the 'hood

a brief intro to detroit history, here. our house is located in corktown, detroit's oldest neighbourhood. it was originally the home of immigrants from county cork, ireland, hence the name. now, it's a well-integrated neighbourhood, with some original irish-descending residents, lots of latino folks (mexicantown is nearby, and most families living there come from the jalisco area of mexico), lots of black folks (including the cuban ex-patriates who make up most of our reno crew) and lots of youngish white folks like us who like the old houses.
here's ours:



and here's what's behind our house:




the big building behind the tree (i promise, i'll get a better picture at some point) is the old michigan central train station. it's been closed since 1979, when the railroads decided it wasn't busy enough in detroit to have a big passenger station anymore. we wish it was still open--it'd be so convenient!--but as it is, it's a nice view.
it's owned by the same guy who owns the ambassador bridge (i'm not making this up--there really is such a guy!) and he's waiting for someone to present him with the right amount of money to do something with it. so far, proposed plans have included a casino, a new police headquarters, and a hotel. but this is detroit. nothing happens fast. and usually, nothing happens.
here's another view, just to the right. this is immediately behind our yard.



and this is our back yard. well, part of it. house needs paint. ohboy does it ever...