Everyday people walk by the intricate limestone carvings in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan and few take time to notice the details. I admit, I myself have walked by many such buildings without noticing them. 
However, when you look at this work, it is hard not to admire the detail.
Here is are some photos of one of the towers of Michigan Avenue. It features some wonderful limestone carvings in downtown Battle Creek. Notice the one detail of the gargoyle face in the upper left (see photo below)? When I took this photo, I never even noticed that one! 
When I have researched the emergence of limestone carvings in downtown in the city archives, I learned that much of the stone came from Indiana in a quarry down there. The limestone can be seen in area buildings such as the Hart Hotel, the Federal Center and one of the towers as depicted here.
Limestone carvings in downtown Battle Creek are perhaps a character of an architectural detail that is a lost art. Or maybe due to cost saving issues, newer building don't include them in present construction. They are however an aesthetic detail that I find intriquing, and I cannot help but think of the artist who carved it originally. How many other marks did that artist leave behind that are out of the direct line of sight, that may be there for the next hundred years? 
So if you are out and about or visiting the area, be sure to look up once in awhile and admire the limestone carvings in downtown Battle Creek. You might be surprised to see a gargoyle or goblin looking down on you, or notice a rose relief that you never knew was there. When I talk to artists who mention they are looking for new material, I sometimes suggest they examine some of the older architecture around town. There is often a lot there to inspire the imagination!
Limestone carvings in downtown, may sometimes be overlooked, but if you take time to look up occasionally, they offer so much to admire!
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