. Most of our disclosures are being destroyed by 'Social Media'. At the core of the issue is the universities and students. So far we looked at 26 .. The attacks on us reminisent of Germany 1933 when the Students and Universities went along with crrptn in return for gains. The public then as now go along with it. We are a jewish family who lost members thro 3rd Reich and soviet union. when WE say never again we mean it. We now found Jewish orgs and press aligning with UK crrptn particularly Manchester and London. hopefully God will take control.We are mighty fed up with all the tripe on this site. And being told by Google this- 'You Are Barred' We love Jews dont you.At this moment we have no access to democracy. Every HM Org we investigated could not be trusted yet has huge support. same thing with religions. See you at the Wagner Concert ? Nicht guilty. Ja !
@Jonny- B.... No, thats only if those are the kind of things you search for.. You dont have to watch commercial music videos or some famous celebrity. UA-cam has literally EVERYTHING.. You can search anything you want, and learn anything you want.. From the smallest channels of people who are just starting off, to the bigger channels of people who have been doing it for years.. Nobody forces you to watch anything smh.. Some of yall complain just for the sake of complaining
There's something about abandoned places that grips you like no other place. I remember roaming around the abandoned Expo67 grounds in Montreal as a teenager, when most pavilions have been vandalized or burned down, and the feeling of being alone in a place where so many people used to go to every day made me reflect on life at the span of centuries.
Someone on my mom's side of the family (grew up in Windsor) gave us a souvenir from Expo67. It is a kind of coin dish. Was going to post a pic of it here but not able to. I have the item now. Anyway, that sounded like a fun place to explore. I live in Denver now and still need to visit Montreal and further up the St. Lawrence.
This is outstanding! I'm an AP Art History teacher and a Detroit buff. This city has such an amazing story, and it is best told through the architecture and buildings. Your work captures that here. Please keep doing these videos...especially on Detroit!
What I hate most though, is to see people destroying and deconstructing some of these abandoned places rather than being respectful and leaving them the way they are for the next person to come through and appreciate.
@King Duke it's an unfortunate thing from an architecture standpoint though culturally interesting. Its disrespectful to the building and the area itself but is a sort of a reflection of what was important to those that lived there then. I see you dont like that either
@Daddy Savage who's going to rebuild? ? Who's going to throw money away on any of those deathtraps ?? Detroit is like most other metropolis whos' creators have left, lower income occupies the majority of the city. There is no tax base to rebuild,nor incentive for businesses to return, knowing that there's no way to make a profit. Detroit is the new American city, but expanding to all areas so it will be uniform representation. Do you like what the future holds ??
Hmmmm. Why did this happen, do you think? I mean it was a busy, bustling metropolis. Crime went up, folks moved out. Tons of other metropolis' have people move in, and crime increase, but they continue to grow and flourish. Came up the same time as Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, LA What made Detroit so different? Gee I wonder.
@King Duke Right - cause it wasnt just the citizens who moved out - top talent left. Watch Gangland detroit. It explains EXACTLY who moved into detroit, and what happened when that occurred, and who moved out.
My mind is completely blown right now. I always knew Detroit had some of most beautiful buildings that were abandoned but had no idea it was to this extent. So many more magnificent schools and towers than I could have ever imagined. Excellent program.
My grandfather lived downtown before the highways and expressways were built, Mack Ave, 3rd, from the early 30s until his death in 1958, from google earth I can see that the only residential building standing is the one that would have been next door to where he lived, for blocks.... my dad went to Detroit and Hamtrammack.(sp) every year to visit a WWII Navy buddy, and his dad, when he wasn’t in loonie bin or hospital, disabled WWI vet. He quit visiting in the 70s, I worked there in the Early 80s, comparing our visits, it seemed as if the once wonderful city of Detroit was fading some in the 70s, and crashed by the late 80s. It still almost brings tears to my eyes the way government and the city politicians devoured the city while personally getting rich. Regulate and tax the businesses out of the city, and then blame them for leaving. The Great Lakes Rust Belt can be rebuilt, but not by or with the massive amount of government in place.
Thank you so much for those kind words friend! Truly means the world. My moms might have saved my life in doing so. But she also created a monster in doing so lol! Thanks again bro! Appreciate you!
I have such admiration for someone who overcomes some of the crap that life throws at you. Then goes on to make a fantastic documentary. Definitely now a fan.
For anyone that grew up in the Dertoit Windsor area.... what a treasure this video is!! Riveting!! Narrated with great affection and compassion... It begs the question, how could civic and business leaders go so wrong. The decay of Detroit points the finger at so many who got away with, maybe the most irresponsible, misguided policies and actions of any city in America... sad sad sad sad!
Detroit's one of the cities built with such grand architecture. It's sad to know so many neighborhoods were left to rot, but so glad to know so many are being rescued and repurposed. Not many cities can compare with Detroit when it comes to classic, built for kings style architecture.
I’m also a recovering heroin addict. 6 years clean now and I’ve never heard anyone explain that energy that I felt going downtown and exploring back then. The Statler was my Grande bro. After the Statler came down things changed. That Hotel was my favorite. The Tuller, The Fine Arts, Kresge, Chin Tiki, The Eddystone, The Metropolitan Building (full of Mercury) and the Book Cadillac before the Westin remodel was just enormous. They left the elevator motors in the basement cause the building was built on top. Just amazing, but the Book Tower and Building were incredible to see. I was speechless. Thank you for this, best D doc ever man.
I’m so jealous of anyone who got to experience Chin Tiki when it was still around. I read about that place years ago in The Hour magazine and I’ve been so intrigued ever since.
I have always been fascinated with Urban exploring even as a little kid...in the 60's when I was in my teen's I explored old abandoned factory's in Detroit, it was so much fun I was 13 then, before I kick the bucket I want to return to Detroit and drive around and see my old neighborhood Detroit was so beautiful back in the day 😊
We really appreciate that! Our goal in the beginning was to try and shop this around to networks and film festivals but with Covid still happening we decided to just release on our UA-cam channel.
@@exploredetroit Not a single video was used from your youtube channel. Any video that was used in this documentary, is credited correctly to that youtube channel in the credit section.
@@exploredetroit If that is true, just sue him. I do not believe he stole anything from you. But if he did, just prove it in a court of law. What do you think you will accomplish by stating it here? Because if you can't prove he stole it, he could actually sue you for defamation. Think about it.
@@exploredetroit I don't know if he did or not, and honestly I don't care as long as people were credited. He has great footage, but great footage doesn't make a great film. He is a true storyteller and his ability to tell a story is definitely what made this great.
Such a rad documentary. The old footage mixed with the interview commentary was extremely compelling all the way through. Props to all who put this together, really enjoyed watching! 🤘
Really appreciate that man! I shot and edited this entire project by myself with zero help. Really wished I had some help but it felt even better to finish this entire project by myself.
This guy is an inspiration to all of us! From being a junkie to finding his niche, finding his true passion! I'm so proud of you sir may God bless you your work is amazing continue to move forward,! One
@@abandonedcentral No problem, as you are an inspiration to so many, including myself! As I am now 5 weeks (Today) clean of all substances & am finally starting to live up to my potential and I must say it feels wonderful! Take care sir!
I was an employee of DPL when Mark Twain Library was closed and can say the reason the books and all were left as they were was the contamination of the facility with asbestos which had fallen on all the surfaces in the building. We evacuated the building of staff when we got the test results of the material covering the furniture, books and other furnishings in the library.
Good God, why aren't there hazmat signs warning people? What if you inhale that stuff by walking around? Our government fails to protect us in every way imaginable. There needs to be a huge HAZMAT sign outside that building to warn people of the dangers.
@Nathan Swain Absolutely not. The government and the EPA have a poor track record of enforcement and protecting the environment. However, the disposal of hazardous materials are controlled by statute and LAW. If the city or county (controlling the library) abandons a building, they must first warn the public of the danger inside and then dispose of it properly to remove said hazard. That is the issue here which is polluting the environment.. it does not matter that it's private property, it's still an environmental issue. Abandoning a property does not absolve or indemnify them. They still have a legal responsibility. The federal agency assigned this responsibility (of enforcing environmental law) is the EPA. Do they always do a good job? No, they don't, they have a sketchy record of enforcement. That's why when people get sick due to the negligence of others, they file suit and sue the entity. They can't sue the EPA, unfortunately. Of course, the defense is that they were trespassing and entered at their own risk but that only works if they are warned of the potential danger. They know about the asbestos, a highly toxic substance. They therefore have to warn others of the potential danger and WHILE THEY REMOVE THE TOXIC SUBSTANCE. They can't just leave it there. There are laws mandating the removal of substances that are toxic to the environment. They city has to remove it as they own the oroperty. They are at risk of being sued. Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. That is why we have regulations on the books.
