I need your opinion.
The building below built in 1957, by Windsor Architectural Firm Johnson & McWhinnie is threatened with demolition. If anything the death knell has been sounded. It is located on the Windsor Waterfront at the foot of Ouellette Ave. It is known as the Cleary Guest House, having been erected by Lawyer E.A. Cleary in 1957. E.A. Cleary was the son of Francis Cleary who served as mayor of Windsor from 1883-1885.
From the standpoint of being built by a renowned local architectural firm and the pedigree of the structure, it is important from that end.
It is a multi-use facility, housing a snack bar on the lower level, as well as restrooms. The second floor serves as a covered observation deck. The plan calls for its demolition and replacment with a new comfort station nearby.
A recent complaint about demoliton came from a concered citizen who thought it was an important example of mid-century civic architecture.
So what’s your opinion? Is it an important architectural structure, or a peice of shite? Is it worth saving?
Please post your comments below.
Thanks!
I think it’s pretty. Certainly the only one anywhere like it!
Architecturally the building looks there is nothing about this building that impresses me. Since it was built by a significant architectual firm, you’d think it should be preserved. But it won’t just like all the other significant buildings that were torn down in this city. I’m sure down the road, we will regret that we tore this one down as well.
I don’t think there is any architecture to it that leans towards post WWII modernism. It looks just like a box with open sides.
Now if you were to ask me about the Firestone garage on Ouellette and Giles Blvd W. I would say that is mid century architecture.
Windsor is running out of any historic architecture. We need to keep what we can…. besides how many of us have some sort of slightly wrong or embarassing memory from this building?
I also agree with GOAT on the Firestone Garage…
Andrew, there’s gotta be room for at least 30-40 more metered parking spaces where that building stands!
That building is an eyesore. It sounds bigoted, but in all honesty there’s only about three post-war buildings in Detroit – check that, the world – which don’t deserve instant demolition. This is a prefect example. This is taking up prime aesthetic real estate on the waterfront. There are so many more interesting things which could be built here. They won’t be, but to a certain extent that’s beside the pont. Unlike the Statler, unlike the Maddison-Lennox, this building combines a degree of history so shallow you could scrape it away with a butter knife, and even less artistic interest. Eliminating this building is a public service. If it weren’t in such a prominent location, I could let it go, but then, if it weren’t in such a prominent location no one would have noticed to begin with.
Benjamin A. Vazquez, U.E.
Well said, Benjamin! But you have to give the plaque some credit. It is after all more interesting than the building it is bolted to. Can’t say that for most plaques! Furthermore, when the building is finally demolished, the plaque can be mounted prominently in council chambers with the word “THINK” below it. (Might avert future city hall – induced architectural disasters.)
Now, the question begs, what were the other two buildings you had in mind…?
It reminds me of that uncomfortable mid ’50’s Danish Moderne furniture that was popular for a brief span of time. It looked “cool”, went out of favor, now looks good again if only because you don’t see it everywhere anymore. The interior of the building looks drab, but the outside of the building, along with the landscaping, make it an excellent example….at least to me…of a building style that has maybe worn out its welcome, but still looks good.
Nice pictures, Andrew.
HELLO AGAIN IT’S LILLY I THINK IT SHOULD STAY! THE CLEARY GUEST HOUSE IN THE 80’S WAS ALSO USED FOR BREAK DANCING ON A SATURDAY NIGHT WHEN FAST EDDIE’S ARCADE WOULD BE PACKED FULL OF PEOPLE AND US KIDS AT THE TIME WOULD GO THERE AND BREAK DANCE.. THEY WOULD BRING THERE GHETO BLASTERS AND DANCE AWAY AT THE TOP . PLUS IT WAS GOOD FOR FIRE WORKS GOOD EARLY SEAT AND A GOOD VIEW…I HOPE IT STAYS…..IT DOES BRING ME DOWN SOMETIMES WHEN I GO UP THERE AND THINK OF THE GOOD OLE DAYS AND THE DOMINION BANK IS GONE THAT WAS MY MOST FAVORITE BUILDNGS….MY FAVORITE CORNER…AND I STILL REMEMBER WAITING FOR THE BOB-LO BOAT UP HERE……AND RUNNING DOWN THE STAIRS WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE….I AM NOT SURPRISED IF THEY WILL TARE IT DOWN…WHY NOT RIGHT! THEY TORE DOWN EVERYTHING SO FAR! THEY SEEM NOT TO GIVE A #*%!@! I WILL PRAY THIS ONE STAYS! I BETTER ENJOY IT THIS SUMMER BEFORE IT IS GONE…..