Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick is so determined to show Super Bowl visitors a new face for his beleaguered city that he is willing to sacrifice its Motown roots.

This week, wrecking crews began taking down the long-abandoned office building that was home to Motown Records from 1968 to 1972.

The destruction upset Francis Grunow, executive director of Preservation Wayne, a group that has tried for decades to save some of the city's more significant buildings.

"It seems very sad that all it's worth is 50 parking spots for the Super Bowl," Mr. Grunow said.

- New York Times

Smooth one, Kwame.

Photos from SNWEB.