Once upon a time there was a motel called the Thunderbird Motel. It stood on a bustling corner in Detroit. From 1957 to 1991 the Thunderbird offered a cheaper alternative to grand hotels. It catered to tourists using the new interstate system. Amenities included air-conditioning phones carpeting free TV and parking.
The Thunderbird Motel was more than just a place to rest your head. It became a hub of activity. It also unfortunately attracted unwanted attention. In 1960 a group of thieves dubbed the “Beatnik Guitarist Bandit” robbed the motel. They stole $90. This was part of a larger crime spree targeting several Detroit motels. The bandits were eventually caught. Their motives varied from needing money for college to paying bills.
Another unusual aspect of the Thunderbird’s history was Jimmy the Parrot. The Ryans the motel’s operators owned Jimmy. He was a popular pet who greeted guests for eleven years. Jimmy’s death in 1967 made local news. This is noteworthy considering the motel rarely made headlines except for robberies.
In its later years the Thunderbird’s reputation changed. Advertisements described it as an “adult motel.” This hinted at illicit activities. In 1991 federal agents raided the motel. They seized it for allegedly allowing drug trafficking and prostitution. The raid was cheered by nearby businesses. Workers were tired of the illegal activities. The motel was demolished soon after. Today it is a parking lot for the post office. The Thunderbird Motel’s story is a reminder of Detroit’s complex past. It shows the changes the city underwent during that time.