Detroit and Buick: A Renaissance For All, Part 2
After an amazing first day getting to know Detroit a little better I was raring to go for day 2! We regrouped bright and early to head to a very special place for breakfast. Our day would be book-ended at the vibrant Eastern Market, a six-block public market that has been open since 1891. It is the largest open-air market in the United States. Close to 50,000 people flow through every Saturday even in the middle of the winter!
Thankfully, we weren't eating breakfast outdoors! Instead, we headed to an amazing letterpress studio called Salt & Cedar, located in a converted abattoir for poultry in the market. Not only is it a letterpress studio, but it is also a gallery (with works by co-owner Leon Johnson, an awarding-winning artist as well as others), a pop-up cinema, and food events space where they use fresh ingredients from Eastern Market. They also offer workshops on bookbinding (and more) which is why we were visiting.
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We were greeted by Leon's wife and co-owner, Megan O'Connell also an internationally-recognized artist, designer, and teacher as well as their son, Leander who immediately served us a welcome drink called Part & Parcel using Detroit City Distillery spirits (they happen to be Salt & Cedar's neighbor!). The studio is absolutely stunning and we all tried to capture it in photos but the beautiful ambient lighting, the sheer volume of items in the room made it was impossible to capture in its entirety. I have one photo from a new friend I met on the trip, Stella B, a blogger for the online magazine Clementine Daily.
Any photo really can't do the room justice! It is dark and wonderfully homey in there. And the meal we were served was deliciously comforting. Fresh ingredients went into the creation of a wonderful frittata, several salads, a sweet potato hash, and warm crusty bread. I was in seven heaven! Bellies full and heads slightly buzzing from mimosas and ‘part and parcels,' the table was cleared and Leon took over. We spent the next hour or so creating our own monastery journals.
I was completely fascinated by the process, not the actual tactile creation of my own journal, I suck at this type of thing, but the history that Leon shared about every piece and part of what went into the creation of a book. I could have listened to him for hours. Happily, there is an all-day workshop to do book-binding that Salt & Cedar offers and I would absolutely love to do that just to hear more!
As I said the room was very dark, but I found a great photo of Leon and his son that basically mimics our set-up:
Megan had prepared beautiful paper and lint covers, we each had a board to work on with a brick, glue, and thread and needle. We followed Leon's instructions and in the end, we all had our own journals to take out into the world to fill with whatever our heart's desire. Here's mine. I had had it sitting on the top of our wine fridge. When I grab a glass of wine and look out the back window I think about how I am going to do this little journal justice, what secrets will it hold, what dreams will it carry…
We said a fond farewell to Leon and Megan and headed back to Canfield Road to do a little shopping at a few local spots like Shinola, RUNDetroit, and City Bird. We had a quick lunch plus ice cream – yep, I know it was January in Detroit, but when you are sitting in the state's smallest dairy, you can't miss out! We then headed back to our hotel for a few hours of rest before the big event in the evening.
We would be attending the unveiling of Buick's newest car, the Cascada, the first convertible to be made by Buick in 25 years! There would be other surprises that evening as well and we all wanted to relax before the festivities began.
So why Buick?
Honestly, when they first reached out to me, that was my very question. My first car at age seventeen was American but I have never owned an American car since (although it turns out the Opel Zafira I had when I worked in Switzerland was a General Motors car!). American cars have never really been on my radar, my bias has been to foreign cars, my perception is that they are more reliable. I think that many people have had the same impression over the years and as a result the American car industry definitely experienced a decline, and Detroit along with it.
But American cars are back. I have seen some really nice models on the road and I have my eye on what they are doing in terms of hybrids and electric vehicles.
In truth, Buick also made it on my radar with some of their recent marketing campaigns. I am a marketer by profession, so I can't help myself. I love the “that's not a Buick” commercials.
It's great because now all the hashtags on social are #ThatsABuick! But the campaign that really caught my attention was the “blue hair” ads! I love them!
The ads turned what people think of Buick on its head! It takes guts and I like that. Much like Detroit's revival, Buick is going through its own renaissance. I can't say I have all the dots connected yet on what that means, but that is the purpose of this project over the next year, to understand where Buick is headed and why I (and you) should care. It is a quest I am looking forward to undertaking.
So many great brands have lifted themselves out of the ashes and I want to see American car companies do well so I don't have to buy a foreign car. If you have been reading this blog for any length of time you know how important buying local is to me. I would like to put my money where my mouth is for my next vehicle as well.
After a brief respite in the hotel, we all got fancied up and headed back to the Eastern Market. The evening's event was held in Shed 3, one of the indoor venues which they rent out for events. It was wonderfully industrial and a great space. It was perfect for making the cars the stars of the show!