@@brianofmoore But you should be,, if you inadvertently come into contact with it. Heroin addiction is reversible, with alot of effort, and it's also a personal choice.. Mesothelioma is not, and it takes years to manifest itself. That's what these people who pollute count on: it's hard to hold people accountable years after the fact. 😳
As a Detroit resident who has gotten to explore many of these places myself, I found this documentary very informative and entertaining. thank you for making and posting.
it all reminds me of a series "life after humans" or something like that.....EVERYTHING just walked away from----frozen in time until???.....i like exploring myself, but i'm LOW rung wanna be rookie compared to this!!!
So glad you were able to stop, I'm from St. Claire Shores, but migrated to Detroit in 1983-4 and introduced to heroin by my pimp, I withdrew on a train from Ann Arbor to San Francisco I now have 30 yrs clean... keep yourself safe out there
Wow, my city… born in 1955. Moved in 1986…To see this city just demolished, is mind blowing. The architecture was so ornate and spectacular. Hudson’s shopping, downtown was so beautiful at Christmas. I will always love Detroit. ♥️♥️
I honestly think that the authorities should consider allowing genuine explorers into these locations to document history without reprisal. Explorers who are determined to share these stories without damaging things are worth their weight in gold! Keep up the great work everyone 😁👍
It doesnt work like that though lol. Cuz if something were to happen in one of these buildings, n they got hurt or something. Then u got ppl trying to sue the city, etc etc. Then u got squatters, drug dealers, dope fiends, graff artists, urban explorers.. Its too much to worry about when your job is just to keep people out
@@GeneralBuckNaked I hear you for sure, it's the culture, Lawers are the ones who win out of people's panic! I just wish that people who care about recording the historic buildings are given the opportunity to carry out that recording eithout sneaking about dodging security and police. Before everything crumbles to dust! 😬😁
@@GeneralBuckNaked Ah but if the government had these urbexers sign paperwork saying the urbexers would have the proper equipment and respirators, have guides that they have to listen to and don't hold the government responsible for any injuries in these buildings
I started exploring Detroits building in 1998. That seems like around the time it started to get cleaned up. I moved away in 2011, well after it was on its way to revitalization, and when I came back for a visit in 2013 I was amazed at how much the downtown area had changed. I've been back since 2017, and I'm still amazed at how much better it is.
I agree. This video is pointing out a few abandoned buildings making it look worst then it is. We could do this in almost any town or city. Great place am sure.
One of the best put together documentaries Ive seen. The old, the present, along with the presentation, right down to the shadowed light on his face. Just thrilling to watch as I felt I was right there with him. Excellent Work! There should be some type of Award for this work.
Thanks a lot Charles we appreciate the awesome feedback! We wanted to enter this into some film festivals but with covid and everything we just decided to release on UA-cam. Glad so many people are enjoying it!
@@abandonedcentral I say Enter It. You guys have the right chemistry to make a documentary so keep it up. Your results are very good . I look forward to your next work.
All those years i went to Redford High School in Detroit back in the 70's, i didn't know the old swimming pool from the early 1900's still existed until they started tearing the school down. All those years i was sitting in a classroom that had the old pool wood floored over. They took videos of it, i was in awe of it. Little things like that are pretty interesting.
@@DetroitGoldie Well at least that particular Meijer used some of the historic architectural details of old Redford High. Its cool to see if you ever visit!
This was really well put together and I almost feel privileged to see all that cool architecture before it was torn down or too decayed to recognize. Thanks for making this!
This was an amazing documentary. You actually did a service by preserving in photos the history of Detroit. I used to visit Detroit for business in the 90’s and always was in awe of so many abandoned buildings especially in downtown.
This is truly a fascinating story. This guy has an incredible account of the history of, along with his adventures (escapades) through, an icon of historical significance in the industrial heart of America. I cannot understand why anyone would give it a thumbs down?! Truly a fascinating adventure story. Thanks for the memories.
Well really appreciate you watching! It seems as if all of the negative comments and dislikes are coming from republicans that like to complain and bitch about everything in life possible.
Born and raised in Saginaw and this made me cry... your documentary is a poignant, thoughtful review of the desolation and beauty left behind by an economy devastated by the pull out of the auto industry. You do a fantastic job, and your love of the city of Detroit, and what it once was, is evident. Thank you, and what a blessing your sobriety is.....
@@abandonedcentral not just the pullout the battle for a racially equal city did a number on this City. Blacks would move in and the whites ran for the suburbs leaving all of the empty real estate behind. Lots of reasons why, but its still a shame as Detroit has many proud people in it but lack the opportunity to restart the rebuild. Seems like some small victories are occurring which is a huge positive obviously.
This documentary is top-notch and one that you have to sit through completely to enjoy the buildings in it. Kudos to the narrator and his explorations. He is a wealth of knowledge. Awesome work!
I just finished watching it and I loved it!! I was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit and attended a DPS school that is beautiful and still standing (Denby HS Class of 86) Everyone should watch and share this documentary with their friends. Great job!!!
My grandmother met my grandfather while working at one of the fancy hotels back in the 1920s. She told me about all the famous Hollywood people that she met while working there. I loved going to the Detroit zoo! I think everyone in Michigan is connected one way or another to Detroit. This was a great documentary and brought back some great memories... thank you 😊
You are the perfect frontman for promoting Detroit's past and future resurrection. Your personal life mirrors what happened/will happen in Detroit. Your knowledge/presentation skills makes you The Man. Good on you.
Correction: I was born in Munich. LIVED in Edinburgh , Berlin and for the most years in London . Abandonment like that can only be found in America where dreams are made and shattered at the same time .
My mom is from Detroit and she always told me about how things were there in the 80's. She said it felt like San Francisco. Sad to see such amazing places decay and then be demolished. Her childhood neighborhood is completely abandoned & her parents' former home is a ruin now. It just amazes me how things are just left in place all of a sudden. Normally places are cleaned out when closed, not just left in place. Really shows how sudden things closed circa 2008.
Fascinating documentary, I'm sitting in the UK and love Bob's enthusiasm and respect for these buildings and the history embedded within them. Brilliant
This was one of those videos where I think I will watch 5 mins to see if it's semi-interesting, and end up watching the whole thing because it's fascinating. Bravo.
I grew up in a suburb of Detroit in the fifties and sixties. Amazing and sad to see what has happened. It's impossible to believe these iconic schools, once icons of the city are gone or are decaying rapidly out of existence. They served so many of the boomer generation , before and after. The skyscrapers, once vibrant all but extinct, now coming back. I spent many hours in the train station waiting with my mother, to board trains to Buffalo. To visit her sicly mother and then funeral. All these memories just dieing away in the corrupted dust and mildew of the once richest industrial city in the world. Cass Tech was world famous for student body and faculty. Eight stories of advanced learning. Good bye sweet rememberances....
This was fascinating to say the least, so well done and the way the host delivers the narrative is captivating. I'll be looking for more of your projects
I grew up in Detroit, we didn't lock our door we walked to school my Dad my Granddad and I all went to Cass Tech. I walked to Grande Ballroom as a teen. Went to meetings at Herman Kifer. Thanks for a good memory.
Glad you recovered. Twenty years recovery from alcohol, myself. I always thought that recovery from booze must be a walk in the park compared to smack. Stay close to your HP. You are part historian, part archeologist, part adrenalin junkie. Great stuff. That clock held high by the angels, amazing.
We got caught exploring an abandoned high school, it was a big 3 story school in the middle of a suburban area. The cops were really cool about it and took us through the school and told us about their experiences going to that school. Showed us the cafeteria, the different classrooms, gymnasium, science labs which still had heaps of stuff in there and the office area and teachers lounge. It was awesome but that was nearly 20 years ago
What an excellent documentary, Detroit historical society ( if there is one ) should give him an award. Henry Ford Museum should have this in their archives.
