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Joe Louis Arena is disappearing one exterior panel at a time. Deconstruction work on the site that played home to the Red Wings for almost 40 years became visible this week after months of interior work. The Joe is closing as part of the agreement that brought us Little Caesars Arena, on the northern edge of downtown, in 2017.
Photojournalist Michael Lucido stopped by to photograph the beginning of the end.
Learn more about the planned demolition here.
Workers remove panels on Monday.
The Joe Louis Arena People Mover stop is earily quiet.
The old Red Wings ticket booth.
Exterior metal paneling being removed.
Cranes painted in support of the Red Wings.
No more fresh paint or repairs for this retired old boy.
Paint peels off the steps of the Joe.
An exit spray-painted with the initials "PLUR" — "Peace Love Unity Respect."
The extent of exterior demolition as of June 17.
Another crane painted to commemorate Gordie Howe, a Red Wings legend.
Can he lead us to another one?
