Presented By Shinola Hotel
Color Our Town Coloring Books
Make Yourself at Home at Shinola Hotel
Discover the true spirit of Detroit, where unparalleled service, timeless design and an obsession with quality craftsmanship come together to redefine luxury. Our penchant for time-honored techniques, a meticulous attention to detail, and meaningful immersion in local culture compels guests to experience unforgettable stays and craft enduring memories.
Welcome to Detroit
From its rise as the pinnacle of American industry, to its triumphant twenty-first century revitalization, Detroit has always been a city fueled by innovation. Though the city has faced its fair share of challenges, Detroit’s resilient spirit remains unwavering. Today, historic buildings find new life, the arts are alive as ever, and a renewed energy pulses through its storied streets, while Detroiters stand proud in their city’s past, present and future.
1. Shinola Hotel
Shinola Hotel, opened in 2019, seamlessly blends the city’s rich history with contemporary design. Today, the hotel property spans five buildings, including two historic buildings. The main structure was built by the T.B. Rayl Company in 1915. The adjacent Singer Building, with an understated limestone-clad neoclassical exterior, was home to the Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1936. Over the years, the current Shinola Hotel property housed many retailers, including Liggett’s Drug Store, Lloyd’s Furs, Sally Frocks, and the Meyer Jewelry Company. Throughout the construction of Shinola Hotel, there was an underlying commitment to restore the two buildings to their original look and feel, ensuring these structures would shine in the new century, and for many to come.
2. The Living Room
Welcome to Detroit’s Living Room: an iconic space celebrating our city’s heritage of craft, distinctive culture and enduring community spirit. Here, handcrafted hospitality meets local legacy, brought to life through timeless design, eclectic art and partnerships with Detroit-based artists, musicians and tastemakers.
3. The Canfield Suite
A true stunner, The Canfield features breathtaking atelier windows that frame the city’s eastern skyline and rising morning sun. Cozy up near the fireplace, slip into the deep soaking tub, and set the mood with a Shinola turntable and curated vinyl library.
4. San Morello
San Morello is award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini’s urban Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. Inspired by the spirit and piazzas of Southern Italy and Sicily, we use local, seasonal ingredients to hand craft a vibrant menu. Enjoy authentic wood-fired dishes, pizzas, and fresh pastas made in house by hand daily.
5. Michigan Central Station
Originally opened in December 1913, Michigan Central Station once served as the gateway to Detroit, serving more than 4,000 passengers a day at its peak in the 1940s. Designed by the same architectural firms behind New York’s famed Grand Central, the Station was considered to be one of the grandest depots in the country. But as travel patterns changed, the Station closed in 1988. For more than three decades, neglect and vandalism made the vacant structure an infamous symbol of Detroit’s financial decline and disinvestment. In 2018, Ford Motor Company acquired the property and began extensive renovations in an effort to help Detroit reclaim its status as the world’s beacon of innovation. Today, Michigan Central Station is the centerpiece of a tech campus focused on modern mobility and movement.
6. GM Renaissance Center
The Renaissance Center, affectionately known as the "RenCen," is a prominent complex of seven interconnected skyscrapers situated along Detroit's International Riverfront. Conceived in the 1970s by Henry Ford II as a "city within a city," the complex was designed by architect John Portman and initially funded by the Ford Motor Company. In 1996, General Motors acquired the complex, establishing it as their global headquarters and investing over $500 million in renovations to enhance accessibility and integrate it with the surrounding downtown area. Today, the RenCen stands as a symbol of Detroit's resilience and ongoing efforts toward urban revitalization.
7. Detroit Institute of Arts
Founded in 1885, the world renowned DIA features a coveted collection—ranked among the top six in the country—of more than 65,000 works. The institution is considered a true gem of Detroit for its impressive collection, stunning architecture and commitment to the community. Some of the DIA’s most iconic pieces include Diego Rivera's iconic Detroit Industry fresco cycle and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter an American museum collection. In addition to outstanding American, European, Modern Contemporary and Graphic art, the museum holds significant works of African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic and Ancient art.
8. Motown Museum
Experience the birthplace of Motown sound. An irresistible force of social and cultural change, the legendary Motown catalog made its mark on not only the music industry, but society at large. With its catchy melodies and universal messages, Motown has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the twentieth century. The museum occupies the original Motown Records headquarters and recording studio and is home to a vast array of artifacts, photographs, costumes and memorabilia.
9. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
For over half a century, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. Through numerous exhibitions, learning and engagement programs, The Wright inspires visitors toward greater understanding, acceptance and unity by reflecting on the triumphs and tragedies of African American history. The museum is a beloved cultural beacon for Detroit and the United States, championing the stories of African Americans.
10. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Opened in 1904, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States and has allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature for well over a century. Featuring an exotic and rare collection of plants from around the world, the Conservatory includes five distinct horticultural sections, the Lily Pond, formal garden, Levi Barbour Memorial fountain, a Japanese Tohro and the Peacock Sundial.
11. Belle Isle Aquarium
Designed by Albert Kahn and George Mason and opened in 1904, the Belle Isle Aquarium has fascinated Detroiters for generations. The aquarium entrance features carvings of dolphins and the Roman God of Water, Neptune, while the interior is adorned with sea green tiles shaped like an underwater cavern. This landmark was reopened in 2012 after a seven year hiatus and continues to enchant visitors with freshwater and marine sealife, including an octopus, seahorses and axolotls.
12. Campus Martius
Located at the intersection of Woodward and Michigan Avenues, Campus Martius is the hub of Detroit’s city street system and an iconic gathering place. The city fans out from this central point which features year-round activities for the community and visitors alike. During the holiday season, thousands gather for the annual tree lighting ceremony and enjoy the ice skating rink throughout the colder months.
13. Fox Theater
Opened in 1928 as the flagship movie palace for the Fox Theatre Chain, Fox Theatre Detroit is considered one of the most magnificent concert halls in the world, featuring awe-inspiring, ornate decorations throughout. The theatre was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Detroit Fox was built by film pioneer William Fox and designed by C. Howard Crane, and was the second largest theatre in the world when it opened. Today, the theatre is as stunning as ever and plays host to a plethora of top performers.
1. Shinola Hotel
Make yourself at home in a place designed for living and sharing in good times with great company.
2. The Living Room
An iconic space celebrating our city’s heritage of craft, culture and enduring community spirit.
3. The Canfield Suite
Settle into one of our most coveted suite.
4. San Morello
Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring art at this world-renowned museum. Places to
Indulge in authentic, handcrafted Italian delicacies.
5. Michigan Central Station
A towering symbol of Detroit’s past, present and future.
6. GM Renaissance Center
Marvel at this longstanding icon in Detroit’s skyline.
7. Detroit Institute of Arts
8. Motown Museum
Explore the soulful sounds and rich history of Motown at Hitsville, USA.
9. Charles H. Wright Museum
Delve deep into the tribulations and triumphs that make up African American history.
10. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Home to a beautiful bounty of luscious flora.
11. Belle Isle Aquarium
An enchanting architectural and aquatic landmark.
12. Campus Martius
Skate around the center of the city.
13. Fox Theatre
Catch a show in this magnificent theatre.
Copyright © 2025, Jake Rose
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email author at jake@colorourtown.com.
Cover art and back cover art by Brenda Zabala. Line illustrations by Ivan Myerchuk, and Jake Rose.
Printed in USA
Color Our Town Press www.colorourtown.com
Opposite PageBreakfast on the Bedrock Penthouse terrace