Detroit does have an historical society and museum. The powers that be in the city would rather not draw attention to the decay in the city, even though you can't ignore it, and focus on the mainstream historical events that made the city the biggest industrial city on earth
The Downtown area is worlds better than what it was back in the 80s/90s. However, stepping outside of that area into the "hood" is about as safe as strolling the streets of Afghanistan.
what an informative, passionate, and respectful documentary. I thoroughly enjoyed this and you have done well. The families whose relatives' cremated remains had been returned to have been blessed by your sense of duty and care. Thank you for this film. God Bless.
I'm glad to hear you talk about feeling the energy of a place, long after it's been abandoned. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to feel it. I had taken to exploring old, abandoned places in NJ when I lived there, now in WV. It's almost like you can literally feel the people still there, the energy still in the air, and almost hear the conversations and the noise. I now work in the oldest operating state prison in WV, the building was built in 1936 and opened in 1939. I'm fascinated how once a part of a building, even though maintained, will start to decay without use. The parts of the building that are always occupied are still going strong, but the areas that are not of constant use anymore are deteriorating quickly even with constant maintenance. It almost gives you a sense of a building being "alive," and once abandoned, neglected, or ignored, it's like it "gives up," and lets nature begin to take it away. Fascinating video, wonderful photography, great eye for unexplored and forgotten history you have. Stay safe.
It truly must have been a stunning city at one time, the architecture and housing were built so splendid. A wicked shame that it’s full of people who don’t give a damn. Needs a revival
Fascinating. The photographer's autobiography & narration gave depth and soul to his cinematic genius. Well told, well edited, so educational yet so sad.... Kudos.
I remember many if not most of these places when they were still in use. Great architecture for sure. I spent lots of time in Det in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. It's good he got to see many of them before they were torn down. My thing is volcanoes like his are abandoned buildings.
You ever put your pictures on furniture? I mean like a cool lava pic blown up and wrapped on a dinner table? Then epoxy the img bet that would look cool or a entertainment center 😳.
I was going through a lot of pictures from abandoned buildings in the former Soviet Union. I find it fascinating, almost like pre-archeology. There is so much history. Thank you so much for preserving this!
I had heard some news about the problems in Detroit when the car manufacturing company(s) left, but nothing in depth. I really do appreciate this documentary, Abandoned Central!
Thanks man! I'm a downriver rat that was transplanted out West. Seeing those stadiums implode brought back so many memories. The architecture of all those schools and buildings were astounding. Appreciate this documentary. Keep the exploring going!!!
From living high to standing tall... his contributions are priceless, iconic and historical. He got my adrenalin going just by watching. Well done my friend.
I visited Detroit and Chicago very briefly around 2010. it was like a post apocalyptic horror for some one from New Zealand. Large factories with busted windows and trees growing through the car parks. Whole streets of abandoned houses with roofs falling in. The only industry seemed to be scraping machinery from factories. I mainly saw it from the Amtrac window. Pretty rough when all the jobs go off shore.
THAT is the end result of building such a major city around just TWO industries, one of which was temporary- the defense industry during WWII was based there, the other was the auto makers. Both industries advertised for many high paying jobs and that attracted tens of thousands of people from Southern States and plces like Kentucky to migrate into Detroit for the jobs, cheap small houses were built by the thousands to accomodate all these new residents. Big wide streets were made to accomodate those huge cars people were driving. When the defense industry closed down and pulled out after WWII was over- all those workers became unemployed, and when the gas crisis hit in the 1970s the car makers laid off thousands more because they were still building those huge V8 engine powered cars nobody was buying any more because they went to Honda, and other foreign brands who made small, 4 cylinder fuel efficient cars that were built better too. As a result the entire demographics of the city had changed from what it was- something like 95% white to 95% black when the whites began moving out in droves to suburbs and elsewhere. Mortgages and bills couldn't be paid any more and thousands of homes and office buildings were abandoned, when there's few jobs people LEAVE. Scrappers, vandals, people's thug children stole, destroyed, set fires, brought in drugs, gangs and worse. The same basic story is part of every town built up around ONE industry that eventually closed- all those towns build by railroads and lumber producers who owned all the houses and everything and rented them to their employees were basically destroyed when the company went out of business- because they not only controlled all the payroll checks for essentially everyone living there, they also owned all the houses, stores etc., so the people didnt even have a house they could SELL because they were all rentals.
I commented before and I still watch this video every night. Literally every night. Make another one with bob please. Detroit has so much interesting content with the abandoned homes and buildings
Well done. An enjoyable experience that made me pine for the days I spent in Detroit photographing in 2010 and 2011. Respect for the commitment to the history and details which are the key to understanding the buildings we've been lucky enough to experience. They'll never build them like this again.
Not a clue how I ended up here but I'm glad I did. What a great and interesting watch and I love how passionately the dude speaks about it all. Great work all round.
Thanks. I take that complement personally because he stole video that I took! The Mark Twain Library footage belongs to me, I recorded it, he stole it from my UA-cam page. Other video was stolen from others. This guy is a fraud!
So glad I came across this video. Really interesting listening to this guy speak so clearly and so passionately. Awesome! Keep exploring ♡ I'd love to see more of his adventures.
I lost a 62 yr old brother from cancer and methadone two yrs ago. He was on his way to being clean then this as he was a working addict. I always wanted to go explore houses but seeing these old buildings is neat. Stay clean and happy on your journey.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I lost my sister, first to heroin and last year to suicide. So I know the feeling loosing a sibling. My sister was 37. She first got hooked on pain killers after she had a bad horse riding accident and had to have a big surgery. May your brother rest in eternal peace. 🌷🧡🌷
This is for sure the best video/documentary i ever seen. The amount of work and thought that went in this video is completly insane. Bob is a huge inspiration. Congrats dude for this amazing work and thanks for showing this! 👌
Thank you Rodrick! I wasn't going for the best, but definitely a type of project that hasn't really been done before. It was was more work than expected so I'm just happy to have it done. A lot of times, projects like this get started but never finished and released. Every time I was over editing I just had to keep working or I felt like i would give up on it.
Simply amazing. I watched every second of this video in amazement. This video is a masterpiece. I love history. It’s hard for me to sit still for an hour to watch a video. This one was the one. Congratulations 👏🏆
From Australia here - I have always been fascinated with the history of Detroit. From the Arsenal of America during WWII to the Motor City of the 50's and 60's. Well covered young man and an important contribution to the social history of a city that was once a powerhouse of the USA. The waste is incomprehensible.
I just found your channel. Within 5 minutes I know this is going to be great program so I subcribe. Then I hear you have been off heroin for 15 years!!!! I feel compelled to tell you I am so proud of you. Thank you for replacing a terrible addiction into photography addiction and sharing it with us.
Thank you for watching and subscribing! Bob is really a great guy! To this day, he continues to help other fighting the same addiction he once had. He is all about helping his people!
I went to Detroit on a Solo Trip! I must say, I absolutely loved it! I felt so Black!! I had no idea The Underground Railroad ended in Detroit!! I also went to the Motown Museum which was great! My Uber driver was telling me so much about the history of Detroit. I was in love!! Houston, Tx my home, there's not a lot about us here. Somebody saw my post about going to Detroit on FB & they advised I take my passport & go to Canada! I had no idea they were that close. I caught Uber into Canada for $12! I will be going back to Detroit, again & again....
Amazing. I've been looking at it for years. The older I get the harder it is to see it. I hope you are well my brother. I am always compelled to watch it. Thank you.
This 73 yr, Old Motown gal remembers waiting for our train in that old station, going to doctor's appointments with my mom in those sky scrappers, attending concerts at the Grand Ballroom as a teen, etc. etc. I was riveted to my seat watching this. No one could've told it better than this guy. I left (Lincoln Park) as a young woman but Detroit will always be home.
Wow thank you so much for your feedback! Comments like this make my day. Glad you liked our documentary!
Wow, that’s incredible!
Respect 👍. Regards from Poland.
Unfortunately I was born there and I'm Black. I couldn't wait to leave Michigan when I turned 18. What an awful state to live in
Detroit fell because it was the heart of the failed car centric insanity that has bankrupted American cities and its citizens and destroyed the landscape. America was foolish to abandon passenger rail. We dont have a balanced transportation system in America. Dethrone king car and America can survive.
