Boileau long has specialized in painting urban landscapes, including abandoned auto factories. He also photographed landmark structures with a digital camera, some at the time of their demolition. Those photos and a few paintings, with running prose commentary on the buildings' significance and history, comprise the Web site. Boileau's viewpoint is neither jaded nor sentimental. His is the attitude of a lover of the city who is mournful at the passing of architectural friends but largely resigned to their demise.
Personal experience lends an authoritative edge.
The Uniroyal Tire Plant was built to withstand aerial bombardment. During its demolition, I once counted the number of hits by the wrecking ball that it took to knock down a single column for a single floor. Amazingly, the column withstood 13 hits before it fell. The extensive downtown tour also includes shots of Hudson's, the old Monroe Block, the various Grand Circus Park theaters and landmarks, and a few lesser-known buildings. These include the Madison Lenox Hotel, the triangular GAR Building on Grand River and the Metropolitan Building.