Ronald Ahrens

More than a wealthy enclave, Indian Village brought architectural richness and exceptional civility to Detroit.

Not since Detroit absorbed California hot-rod culture have the Motor City and the Golden State embraced each other so tight. The quest to perfect self-driving cars and find innovative mobility solutions made it happen. Is this the biggest story in American business?

In the 19th century, lighthouse construction helped Great Lakes shipping flourish.

Continental Motors Co. supplied horsepower to independent automakers before taking to the air.

Christmas shopping in Detroit was simpler in 1880 before department stores, mass merchandising, and the debut of Santa’s Grotto.

Thanks to George H. Webb, Michigan Central Railroad’s new depot in 1913 was a wonder of design and engineering.

Propelled by the U.S. Army’s large R&D operation in Warren, the defense, automotive, manufacturing, IT, and cybersecurity sectors are converging to develop autonomous ground and aerial vehicles, new technologies, and rapid prototyping.

Bob-Lo Island operated longer than any Detroit-area amusement park, but high costs, red tape, and changing tastes led to its demise.

Lincoln Motor Co.’s factory complex was many things – a unique real estate deal, a hurry-up construction project, and an albatross –before Ford Motor Co. rescued the operation.

Gibson started out solo in his home workshop, but found financial backing to launch Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in 1902. His financial partners purchased rights to his patent for $2,500, while Gibson — taking 60 shares of stock — evidently became a salaried employee.