To me, the criminal thing is not so much the illegal entry, but the fact that these beautiful pieces of archictecture are left to die in the first place. Your video is extremely fascinating, as is your own personal story. Thanks for sharing.
Plus vandalism
@@handle2033 Detroit is a house with too many termites
@@josephinetracy1485
Termites being black people.
Africans ruin it everywhere. North Africans, African Americans, etc.
Moroccans aren't even black. They're worse
Any area neglected will fall to neglect, no matter the of decay.
Same.
Imagine Detroit in its glory days of 1900- 1960. Beautiful city.
What happened ?
@@totallysmooth1203 yip...the "great" society. And now we have someone even worse than that on a global scale.
@@holoholopainen1627 Democrats
@@holoholopainen1627 unions ......
@@holoholopainen1627 US auto industry was in turmoil in the 70s due to the gas and oil crisis. US manufacturing went overseas, so there were few jobs left in Detroit leading to urban flight. And the downward spiral begins.
I'm from a small town in Maine and there was an old textile mill that went abandoned back in the late 70's-early 80's. It was the stomping grounds for me and my boys that built a skate park in the basement, and many ventures from the bowels of the place to the top of the water tower. It became a hobby of mine to explore the many abandoned mills dotting the rivers of the N.E area well before the net was even a thing. I still have that thrill to go check out these places that remain but kids and life have changed priorities. If only I was in a place like Detroit back in the day. You hit the JACKPOT of killer places to investigate. This doc was freakin awesome bro.
Dexter?
Wow! I played football for Cass Tech and the pic in this was of my team. Literally, I was the safety on the field when that pic was taken and I know every single person in that pic and in the others. Some of those pics were of my classmates This has me so emotional right now. Many of my classmates have passed away and this brought back memories of those classrooms that I used to be in. The new Cass Tech looks like a junior college and is a thriving school and it always was and will be an amazing school in Detroit. This is truly your calling and thank you for these pictures. I will show my son this when he is older and he is only 11 months now. I live in South Florida now but it makes me feel like I'm back home. Thanks again!
Wow, that's some crazy memories for you. Glad you came across our documentary Edmond. We really appreciate the support, thanks for watching!
Immigration is good, Immigration is strength and Immigration helps to solve the homeless crisis...
@@australiabelongstoafricans7078 what
That is pretty freaking cool
Diana Ross went to Cass Tech.. My late father graduated from Cooley High in 1944...
The old school craftsmanship on those old buildings will never be repeated .
Your photo is awesome, very nostalgic ❤
@@YeeThirty U
My grandpa and Dad were metal crafters from a long line of metal and wood workers that came to Michigan from Holland in the early 1800s...many Michiganders are
Wrong
Was just wondering if you're the musician Rob Zombie?
I’m 74 yrs. old. Was born and raised in Detroit. We lived for years right across the park from the train depot on 15th and Michigan Ave. my sisters and I go down there every few years to just look around and reminisce. So many memories. Mostly good ones. I live in Eastpointe now. We loved going over to the depot and watch people come and go from the train. We used to crawl under the bathroom doors because we didnt have the nickel to pay to open the door. 🤪
Thank you so much Ellen! its always a pleasure to hear people's stories and memories of Detroit. We truly enjoy reading them. Much appreciated.
I'm from Massachusetts,
What's Detroit like now?
Is there a reason you stayed?
I live in Harper Woods right near you. Times are interesting now around here to say the least.
U now owe 53k for interest on all the nickels u didn't pay!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
74 and not dead------amazing-----you are the exception-----80 percent of my best friends family has been murdered----wrong place .......wrong time------colleteral damage--------detroit is a slaughter house------
Told many people about this video to watch.
I always come back every so often to re-watch.
So grateful people like him are willing to risk life and limb and get these photos.
This is truly a gem. What UA-cam is all about. Straight documentary about the decay of the city. Pictures of worth a thousand words.
Thanks a lot Harold! Really glad you enjoyed our documentary.
@@abandonedcentral Great work.
What UA-cam SHOULD be all about. It's not though. It's all about music videos and personalities nowadays sadly. Corporate. It's a shame. And there's no competitor that's going to be able to breakthrough either at this point.
Yeah agem of inaction backed by public throwing money. 7.4.21 UK. the people that country are same as Uk and Europe and eslewhere. basically they dont give a damn about their fellow man long as they themseves have got money, new kitchen.art sport drama actors to adore. Kids passing exams. food. They even teach their kids to do it. The immigrants to US killed, tortured, beat to death the original 6 Million occupants of US and that included females and kids. it was carried out because of religion and other criteria like money. When we toured Cent london for 12 yrs accompanied by victims we were looking for help for them. We experienced Police and other violence including that offered by a totaly evil public. we got death threats from Hm Court system. vio;lent threats from US Embassy and so on. we took on board bodyguards. Amongst the crrptn is the entire Law system which now incl CCC old Bailey. also implicatede is the entire media and the BBC p\art of that told us to hide the evidence abroad. The EEc Court brussels has said nothing can be done about corruption. In 12 ys we found one and a half people who could be trusted. Many of the victims were found to be charlatans down on their luck. We have started a world Political Org who will wipe 'politics' off the face of the Planet. We no longer 'feel sorry' for anyone in US unless they prove integrity. They can walk on the moon but cant even choose a non corrupt president. Most of our disclosures are being destroyed by 'Social Media'. At the core of the issue is the universities and students. So far we looked at 26 .. The attacks on us reminisent of Germany 1933 when the Students and Universities went along with crrptn in return for gains. The public then as now go along with it. We are a jewish family who lost members thro 3rd Reich and soviet union. when WE say never again we mean it. We now found Jewish orgs and press aligning with UK crrptn particularly Manchester and London. hopefully God will take control.We are mighty fed up with all the tripe on this site. And being told by Google this- 'You Are Barred' We love Jews dont you.At this moment we have no access to democracy. Every HM Org we investigated could not be trusted yet has huge support. same thing with religions. See you at the Wagner Concert ? Nicht guilty. Ja !
@Jonny- B.... No, thats only if those are the kind of things you search for.. You dont have to watch commercial music videos or some famous celebrity. UA-cam has literally EVERYTHING.. You can search anything you want, and learn anything you want.. From the smallest channels of people who are just starting off, to the bigger channels of people who have been doing it for years.. Nobody forces you to watch anything smh.. Some of yall complain just for the sake of complaining
I'm speechless. One of the best authentic interviews I've seen in a long time. The history this man has captured is priceless. Salute!
Theres very few people in the world who have captured a city the way Bob has captured Detroit!
I agree totally.
Thank you so much Miss French! I am so glad you found it....and then enjoyed it too :)
@@Peacefulmissfit thank you much Richard!
Yes. 💯%
There's something about abandoned places that grips you like no other place. I remember roaming around the abandoned Expo67 grounds in Montreal as a teenager, when most pavilions have been vandalized or burned down, and the feeling of being alone in a place where so many people used to go to every day made me reflect on life at the span of centuries.
Someone on my mom's side of the family (grew up in Windsor) gave us a souvenir from Expo67. It is a kind of coin dish. Was going to post a pic of it here but not able to. I have the item now. Anyway, that sounded like a fun place to explore. I live in Denver now and still need to visit Montreal and further up the St. Lawrence.
The Olympic stadium is near there, I believe, correct?
I went to expo 67. I have great memories
There’s not a lot of abandon buildings in Montréal! I live there.
@@mollymolly7451 doyou explore them?
This is outstanding! I'm an AP Art History teacher and a Detroit buff. This city has such an amazing story, and it is best told through the architecture and buildings. Your work captures that here. Please keep doing these videos...especially on Detroit!
History? Real History? I'm going to say, No!
What I hate most though, is to see people destroying and deconstructing some of these abandoned places rather than being respectful and leaving them the way they are for the next person to come through and appreciate.
Cause of this, fire=insurance payout. They made more from burning down their home. Unfortunately. Watch the documentary the "bronx is burning"
@King Duke it's an unfortunate thing from an architecture standpoint though culturally interesting. Its disrespectful to the building and the area itself but is a sort of a reflection of what was important to those that lived there then. I see you dont like that either
@Daddy Savage who's going to rebuild? ? Who's going to throw money away on any of those deathtraps ?? Detroit is like most other metropolis whos' creators have left, lower income occupies the majority of the city. There is no tax base to rebuild,nor incentive for businesses to return, knowing that there's no way to make a profit. Detroit is the new American city, but expanding to all areas so it will be uniform representation. Do you like what the future holds ??
