Mother's Day Photo Shoot at Olds Manor (Rowe Hotel) Grand Rapids, MI

So last Sunday was Mother's Day, and I told Michael and Grace that the only thing I wanted was for them to let me take their photos without complaint. Grace really doesn't complain.... in fact, she was great at posing for me. But Michael wasn't all that into it which was completely expected. He's a (nearly) 15-year-old teenager. I've accepted the fact that most pictures of him at this age will not include a smile on his face. It's ok.... really. And they weren't too keen on the idea of having a photograph together! Oh well.

So I knew exactly where I wanted to take them! There is an AMAZINGLY cool old building in downtown Grand Rapids..... this building is urban decay at it's finest (or maybe it's worst??)! Olds Manor has the best architecture! Rusted flag poles, faces sculpted on the sides of the building, broken lights and a touch of graffiti added... wow. I am totally fascinated with this building. The kids and I had a great time peeking in the windows... oh how I'd love to get in there to photograph it! It was built in the late 1800's and first opened as the Rowe Hotel, later turning into an old folks home called Olds Manor. I am not sure when it closed, but this building is now slowing falling apart. It's actually quite sad that it's fate is not yet known. I did get some great shots of the kids, which I am so thankful for. And I got some shots of various parts of the building. I do want to go back and photograph it some more... seriously cool, in a very creepy way!












And these next two were taken next to Olds Manor at the post office. Grace loved this ginormous ramp that the postal cars drive on!