Around Michigan & State Government

Green Light Detroit owner to scale Penobscot Building to fix light

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published February 18, 2015 at 3:49 PM EST

Here is the view looking down from the Penobscot Building, the building Todd Farnum will soon climb.

Listen to Stateside's conversation with Todd Farnum, owner of Green Light Detroit.

Since it opened in 1928, thePenobscotBuilding has been one of the architectural crown jewels of Detroit’s downtown. It was the eighth-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Michigan until the Renaissance Center hotel tower was built in 1977.

Generations ofMichigandersknew that the top of this Art Deco tower was marked by a red neon light. But big sections of that light have burned out.

ToddFarnum, owner of Green Light Detroit, plans to climb the 47 story building to fix those lights.

“I’m experienced at it and for me – as a child seeing that ball lit – you know it’s always been a prominent part of the skyline of Detroit,”Farnumsaid. “I feel a sense of nostalgia, and wanting to get it lit. Currently there’s a lot more people also that are behind me on it, so it’s quite an honor to be able to do this for them.”

Farnum said he’s been receiving emails, messages and lots of press in regards to his upcoming feat to save Detroit’s iconic red light. Some difficulties he knows he’ll encounter include the high winds found at such a high elevation – 650 feet at the top of the building – and Michigan's weather.

“It’s a challenge, but I’m up to it,” he said.