Ahead of the unveiling, we got to sit down with Duncan Aldred, the U.S. Vice President of Buick-GMC. Mr. Aldred shared his own journey to Detroit: he came to visit for the first time last January when the city was experiencing snowpocalypse, he jokingly said he almost didn't come back. In all seriousness, he did come back and the Buick did really well last year. They had 11% growth, gained market share, and continued the tradition of their design which they are well known for. He indicated that Buick has earned the right to build the Cascada and he is really excited to see it flourish.
After meeting Mr. Aldred we also met Ed Walburn, Head of Design who spoke about the design process and the Buick brand's attributes: premium, contemporary, inspired by fashion and consumer products. He spoke about the great heritage that Buick but that they don't “do retro.” They are looking to elicit an emotional response. He was really excited for the reveal which he said was like theater. It was clear that the entire Buick team was excited about the unveiling. The previous year they didn't unveil any new models. The Buick team was also keeping another big secret that we would later learn about in a most dramatic way.
It was time for the unveiling! The CEO of GM, Mary Barra, entered the room. She is a pretty big deal. She is the first female CEO of a major global automaker and the only female CEO of a Fortune 10 company – seriously, you go girl!
Mr. Aldred was introduced and brought on stage to speak about Buick's growth and its future and then he unveiled the Cascada, a beautiful new convertible whose top goes down in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph. I think it is pretty sleek looking!
Then came an even bigger surprise! Mark Reuss, the Executive Vice President of Global Product Development took the stage. He proudly announced the curveball of the evening…a brand new concept car, the Avenir! Mr. Reuss brought Mr. Walburn up to talk about the design of this new concept, but I didn't hear much, I was caught up in staring at this gorgeous vehicle.
The Frenchie in me was loving the name (Avenir means future) and that's exactly what I felt like I was looking at, the future of beautifully designed American cars.
I did not realize until the next day how truly rare a concept car is. The next morning when we headed out [very early] to the North American International Auto Show I spent some time with some lovely Buick folks (along with my new best friend Lois). I learned that Buick has a long history of concept cars, in fact, they launched the very first one called the Buick Y-Job in 1938, but it has been nearly ten years since the Riviera reprisal concept in 2007.
So, it was all very exciting!
Just as I was soaking in the sleek design of the Avenir, beautiful voices coming from the audience distracted me. First one, then another, then another. Until there were ten. Officially ten that is.
This outstanding acapella group was the first runner-up from Season 4 of The Sing-Off. I can honestly say I haven't seen the show, but Officially Ten? I'm hooked! They are pretty amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the set they sang to close the evening out.
The next morning I visited the car show which was fun, but tiny after many years of working the CES show in Las Vegas. All too quickly I was back on a plane heading to [a much warmer] San Francisco. During my flight, I had plenty of time to reflect on my weekend.
I am convinced that Detroit is going through a major transformation, one I am excited to keep my eye on, and for the first time in a very long time, there is a shimmer of hope for the future of American cars. I want to learn more, see more from Buick to understand the depth of their renaissance, but from what I have seen thus far, it looks like it is going to be a great year.
Thank you Buick for inviting me to be part of the Buick Bloggers and for sponsoring my trip to Detroit. Despite the compensation, all opinions – as always, are my own.
How about you? What are your experiences with the Buick brand? American cars? And Detroit! Have you ever create your own letterpress journal? Do tell!
I’ve actually never driven a Buick but they are nice looking cars these days
@Carrie, me neither, but I hope to remedy that!
I grew up about 45 minutes from Detroit, so it’s exciting to see this revival and all of the cool companies bringing new life into the city! I really hope that all this energy will eventually change the economic makeup of the city itself. And I definitely would not mind driving that Buick convertible for sure. 🙂 Looks like you are having an amazing trip!
@Abby, I believe that will actually happen with Detroit!
My father would only drive Buicks. Back in the 70s they were Queen Mary boats, but they look quite trendy today!
@Tam, I remember those cars and they have gone along way!
Wouldn’t you really rather drive a Buick? A Buick? A brand new Buick? Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. That old commercial came out as soon as I read your post.
This looks amazing and I would have loved to learn everything you spoke about! Fascinating stuff.
@Cathy, that happens to me all the time!
Some pretty hot-looking new cars! It’s a pretty big deal, this reinvention, isn’t it?
@Carol, they are hot!
Would it be uncool to say I’m jealous? Ah, well, so be it. I’m jealous. This looks like a fabulous time with a fabulous brand. I’ll view Buick a wee bit different going forward. Thank you!
@Lisa, it is totally okay to say, everyone turns green over something! I am happy to hear that I could share something that changed your mind a bit.
what a great experience driving a Buick. im sure the car is excellent on roads and its one of the nicest cars around to drive.
What a wonderful trip! And yes, I’ve noticed Buicks lately and they’re looking pretty good!