Hmmmm. Why did this happen, do you think? I mean it was a busy, bustling metropolis. Crime went up, folks moved out. Tons of other metropolis' have people move in, and crime increase, but they continue to grow and flourish. Came up the same time as Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, LA What made Detroit so different? Gee I wonder.
@King Duke Right - cause it wasnt just the citizens who moved out - top talent left. Watch Gangland detroit. It explains EXACTLY who moved into detroit, and what happened when that occurred, and who moved out.
Years from now historians will be thanking people like this for the treasure trove of images.
Thanks for watching our documentary!
Your hard work highly appreciated and thank God for waking you up.
no
wholheartedly agree!
My mind is completely blown right now. I always knew Detroit had some of most beautiful buildings that were abandoned but had no idea it was to this extent. So many more magnificent schools and towers than I could have ever imagined. Excellent program.
He is an adventurer a modern urban archeologist, and it's great that he shares his discoveries and treasures with us all, awesome job dude!
Thanks so much for the support!
Well said.
That’s that concrete jungle
I’m not sure how I stumbled onto this video, but I couldn’t stop watching. Fascinating, and very well done.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching Mike!
Me too:)
@@abandonedcentral It was so sad to see some of those beautiful buildings abandoned and later destroyed.
My grandfather lived downtown before the highways and expressways were built, Mack Ave, 3rd, from the early 30s until his death in 1958, from google earth I can see that the only residential building standing is the one that would have been next door to where he lived, for blocks.... my dad went to Detroit and Hamtrammack.(sp) every year to visit a WWII Navy buddy, and his dad, when he wasn’t in loonie bin or hospital, disabled WWI vet. He quit visiting in the 70s, I worked there in the Early 80s, comparing our visits, it seemed as if the once wonderful city of Detroit was fading some in the 70s, and crashed by the late 80s. It still almost brings tears to my eyes the way government and the city politicians devoured the city while personally getting rich. Regulate and tax the businesses out of the city, and then blame them for leaving. The Great Lakes Rust Belt can be rebuilt, but not by or with the massive amount of government in place.
He traded one addiction for another, and for the best. His Mom had great insight giving him that camera. This guy is a visionary - total legend!
Thank you so much for those kind words friend! Truly means the world. My moms might have saved my life in doing so. But she also created a monster in doing so lol! Thanks again bro! Appreciate you!
I agree 100%.
@floyd schake get over it its for pictures to document. You cant break into a hole in the wall.
@floyd schake did it affect you in anyway?? No, he’s not tearing up the place or stealing shit. So who cares??
one 4 another....duh.....move along...nothin to see here.
I have such admiration for someone who overcomes some of the crap that life throws at you. Then goes on to make a fantastic documentary. Definitely now a fan.
Thank you so much Paul! Good looking out. Your support is truly appreciated friend.
For anyone that grew up in the Dertoit Windsor area.... what a treasure this video is!! Riveting!! Narrated with great affection and compassion... It begs the question, how could civic and business leaders go so wrong. The decay of Detroit points the finger at so many who got away with, maybe the most irresponsible, misguided policies and actions of any city in America... sad sad sad sad!
Liberal mismanagement. This is what they will do to this entire country.
Important to have people like this out there being the historians of our time. These buildings have stories that need to be told.
Thanks for watching Stephen!
Yes…..
Diversity is good, diversity is strength and diversity helps to solve the homeless crisis...
Detroit's one of the cities built with such grand architecture. It's sad to know so many neighborhoods were left to rot, but so glad to know so many are being rescued and repurposed. Not many cities can compare with Detroit when it comes to classic, built for kings style architecture.
I’m also a recovering heroin addict. 6 years clean now and I’ve never heard anyone explain that energy that I felt going downtown and exploring back then. The Statler was my Grande bro. After the Statler came down things changed. That Hotel was my favorite. The Tuller, The Fine Arts, Kresge, Chin Tiki, The Eddystone, The Metropolitan Building (full of Mercury) and the Book Cadillac before the Westin remodel was just enormous. They left the elevator motors in the basement cause the building was built on top. Just amazing, but the Book Tower and Building were incredible to see. I was speechless. Thank you for this, best D doc ever man.
Huge congrats Keith! Thats awesome! Sounds like you know what's up! I am humbled my friend.
I’m so jealous of anyone who got to experience Chin Tiki when it was still around. I read about that place years ago in The Hour magazine and I’ve been so intrigued ever since.
I have always been fascinated with Urban exploring even as a little kid...in the 60's when I was in my teen's I explored old abandoned factory's in Detroit, it was so much fun I was 13 then, before I kick the bucket I want to return to Detroit and drive around and see my old neighborhood Detroit was so beautiful back in the day 😊
You need to make a documentary series for Netflix. This is seriously excellent.
We really appreciate that! Our goal in the beginning was to try and shop this around to networks and film festivals but with Covid still happening we decided to just release on our UA-cam channel.
He needs to get his own footage. Video was stolen from others including me! This guy is a fraud, a poser and a thief!
@@exploredetroit Not a single video was used from your youtube channel. Any video that was used in this documentary, is credited correctly to that youtube channel in the credit section.
@@exploredetroit If that is true, just sue him. I do not believe he stole anything from you. But if he did, just prove it in a court of law. What do you think you will accomplish by stating it here? Because if you can't prove he stole it, he could actually sue you for defamation. Think about it.
@@exploredetroit I don't know if he did or not, and honestly I don't care as long as people were credited. He has great footage, but great footage doesn't make a great film. He is a true storyteller and his ability to tell a story is definitely what made this great.
I love how he explained everything in detail, great story!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Thank you 🙏🏽
Such a rad documentary. The old footage mixed with the interview commentary was extremely compelling all the way through. Props to all who put this together, really enjoyed watching! 🤘
Really appreciate that man! I shot and edited this entire project by myself with zero help. Really wished I had some help but it felt even better to finish this entire project by myself.
@@abandonedcentral Shot all the video? Nice
@@northvilletunnels bullshit cough cough ...
Thank you so much Lord! Good looking out for real!
This guy is an inspiration to all of us! From being a junkie to finding his niche, finding his true passion! I'm so proud of you sir may God bless you your work is amazing continue to move forward,! One
Really appreciate the support Dom, thank you!
@@abandonedcentral No problem, as you are an inspiration to so many, including myself! As I am now 5 weeks (Today) clean of all substances & am finally starting to live up to my potential and I must say it feels wonderful! Take care sir!
@@DomDaVinci83 yessir
I was an employee of DPL when Mark Twain Library was closed and can say the reason the books and all were left as they were was the contamination of the facility with asbestos which had fallen on all the surfaces in the building. We evacuated the building of staff when we got the test results of the material covering the furniture, books and other furnishings in the library.
Thanks for this info.
I suppose if heroin doesn't kill you... then you aren't as worried about asbestos
Good God, why aren't there hazmat signs warning people? What if you inhale that stuff by walking around? Our government fails to protect us in every way imaginable. There needs to be a huge HAZMAT sign outside that building to warn people of the dangers.
@Nathan Swain Absolutely not. The government and the EPA have a poor track record of enforcement and protecting the environment. However, the disposal of hazardous materials are controlled by statute and LAW. If the city or county (controlling the library) abandons a building, they must first warn the public of the danger inside and then dispose of it properly to remove said hazard. That is the issue here which is polluting the environment.. it does not matter that it's private property, it's still an environmental issue. Abandoning a property does not absolve or indemnify them. They still have a legal responsibility. The federal agency assigned this responsibility (of enforcing environmental law) is the EPA. Do they always do a good job? No, they don't, they have a sketchy record of enforcement. That's why when people get sick due to the negligence of others, they file suit and sue the entity. They can't sue the EPA, unfortunately. Of course, the defense is that they were trespassing and entered at their own risk but that only works if they are warned of the potential danger. They know about the asbestos, a highly toxic substance. They therefore have to warn others of the potential danger and WHILE THEY REMOVE THE TOXIC SUBSTANCE. They can't just leave it there. There are laws mandating the removal of substances that are toxic to the environment. They city has to remove it as they own the oroperty. They are at risk of being sued. Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. That is why we have regulations on the books.
