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Hudson’s was a name at the center of Detroit life for decades. And their flagship store on Woodward loomed over downtown until it was demolished in 1998.
I remember that day because I worked it for a local TV station. Street after street was covered in dust, and it was a quick, final end to the second largest and tallest department store in the country.
According to HistoricDetroit.org, it was a behemoth. We talked about the height. But the three electric transformers inside could supply enough power for a city of 20,000 people. It had a world record 705 fitting rooms. 200 different departments.
And with a name as locally known as Sanders, Faygo, Vernors or any of the Big Three, Hudson's had the most important thing: the hearts of Detroiters.
This week came some interesting news. Somehow, some way, an ornate elevator from this long-gone structure has popped up on the radar.
And it didn’t just show up, dirty and dusty in a corner of a storage unit. But half a million dollars and a quarter century later, it arrived in all of its grandeur.
Today, we’ll share that story by the man who made it happen, Alex Begin.
More on Hudson's on Historic Detroit: https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/hudsons-department-store
Photos of the elevator: http://www.dailydetroit.com
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On today's show:
COVID cases are surging here in Metro Detroit. And there's no wall around the city, so there's concern there, too. 
Yes, the mail has been slower lately according to a new report. 
Business, hospital system and university leaders are calling for a cease-fire on lawsuits to try and repeal health orders to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Basically - they say working together works to slow the spread, and that current orders should be allowed to stand.
The DIA has a new exhibit coming celebrating futurist and iconic car designs.
And Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield joins me to talk about her proposed neighborhood naming ordinance. What a neighborhood is called has been a point of contention for as long as I remember. This would add an official process.
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There’s a new MI COVID app for your phone. It’s to help with contact tracing, something that experts say will help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Is this a good idea? How will this help? Is your privacy at stake?
Plus - more and more restaurants are doing tents and domes for dining as the weather comes. How should you treat them?
Dr. Paul Thomas and technologist Tom Lawrence join me.
Dr. Paul Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlumHealthDPC
Tom Lawrence: https://twitter.com/TomLawrenceTech
Then, some things to know around town:
The sale of much of the State Fairgrounds for an Amazon development is approved - probably sealing the fate of the historic Colosseum and other buildings on the site.
City officials say Detroiters are getting the jobs at the FCA Jefferson East facility
And Ferndale, like many Southeast Michigan communities, is having some issues with lead in their drinking water.
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If you’re a long time listener to this show, you may have caught on that one of the reasons we’re here is a love of places. Specifically our places.
The Detroit tri-county area includes, well, three counties, made up of more than 130 cities, townships and villages.
And yes, even part of a ghost town.
You could zoom in again and see countless neighborhoods and block clubs and associations - all the way down to the street you see out your window.
In these places, there are stories wherever you look. You might find the next time you go on a run, or walk your dog, or notice that one thing over your backyard fence that you never thought about before.
And when you travel, if you keep your eyes open, you’ll see their stories, too. It’s pretty cool.
Now, there’s a field guide for these things to help you on your journey. It’s called the 99% Invisible City, and it’s by Roman Mars.
Who is my guest today.
Grab the book: https://99percentinvisible.org/book/
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/romanmars

Michigan is seeing more Coronavirus cases and the tri-county area is no exception
The US/Canada border closure is extended through November 21
A couple of Michigan businesses got national media attention:
- The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor was featured in an ad for Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Link: https://youtu.be/SW86jyTsYe4
- Farmington Hills based Five Hour Energy was spoofed by Saturday Night Live. Link: https://youtu.be/OP0H0j4pCOg
The Woodbridge neighborhood in Detroit is getting new housing.
The University of Michigan has been named one of the top film schools in the nation by The Wrap. Link: https://www.thewrap.com/top-film-schools-ranked-2020-afi-usc/
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle is coming back in early November.
And Fletcher Sharpe breaks down the Lions win and talks about the upcoming MSU and U of M games. Follow him: http://www.twitter.com/SaintFDW
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