@Sheryl, so glad you think so!
I’ve heard great things about Buick’s! We don’t drive so I haven’t a clue but those with them, love them!
@Jeanine, maybe you will be a passenger in one and you’ll get to see how they are!
So gleamy!! Ahhh, Buick reminds me of a father. You’re a great ambassador for the brand, Andi. They’re lucky to have a hard-working blogger like you participating in the project. By the way, I’ll take some of that blue hair. What a great ad.
@Jen, thank you so much, I appreciate your support as always. I love the blue chunk!
I always think of my Grandma when I think of Buick. Like yourself, I really loved the new blue hair ads. Great marketing!
@Lauren, times are a changing and Buick along with it!
I too love the whole history of journal making and would have loved to hear the stories your hosts told. And the new convertible? I am seriously looking at that one! What a perfect California coast car…. Thank you for taking us all on your tour of Detroit and showing us all the new incredible new offerings from Buick!
@Ruth, so glad you enjoyed it. And it is perfect for California, I want to take one up Highway 1!
I love that room setup! It looks like it was a great time!
@Shannon, the room was absolutely gorgeous!
The Eastern Market looks so artsy and fun….not what you think of for Detroit but it makes sense that it should be a creative city. I like the look of the new Buicks!
@Tamara, nothing about Detroit is what I expected!
I hope Detroit bounces back too. I’d love to see that happen. I love how shiny those Buicks look.
@Thersea, they were pretty gorgeous!
What an incredible experience & the photos really make me feel like I’m there! & I now love the name Leander!
@Stephanie, I agree, I had never heard the name before and it is so original!
seems like you are having a great time in Detroit.. that’s the same thing I thought on my trip to ND how do people get out and make the most out of the weather.. I guess you just get used to it! Again, highly recommend the enclave they are great vehicles..
@Yaitza, looks like I will be trying out the Enclave this spring on a road trip, so looking forward to it!
I’ve never driven a Buick. I think it’s about time for a test drive the convertible!
@Mary, most definitely! It will be out in early 2016.
That printing press looks really fascinating. What an interesting trip, thanks for the read!
@Laura, it was really intriguing to see, and Megan was so great about explaining the process.
they have definitely changed their look over the years.. haha those commercials have caught my eye too.. i used to always think buicks were driven by grandmas. 🙂 that’s so fun that you got to make a monastery journal too!
@Esther, they are doing a great job and the models I saw lived up to their long heritage of great design.
Well, I don’t care much about cars…but the big open market in Detroit sounds wonderful!
@Jamie, a foodie dream!
Good to see Detriot booming again, I’m not a Buick fan nor can I be when I work for Toyota hehe. ;o) Looked like a blast either way.
@Kakers, I understand! I work for a brand so I can’t talk about my competitors! I myself don’t own a Buick but I am really enjoying learning about them.
Sounds like you had a FABULOUS time. And I have ALWAYS loved home grown cars. I do hope you are aright….Detroit is on it’s way back. Beautiful cars! I adore their commercials where no one recognizes the Buick. That’s because they have become AWESOME!
@Tammy, I want to buy homegrown as well and with the direction that Buick is heading, it seems like it is going to be an easy choice!
I remember seeing your IG pics from this event, and it looked so fun!! I must have missed those blue hair ads but they would have got me too :-).
@Angie, it was fun, except for me freezing my tushyie! Thanks for following on IG!
I’m so glad you had a great time on your 2nd day to our area! (Sorry the weather was so cold-it really is nice come summertime!) I’m glad you got to go to Shinola, one of my friends works there and they’ve been doing some really cool stuff! 🙂
@Leah, I will get a chance to go back in the summer so I am looking forward to that! The people in the Shinola store were so awesome. Several took extra time to speak with me, and they were so nice and accommodating.
I agree with Cathy. That commercial came right back to me lol. Nice car for sure.
@Carolann, those types of things happen to me all the time! I totally enjoyed the moment!
It looks you had such a good time, what a fun trip! I love the new convertible. I have owned several Buicks and always liked them.
I am so thrilled for Detroit and hope the transformation continues!
@Doreen, so awesome to hear you have personal experience with Buick! Hope you get an opportunity to get to Detroit to see the transformation.
The new Buicks are so sleek! I love that convertible too… although it’s not my everyday style 🙂
@Chelley, they are sleek! I am a convertible from time to time for a roadtrip kind of girl myself!
I so want to create my own letterpress journal now! Also, that room setup is gorgeous.
@Brenda, it was fun! And I want Leon and Megan to decorate my house!
My husband works for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and is always saying how Buicks are the nicest cars they have and how impressed he is every time he drives one. It sounds like you had an awesome trip. I’ve been to Detroit for a long weekend, but didn’t get to experience much of the local setting. Thanks for sharing such lovely photos!