@@brianofmoore But you should be,, if you inadvertently come into contact with it. Heroin addiction is reversible, with alot of effort, and it's also a personal choice.. Mesothelioma is not, and it takes years to manifest itself. That's what these people who pollute count on: it's hard to hold people accountable years after the fact. 😳
As a Detroit resident who has gotten to explore many of these places myself, I found this documentary very informative and entertaining. thank you for making and posting.
Thats awesome you got to see this locations Alan! Thanks for watching!
Thanks a million Alan! Glad you got to experience it too!
it all reminds me of a series "life after humans" or something like that.....EVERYTHING just walked away from----frozen in time until???.....i like exploring myself, but i'm LOW rung wanna be rookie compared to this!!!
So glad you were able to stop, I'm from St. Claire Shores, but migrated to Detroit in 1983-4 and introduced to heroin by my pimp, I withdrew on a train from Ann Arbor to San Francisco I now have 30 yrs clean... keep yourself safe out there
Nice!!!15 years clean myself.glad to hear others made it out!!!
@@drrhole thanks! It's still one day at a time!
@@deborahtowns8983 For sure...it's been 2-3 years for me
@@spicysalsaking791 keep at it.,.it really is worth it...next thing you know it's been 30yrs!
@@deborahtowns8983 it's good you been clean 30 years but please don't act like your 30 is better then 15 or even 2 it's all the same y'all all clean
Wow, my city… born in 1955. Moved in 1986…To see this city just demolished, is mind blowing. The architecture was so ornate and spectacular. Hudson’s shopping, downtown was so beautiful at Christmas. I will always love Detroit. ♥️♥️
I grew up between Detroit to Mount Clemens areas in 1989 - 2006. I cried watching this. Thank you very much for the hard work you put into this.
Idk how I stumbled upon this video but I couldn't stop watching awesome job
Really glad you enjoyed the documentary! Thanks for watching.
Yes! Thanks a million Franchesca!
Same.... 🔥
I honestly think that the authorities should consider allowing genuine explorers into these locations to document history without reprisal. Explorers who are determined to share these stories without damaging things are worth their weight in gold! Keep up the great work everyone 😁👍
This would be like an approval list its not much different then what music venues do for photographers.
It doesnt work like that though lol. Cuz if something were to happen in one of these buildings, n they got hurt or something. Then u got ppl trying to sue the city, etc etc. Then u got squatters, drug dealers, dope fiends, graff artists, urban explorers.. Its too much to worry about when your job is just to keep people out
@@GeneralBuckNaked I hear you for sure, it's the culture, Lawers are the ones who win out of people's panic! I just wish that people who care about recording the historic buildings are given the opportunity to carry out that recording eithout sneaking about dodging security and police. Before everything crumbles to dust! 😬😁
But that would show everyone from management to alleged security only there to make sure their retirement is vested,all on the taxpayers dime.
@@GeneralBuckNaked
Ah but if the government had these urbexers sign paperwork saying the urbexers would have the proper equipment and respirators, have guides that they have to listen to and don't hold the government responsible for any injuries in these buildings
I started exploring Detroits building in 1998. That seems like around the time it started to get cleaned up. I moved away in 2011, well after it was on its way to revitalization, and when I came back for a visit in 2013 I was amazed at how much the downtown area had changed. I've been back since 2017, and I'm still amazed at how much better it is.
I agree. This video is pointing out a few abandoned buildings making it look worst then it is. We could do this in almost any town or city. Great place am sure.
One of the best put together documentaries Ive seen. The old, the present, along with the presentation, right down to the shadowed light on his face. Just thrilling to watch as I felt I was right there with him. Excellent Work! There should be some type of Award for this work.
Thanks a lot Charles we appreciate the awesome feedback! We wanted to enter this into some film festivals but with covid and everything we just decided to release on UA-cam. Glad so many people are enjoying it!
@@abandonedcentral I say Enter It. You guys have the right chemistry to make a documentary so keep it up. Your results are very good . I look forward to your next work.
@@charlesadamson7810 I actually sent it to Detroit Free Press Film Festival, so we shall see! Fingers crossed. Thank you for your support Charles!
@@Roberto-ol7fv Let us know, will you? Im betting on you. Thanks for your replies.
This man should call himself an architectural historian because he is one
He really is! Thanks for watching!
Yes indeed - also a cultural one.
yes, fully agree...fascinating video. Give him legit access to record these fabulous buildings. Great film. Thanks
Agreed!
Very knowledgable guy. Thanks :)
All those years i went to Redford High School in Detroit back in the 70's, i didn't know the old swimming pool from the early 1900's still existed until they started tearing the school down. All those years i was sitting in a classroom that had the old pool wood floored over. They took videos of it, i was in awe of it. Little things like that are pretty interesting.
Wow I didn't know that about Redford. That would of been a cool part of the building to add to this project!
A Meijer now sits where Redford High was.
@@DetroitGoldie Well at least that particular Meijer used some of the historic architectural details of old Redford High. Its cool to see if you ever visit!
Thank you for the info Richard! Super cool. Thank you!
@@Roberto-ol7fv that's cool! I've never taken my time to really pay attention. I'm just in and out of any and all stores quick as I can be.
This was really well put together and I almost feel privileged to see all that cool architecture before it was torn down or too decayed to recognize. Thanks for making this!
This was an amazing documentary. You actually did a service by preserving in photos the history of Detroit. I used to visit Detroit for business in the 90’s and always was in awe of so many abandoned buildings especially in downtown.
Thank you so much John! We appreciate the positive feedback a lot!
This is truly a fascinating story. This guy has an incredible account of the history of, along with his adventures (escapades) through, an icon of historical significance in the industrial heart of America. I cannot understand why anyone would give it a thumbs down?! Truly a fascinating adventure story. Thanks for the memories.
Well really appreciate you watching! It seems as if all of the negative comments and dislikes are coming from republicans that like to complain and bitch about everything in life possible.
@@abandonedcentral Not all of them lol
Thank you Nibiru! Much appreciated.
Born and raised in Saginaw and this made me cry... your documentary is a poignant, thoughtful review of the desolation and beauty left behind by an economy devastated by the pull out of the auto industry. You do a fantastic job, and your love of the city of Detroit, and what it once was, is evident. Thank you, and what a blessing your sobriety is.....
Thank you ever so much Sarah! Your kind words will serve as motivation and inspiration. Truly appreciate the support and the love. Good looking out.
@@abandonedcentral not just the pullout the battle for a racially equal city did a number on this City. Blacks would move in and the whites ran for the suburbs leaving all of the empty real estate behind. Lots of reasons why, but its still a shame as Detroit has many proud people in it but lack the opportunity to restart the rebuild. Seems like some small victories are occurring which is a huge positive obviously.
Poignant. That's the word I was looking for. 👍
This documentary is top-notch and one that you have to sit through completely to enjoy the buildings in it. Kudos to the narrator and his explorations. He is a wealth of knowledge. Awesome work!
Many thanks! We really appreciate the support Chloe!
I just finished watching it and I loved it!! I was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit and attended a DPS school that is beautiful and still standing (Denby HS Class of 86) Everyone should watch and share this documentary with their friends. Great job!!!
Thanks for your feedback Chris! Really happy you enjoyed this project! We worked super hard on this one.
Denby 1973 here. Go Denby Tars!!!!! lol
Aye Chris! Thanks again buddy! Great to see you on here. As always, I appreciate you bro!
My grandmother met my grandfather while working at one of the fancy hotels back in the 1920s. She told me about all the famous Hollywood people that she met while working there. I loved going to the Detroit zoo! I think everyone in Michigan is connected one way or another to Detroit. This was a great documentary and brought back some great memories... thank you 😊
My grandfather spent some time in Detroit in the 1920s. He said he used to take a streetcar to work.
One of the best documentaries I’ve seen, the best documentary on urban exploration in Detroit. Hats off to those who helped make this, thank you!
We really appreciate the support! Thanks for watching Michael!
You are the perfect frontman for promoting Detroit's past and future resurrection. Your personal life mirrors what happened/will happen in Detroit. Your knowledge/presentation skills makes you The Man. Good on you.
