It's a sad story, but I am yet optimistic everything will turn out all
right...

It's not the Casinos in downtown Detroit that threaten a charming old
church, but the evil GM Corporation.  GM moved out of its historic
massive headquarters building (designed by Albert Kahn) in the New
Center Area into the under-used Renaissance Center right downtown.
There is a spur from I-75 that ends at Jefferson Avenue just a few
blocks from their building.  They want more, however, by extending the
highway into a personal off-ramp directly to their building.  This would
go right through the historic Christ Church (designed by Gordon Lloyd)
property.  It's hard to fight city hall, when city hall has bought into
the plan by moving into GM's old building.  So far, no direct threat of
eminent domain or demolition, but the black cloud looms.  The church has
a diverse congregation drawing from many neighborhoods, none of which
surrounds the site, as that has become mostly industrial or commercial
or vacant.  With their committment to restore a landmark building
downtown, I am remain optimistic that wiser heads will prevail.

Ilene