Downtown – Wyandotte, Michigan
View from downtown Wyandotte after an ice carving event, in February 2006. The relatively new clocktower is in the distance, as is a pergola structure well before plantings got established.
The historic building located at the corner of First Street and Maple Street in downtown Wyandotte. Originally constructed in 1933 to house the First National Bank of Wyandotte, it operated for many years under the Charter One banner (seen here) before transitioning into a Citizens Bank branch. The Neoclassical structure features prominent stone pillars and decorative green fabric awnings. Standing in the foreground is Wyandotte’s iconic freestanding black iron clock tower, which anchors the entrance to a local pocket park in the heart of the city’s vibrant Downtown District. This bustling intersection is well-known as a primary gathering hub during major local events, such as the annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair.
The Eberts House was awaiting restoration at the time of this picture. Somewhat serendipitously I encountered a street crew outside the building. The sign that said “Slow” seemed fitting when considering making any changes to this historic home. Sure enough, preservation was the selected option and somewhat successful at stabilizing this local landmark.
The storefront of River’s Edge Gallery, located at 3024 Biddle Avenue Standing prominently on the sidewalk is an industrial metal scrap sculpture of a roaring bear, created by Taylor, Michigan-based metal artist Keith Coleman. This popular piece was temporarily exhibited outside the gallery before eventually being purchased and moved to serve as the official mascot greeting visitors at Wyandotte’s Roosevelt High School. Known for highlighting fine art, high-quality custom framing, and championing local and regional Detroit metro artists, River’s Edge Gallery has served as a cultural anchor in the Downriver community for decades.
Entrepreneur Ric Geyer took an interest in Wyandotte, and bringing his arts-led approach to revitalization. Here is is meeting with photographer Patricia Izzo in her studio.
One vision that would later come to fruition was creating the Wyandotte Arts Center in a fraternal building that was repurposed for new use. Mr. Geyer was influential in getting conversations started about creating a place for the arts to thrive in Wyandotte.