Everything I see about the decay of Detroit breaks my heart all over again.
Look how they did Rosa Parks house
Heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time.
Thanks for watching!
Beetlejuice will save detroit
Correction: I was born in Munich. LIVED in Edinburgh , Berlin and for the most years in London .
Abandonment like that can only be found in America where dreams are made and shattered at the same time .
The abandoned schools in Detroit have almost identical design as Gary Indiana. Awesome documentary!
Yes they are very similar. Gary is another fun city to explore!
Many thanks Kamil! Definitely similar to Gary!
Kamil Karwat, no kidding, since they were built not far away, and in the same time period, roughly, (1915 - 1930's)
My mom is from Detroit and she always told me about how things were there in the 80's. She said it felt like San Francisco. Sad to see such amazing places decay and then be demolished. Her childhood neighborhood is completely abandoned & her parents' former home is a ruin now. It just amazes me how things are just left in place all of a sudden. Normally places are cleaned out when closed, not just left in place. Really shows how sudden things closed circa 2008.
Fascinating documentary, I'm sitting in the UK and love Bob's enthusiasm and respect for these buildings and the history embedded within them. Brilliant
Thank you so much Janet! We are very grateful for your support and kind words! It means the world!
This was one of those videos where I think I will watch 5 mins to see if it's semi-interesting, and end up watching the whole thing because it's fascinating. Bravo.
So awesome to hear that! This project was so much work but hearing that makes it all worth it!
I grew up in a suburb of Detroit in the fifties and sixties. Amazing and sad to see what has happened. It's impossible to believe these iconic schools, once icons of the city are gone or are decaying rapidly out of existence. They served so many of the boomer generation , before and after. The skyscrapers, once vibrant all but extinct, now coming back. I spent many hours in the train station waiting with my mother, to board trains to Buffalo. To visit her sicly mother and then funeral. All these memories just dieing away in the corrupted dust and mildew of the once richest industrial city in the world. Cass Tech was world famous for student body and faculty. Eight stories of advanced learning. Good bye sweet rememberances....
Thank you John! Always enjoy hearing about people's memories and their experiences is Detroit. Much appreciated friend! Thank you!
it's a post card for Good Bye 20th century.
Just imagine in another decade or two it will be all gone what a waist of once a great city
@@nathan-ck3je in another decade or two we will all be gone...
👨🏾🦱👩🏾🦱🧔🏾🧑🏾🦱👴🏾👨🏾🦳👦🏾🧑🏾👶🏽🧓🏽 COULD NOT LIVE IN Suburbs , NOR PAST 6 Mile until AFTER 1970 ‘s
This was fascinating to say the least, so well done and the way the host delivers the narrative is captivating. I'll be looking for more of your projects
Thanks so much Paul! We drop a new video every Sunday. Make sure to subscribe if you haven't yet.
😅
I grew up in Detroit, we didn't lock our door we walked to school my Dad my Granddad and I all went to Cass Tech. I walked to Grande Ballroom as a teen. Went to meetings at Herman Kifer. Thanks for a good memory.
(Kiefer. Still stands, there on the Lodge Freeway . . . ) W, 03/03/2021
My mother said when she grew up they didn’t lock the doors in the 50s and 60s in Detroit
@@MrBigsteve518 I grew up there 60s Thru 85
Glad you recovered. Twenty years recovery from alcohol, myself. I always thought that recovery from booze must be a walk in the park compared to smack. Stay close to your HP. You are part historian, part archeologist, part adrenalin junkie. Great stuff. That clock held high by the angels, amazing.
We got caught exploring an abandoned high school, it was a big 3 story school in the middle of a suburban area. The cops were really cool about it and took us through the school and told us about their experiences going to that school. Showed us the cafeteria, the different classrooms, gymnasium, science labs which still had heaps of stuff in there and the office area and teachers lounge. It was awesome but that was nearly 20 years ago
THANK YOU SIR, you are apart of the reason why we can know about this buried history in Detroit! Much love
What an excellent documentary, Detroit historical society ( if there is one ) should give him an award.
Henry Ford Museum should have this in their archives.
Thanks so much for the feedback and support! We really appreciate it!
Agreed...
ABSOLUTELY 💯
Detroit does have an historical society and museum. The powers that be in the city would rather not draw attention to the decay in the city, even though you can't ignore it, and focus on the mainstream historical events that made the city the biggest industrial city on earth
Witnessing the decline of Detroit was like witnessing the death of a king
The Downtown area is worlds better than what it was back in the 80s/90s. However, stepping outside of that area into the "hood" is about as safe as strolling the streets of Afghanistan.
The death of a king who slowly killed himself by advocating his own decay
what an informative, passionate, and respectful documentary. I thoroughly enjoyed this and you have done well. The families whose relatives' cremated remains had been returned to have been blessed by your sense of duty and care. Thank you for this film. God Bless.
Thank you very much! really glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks!
WOW thank you so much for the support Shelly!
I'm glad to hear you talk about feeling the energy of a place, long after it's been abandoned. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to feel it. I had taken to exploring old, abandoned places in NJ when I lived there, now in WV. It's almost like you can literally feel the people still there, the energy still in the air, and almost hear the conversations and the noise. I now work in the oldest operating state prison in WV, the building was built in 1936 and opened in 1939. I'm fascinated how once a part of a building, even though maintained, will start to decay without use. The parts of the building that are always occupied are still going strong, but the areas that are not of constant use anymore are deteriorating quickly even with constant maintenance. It almost gives you a sense of a building being "alive," and once abandoned, neglected, or ignored, it's like it "gives up," and lets nature begin to take it away. Fascinating video, wonderful photography, great eye for unexplored and forgotten history you have. Stay safe.
Detroit had the best expensive looking buildings of all time . Such a massive shame it’s all ruined
Democrats and Rino Republicans. Killed this state.
It truly must have been a stunning city at one time, the architecture and housing were built so splendid. A wicked shame that it’s full of people who don’t give a damn. Needs a revival
Not all is lost. There are still many areas that are being brought back to life and historic buildings being repaired.
Plenty of people in Detroit give a damn. We are working on it.
Orange man bad reeeeeeeeee
Fascinating. The photographer's autobiography & narration gave depth and soul to his cinematic genius. Well told, well edited, so educational yet so sad.... Kudos.
Thank you very much!
This is a great video explaining the history of Detroit. This is more of a documentary about the city you love and you did an outstanding job.
Thank you so much for your feedback. We worked very hard on this project! Glad you enjoyed it.
Come back in ten years for the next installment
The ruins of Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, New York City, and Minneapolis
Stay tuned
you already know
None of the people who drive them into the ground will learn their lesson either
@@JLMtime they are like a plague of locusts and they are coming to your town eventually
Seattle and Portland will be a much shorter wait. They could probably start next week.
I remember many if not most of these places when they were still in use. Great architecture for sure. I spent lots of time in Det in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. It's good he got to see many of them before they were torn down. My thing is volcanoes like his are abandoned buildings.
Cool I just subscribe
You ever put your pictures on furniture? I mean like a cool lava pic blown up and wrapped on a dinner table? Then epoxy the img bet that would look cool or a entertainment center 😳.
@@yumadbro9554 I have a few images that are perfect for that sort of use. Kitchen backsplashes too. Thanks for the sub.
@@lavapix love when YT algorithm works and you meet cool ppl💯👍
@@yumadbro9554 Haha, same here. I don't even watch TV anymore. I'd rather support YT creators. Lots of interesting people with great channels.
I was going through a lot of pictures from abandoned buildings in the former Soviet Union. I find it fascinating, almost like pre-archeology. There is so much history. Thank you so much for preserving this!
I had heard some news about the problems in Detroit when the car manufacturing company(s) left, but nothing in depth. I really do appreciate this documentary, Abandoned Central!
A whole hour documentary on a city that I'm not from? Heck yes I'll sit here and watch it
Thanks for watching!
Yeah a city destroyed by Marxists cool
Public schools-a national disaster. Liberals always destroy
Detroits a fasxinating town..from Industry Mecca to Warzone in the course of 50 years.
Mmmm
What an eye opener. You have my highest respect my friend. All my best, Jim P.S FANTASTIC Video !!!!!
