I wonder just what was the timing of demolishing an entire cityscape. All at once, one property at a time... my mind just can't get around the change.

[As noted in RDown3657's comment below, this is not the location of the 1912 photo; it's merely where the fountain was relocated, some six miles distant. -tterrace]

thanks... I thought the open area was that park.

Does the Shorpy Building of 1912 Detroit have a gallery of pictures of the future?

Is quite likely the show on at the Opera House, this from the St. Petersburg, Florida Daily Times in 1913:

Not too familiar with early American autos but a bit of googling suggests there may be a Baker Electric auto in the bottom centre of the picture?

Grab a quick lunch downstairs at the Majestic, pick up a new topcoat at Elmer's, tell the New York Central guys why you like the Pennsy better, then tell the Pennsy guys why their line will never match the NYC, shoot a couple rounds of nine-ball, and top it all off with a visit to the Shorpy Building!

Wasn't that made illegal about 50 years prior?

I've been trying to figure out the rest of that sign with no luck.

I think I'd like to stop into the "Human Sale" store and buy one or two.

About the only thing still in existence in that photo is the Merrill Fountain in the center of the photo. But, alas, even that was moved to Palmer Park, six miles north of downtown, in 1926, and it hasn't had water flowing through it since 1950. But it's there.

is probably the best known composition of George "Honey Boy" Evans, billed at the opera house.

A Human Sale 3 or so doors down from National Clothing.

Lots of good people watching in this one. It's amazing how much expression can be read into these small, fleeting figures.