After years of delays, it finally appears that three vacant buildings in downtown West Dearborn could soon be demolished by year’s end.

The former Brothers Tuxedo building at Michigan and Howard is one of three buildings city council approved to be demolished.

Dearborn City Council on Tuesday night approved (yet again) the demolition of the three biggest eyesores on Michigan Avenue: the Bally Total Fitness (previously a Vic Tanny); Brothers Tuxedo (gutted years ago and rotting since) and the remaining half of the building that was once Guilano’s restaurant.

Regular readers of this site will recall that the removal of these three buildings — all on the north side of Michigan Avenue between Military and Howard streets — were a key part of the Dearborn Village Partners (DVP) corporation’s planned development on Michigan, which at one time included a movie theater and condo/apartment living. In fact, those very plans for the development were submitted to the State of Michigan in order to obtain Brownfield tax credits.

A birdseye view of an early rendering of the DVP project that was once proposed on Michigan between Military and Howard.

With the economy still struggling, it is doubtful the scope and magnitude of the original development will ever see the light of day. The good news, however, is that a new plan for the property must be submitted to both the city and state if DVP still hopes to secure those tax credits.

It isn’t quite clear who will pay for demolition of the three buildings. At one point, it was going to be the city of Dearborn. The city would then hold a lien on the property until it recouped its cleanup costs. It now appears DVP will be paying to have the buildings razed.

The  city of Dearborn, the Dearborn Area Ministerial Association (DAMA) and The Henry Ford are coming together to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001 during a “Remembrance & Unity” candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 on the front lawn of the Henry Ford Museum. The event is free to the public.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will join Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. and The Henry Ford President Patricia Mooradian at this solemn ceremony that will offer both reflection on the past events and a shared hope for the future.

“We are inviting everyone to join us at this event, which will highlight the unity of our community,” O’Reilly said. “The tragic events of September 11 drew us together like never before as a nation, a state and a city. We will remember with respect the impact of that day 10 years ago, and at the same time reinforce the enduring community connections that comforted us then, and continue to strengthen us now.”

The vigil will include community leaders, members of the clergy and music. It will be held regardless of the weather and last about one hour. Candles will be provided and seating for people who are disabled will be available.

“It is truly an honor to host this event at The Henry Ford,” Mooradian said. “In 2001, days after the events that occurred on September 11th, we found people coming through our museum gates in an effort to seek solace and refuge and to be inspired by our nation’s history in a time of great uncertainty. Ten years later, we feel it is so important to gather as one community, to remember and to move forward with great hope and optimism for the future.”

For more information, please call The Henry Ford at 313-982-6001 or visit the website at www.thehenryford.org

The public is invited to attend a free photography lecture-workshop series to be presented by award winning Dearborn photographer Teresa Lousias. The series is part of the Oakwood Arts for the Spirit program and will be held in the Rotunda Room of Oakwood Common, located at 16351 Rotunda in Dearborn.

The four-part lectures and workshop series will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and include:

Photography Travel Lecture, August 31

“The Art of Seeing” Workshop, September 7

“The Zen of Photography” Workshop, September 14

Framing and Exhibiting Your Photos Lecture, September 21

 Photography workshop participants will have an opportunity to showcase their photos at an Exhibition Day event to be held in the Rotunda Room at Oakwood Common on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

“This will be a fun and informative experience that will help to enhance your photography knowledge,” said Delfina Mauricio, Activity Director for Oakwood Common.

For more details and to make a reservation, please call 313-253-9597 or send an email to [email protected].

About Oakwood Common

Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom apartments located within a beautiful 29-acre retirement community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.oakwoodcommon.org