Thank you so much Jim! I really appreciate that!
Instant like. I was glued to this and my dinner got cold. Great documentary.
Awesome to hear Dave! Glad you liked it!
Thanks man! I'm a downriver rat that was transplanted out West. Seeing those stadiums implode brought back so many memories. The architecture of all those schools and buildings were astounding. Appreciate this documentary. Keep the exploring going!!!
If the government stopped spending trillions on war and weapons imagine what they could do to replenish cities.
Imagine is all we can do because our government is so fucked up it will never happen.
If they didnt you prob wouldn't be able to type what you just typed without your fingers getting chopped off
The government are only thing their need not the American
Government are racist
@Sporting Goods Crime is a big money maker, Cops, lawyers, for profit prisons.
@Carolus Martellus All the DPD cops I know in the 70's were racist thugs..
From living high to standing tall... his contributions are priceless, iconic and historical. He got my adrenalin going just by watching. Well done my friend.
I visited Detroit and Chicago very briefly around 2010. it was like a post apocalyptic horror for some one from New Zealand. Large factories with busted windows and trees growing through the car parks. Whole streets of abandoned houses with roofs falling in. The only industry seemed to be scraping machinery from factories. I mainly saw it from the Amtrac window. Pretty rough when all the jobs go off shore.
Chicago ain’t rlly like that no more
THAT is the end result of building such a major city around just TWO industries, one of which was temporary- the defense industry during WWII was based there, the other was the auto makers.
Both industries advertised for many high paying jobs and that attracted tens of thousands of people from Southern States and plces like Kentucky to migrate into Detroit for the jobs, cheap small houses were built by the thousands to accomodate all these new residents.
Big wide streets were made to accomodate those huge cars people were driving.
When the defense industry closed down and pulled out after WWII was over- all those workers became unemployed, and when the gas crisis hit in the 1970s the car makers laid off thousands more because they were still building those huge V8 engine powered cars nobody was buying any more because they went to Honda, and other foreign brands who made small, 4 cylinder fuel efficient cars that were built better too.
As a result the entire demographics of the city had changed from what it was- something like 95% white to 95% black when the whites began moving out in droves to suburbs and elsewhere.
Mortgages and bills couldn't be paid any more and thousands of homes and office buildings were abandoned, when there's few jobs people LEAVE. Scrappers, vandals, people's thug children stole, destroyed, set fires, brought in drugs, gangs and worse.
The same basic story is part of every town built up around ONE industry that eventually closed- all those towns build by railroads and lumber producers who owned all the houses and everything and rented them to their employees were basically destroyed when the company went out of business- because they not only controlled all the payroll checks for essentially everyone living there, they also owned all the houses, stores etc., so the people didnt even have a house they could SELL because they were all rentals.
But Market Economics is Perfect!
Chicago? What are you talking about?
@@HobbyOrganistauto industry didn’t make Detroit decline. The metro area is still majority auto industry supported and it’s doing fine and growing.
I commented before and I still watch this video every night. Literally every night. Make another one with bob please. Detroit has so much interesting content with the abandoned homes and buildings
Detroit was called “ the Paris of the Midwest” in the early 20 th Century.
This is the result of Western civilization being unappreciated and actually hated.
Now they call it "the Damascus of the West"
Born and raised in this drug infested town.
2021 nothing has changed.
True
Then the Democrats came.
Well done. An enjoyable experience that made me pine for the days I spent in Detroit photographing in 2010 and 2011. Respect for the commitment to the history and details which are the key to understanding the buildings we've been lucky enough to experience. They'll never build them like this again.
They deff won't build them like this anymore. Luckily they saved a few of the historic buildings in Detroit. We appreciate you watching Thomas!
Thank you Thomas! Cool that you got to see some of it in it's heyday ;)
I'm very impressed. Detroit must have been a beautiful city in the past.Hope they recover the old glory.
Thank you for this photographic history of Detroit. Greatly appreciate it. You did a film-nominal job, I enjoyed it very much. You have talent.
Not a clue how I ended up here but I'm glad I did. What a great and interesting watch and I love how passionately the dude speaks about it all. Great work all round.
Thank you so much for watching! Glad you liked it!
Same here😂
This entire video is truly a work of art, a masterpiece even.
Thank you so much!!! Your support is truly appreciated friend. Good looking out and of course, much much appreciated!
This is so good! Amazing video!
Thanks for watching Steve! Really appreciate it!
Thank you Steve. Much appreciated bro.
Hi Steve!!! ♥️
Wow , interesting video can’t watch it all right now got it saved for when I have the time , Detroit was an amazing city back then !
Thanks. I take that complement personally because he stole video that I took! The Mark Twain Library footage belongs to me, I recorded it, he stole it from my UA-cam page. Other video was stolen from others.
This guy is a fraud!
So glad I came across this video. Really interesting listening to this guy speak so clearly and so passionately. Awesome! Keep exploring ♡ I'd love to see more of his adventures.
You know what I love? Is the warmth this man has for his city. It was there for him in dark times and when he got clean so did the parts of the city
Why thank you so much Stuart! I truly do appreciate those kind words! Good looking out.
Also direct honesty about his personal history and how this project uplifted him.
I lost a 62 yr old brother from cancer and methadone two yrs ago. He was on his way to being clean then this as he was a working addict. I always wanted to go explore houses but seeing these old buildings is neat. Stay clean and happy on your journey.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I lost my sister, first to heroin and last year to suicide. So I know the feeling loosing a sibling. My sister was 37. She first got hooked on pain killers after she had a bad horse riding accident and had to have a big surgery.
May your brother rest in eternal peace. 🌷🧡🌷
This is for sure the best video/documentary i ever seen.
The amount of work and thought that went in this video is completly insane. Bob is a huge inspiration.
Congrats dude for this amazing work and thanks for showing this! 👌
Thank you Rodrick! I wasn't going for the best, but definitely a type of project that hasn't really been done before. It was was more work than expected so I'm just happy to have it done. A lot of times, projects like this get started but never finished and released. Every time I was over editing I just had to keep working or I felt like i would give up on it.
Simply amazing. I watched every second of this video in amazement. This video is a masterpiece. I love history. It’s hard for me to sit still for an hour to watch a video. This one was the one. Congratulations 👏🏆
I agree with you, its hard for me to sit and watch an hour video also. We truly appreciate the support!
From Australia here - I have always been fascinated with the history of Detroit. From the Arsenal of America during WWII to the Motor City of the 50's and 60's. Well covered young man and an important contribution to the social history of a city that was once a powerhouse of the USA. The waste is incomprehensible.
I just found your channel. Within 5 minutes I know this is going to be great program so I subcribe. Then I hear you have been off heroin for 15 years!!!! I feel compelled to tell you I am so proud of you. Thank you for replacing a terrible addiction into photography addiction and sharing it with us.
Thank you for watching and subscribing! Bob is really a great guy! To this day, he continues to help other fighting the same addiction he once had. He is all about helping his people!
Thank you ever so much Cynthia! I am honored and humbled by your comments. Thank you again. SO glad you enjoyed it too :)
I went to Detroit on a Solo Trip! I must say, I absolutely loved it! I felt so Black!! I had no idea The Underground Railroad ended in Detroit!! I also went to the Motown Museum which was great! My Uber driver was telling me so much about the history of Detroit. I was in love!! Houston, Tx my home, there's not a lot about us here. Somebody saw my post about going to Detroit on FB & they advised I take my passport & go to Canada! I had no idea they were that close. I caught Uber into Canada for $12! I will be going back to Detroit, again & again....
I never knew the Underground Railroad ended in Detroit either - had thought NYC - thanks for the share 👍
Did you end up going to Canada? I live in Canada! You should check out Toronto! Or Banff!
"Termite nostalgia"
Amazing. I've been looking at it for years. The older I get the harder it is to see it. I hope you are well my brother. I am always compelled to watch it. Thank you.
Thank you for the support!
And of course congrats on being clean 😊🙂,
🙏🙏
Thanks a million Rocky!
DETROIT HEROIN CITY
I'm from Detroit, still live here, this is an awesome documentary, so much history people don't know about.
We appreciate you watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
These schools make me realize I live in the middle of nowhere cause my high school was nothing like those. Those schools look amazing.
Amazing !! I can't stop watch the docu... Congrats bro