@Chelsie, thanks for mentioning that, I love Enterprise, they have amazing customer service. You should definitely try an additional weekend and do some local exploring.
So much fun experiencing this with you – and re-experiencing it through your great post!
@Lois, thanks I had so much fun with you as well and look forward to our adventures together!
The cars look great and they are really doing a great job with marketing.
@Karissa, I think so too!
I have never driven with a Buick but they look very nice.
Andi, Andi, this comment does not concern Detroit at all. I finished the series “Fargo” yesterday and Duluth Minnesota looks like a frozen hell. Have you been there?
@Mai, I have not, but it doesn’t sound like my cup of tea, but I know that area is gorgeous in the fall!
I have a Buick. I love my car. I rarely have had any problems with it. Buicks are good cars.
@Jennifer, that is so awesome to hear!
Never drove a Buick but I do like their new commercials with people being surprised by it being a Buick!
@Debi, they are pretty clever!
Those Buicks are so nice. Very sleek!
What a fun promotion. I’m going to have to go to Detroit later this year, but thank God it will be warm by then. Ha.
@Mandi, I hear it is fabulous when the weather is nice, I will beheading back then too.
My first boyfriend’s car was a buick… lol. Love the blue hair ads!
Looks like so much fun. I love the book binding you got to do. I bet that was an experience you’ll cherish.
Thanks for giving us an a visitors guide to Detroit and what drives the city!
i had this bad impression of detroit from all that i’ve heard, and your post is making me feel a lot better about it1 =)
@Ananda, it is an amazing place worth exploring!
I just love the irony of the blue hair growing up my grandma had the blue hair and the blue buick
@Brandi, ha-ha, what a visual!
I think i am the only one whose not familiar with Buicks but sounds like great cars and the event sounds like it was worth the trip.
@Myrabev, I don’t think I have seen any in Europe!
Looks like you had a nice day. That book binding place looks nice, and the meal sounds tasty.
@Angel, it was. It was a warm meal, on a cold day, in a beautiful home (that was actually a studio!)
Well, I live in NYC so haven’t driven a car in a while. But I LOVE Detroit and get very excited to hear about all the interesting things they have going on and the transformation they’re undergoing. Sounds like a cool trip!
@TravelPanties, what do you like most about Detroit?
I used to go to the Detroit Athletic Club. There are also some great restaurants there. Haven’t been in a while, I used to go when I lived in Ann Arbor. Another fabulous town!
Looks like a lovely place. The book binding place looks so interesting. I would have loved to have gone. The new Buick looks amazing.
Great post
Rosie x
@Rosie, the book binding was fun and so interesting to hear all the history around the art.
Buick is sure coming out with some nice cars. I love the Casada. My favorite commercial is when the couple is looking out the window . The neighbor – a nice looking guy gets out of his Buick. They husband says lucky for them and she says lucky for her. I Love it.
@Corina, I haven’t seen that one, I will have to look for it!
Wow,the public market here is not even close to blocks, mabe a block,if that.
Whoa, I love that car!
My dad used to own a black 1931 Buick. He used to take the family out for ice cream in it once or twice each summer, and my sister and I thought it was a blast because there was no backseat. We were basically riding in a luggage area lol. It was a beautiful car, but he sold it eventually.
@Abria, what an awesome memory, those old cars are absolutely beautiful!
I would totally drive the Cascada! That is a cute convertible that is right up my alley.
@Jennifer, it is pretty adorable, can’t wait to give one a test drive when they come out next year!
Detroit has gotten a bad rap – your post makes me put it on my must-see places to visit. Thx for such an informative post.
@Kimba, yay, so glad to hear! I had an amazing time in the freezing cold, can you imagine what it is like in good weather?!
I love this ‘blue hair’ ad! Your posts have really made me rethink Detroit and Buick too. I see their ads on TV and their new look has made an impression!
@Lindsay, so glad to hear, I keep thinking of doing a chunk of color in my hair like that, love the ad, but mine would probably be red!
What a great experience! I live in Los Angeles now but I was born and raised in Detroit. My grandmother made her way to Easter Market every weekend for years. Both of my parents retired from the automobile plants and have pretty much insisted I only drive American cars! I’m excited about the revival of Detroit and Buick!
For so many reasons, this post made me homesick. 🙂
@Camesha, what a great city to be from, it has gone through so much and to see it persevere and get stronger it pretty amazing. I can’t wait for my next trip this summer!
We are leaving our BMW behind and getting in a Buick Lacrosse as of today. Beautiful lines both inside and out. If this goes well, we are looking to replace our other car with a Buick as well. My wife and I really appreciate the “quiet tuning” which cuts down on road noise dramatically – a common problem with cars these days for some reason.