Carved out

Dec 1, 2004 at 12:00 am
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Audio By Carbonatix

The Hotel Melrose sits on Woodward Avenue, in Detroit’s Midtown area, like a lonely debutante. It’s been that way for a long time, a four-story relic that stills shows traces of its old beauty. It’s also got its share of scars.

The Melrose, which has been vacant for at least 20 years, was also once known as The Carver. In its day, it was a typical Woodward gem, known to beckon leisurely passersby and loiterers to hang out and look cool. Obviously, previous owners failed to keep the building fashionable, and it began a long descent into decay during the 1970s.

Now owned by the Farbman Group, it looks like it could be saved. Fortunately, the first floor of the building is closed to trespassers. The same can’t be said for the higher levels. All but three of the building’s front windows are broken. On one side, trees have grown tall and have gone without manicuring for way too long; they almost block the hotel’s name, which is displayed on its profile.

No matter. The name is fading. And if it’s not saved soon, the Hotel Melrose may fade as well.