Before the casino, Greektown was Trappers Alley

Load up the car today and head to Greektown and you'll find the casino, named for the historic part of Detroit, but it always been that way.

In 1985, Trapper's Alley took up residence on Monore Ave at one time and was still bustling when the above picture was snapped between Beaubien and St. Antoine. Once open for shoppers, Trappers Alley gave Detroiters a unique shopping experience and retained many industrial and architectural elements in the structures.

The area was once home to the Traugott Scmidt & Sons complex on the sout side of Monroe. Before the 1900s, it housed a bustling fur tannery.

In 2000, Greektown Casino opened for business and Trappers Alley became essential to the complex. The alerations to the area did away with the distinctive water tower and smokestack, but when you head downtown, you'll still find the expansive atrium and preserved buildings.

The image above shows St. Mary's  Catholic Church and School building, Grecian Gardens, Pegasus Taverna, and - of course - Trappers Alley. The one-way street is also lined with park cars includings a classic Corvette. A sign on the front of Grecian Gardens can be seen reading "Seafood, Steaks, Chops, Greek Cooking, Oriental Shish Kebob". 

Today, the sidewalks are wider, Cold Stone creamery has taken up residence and the casino is there. However, Pegasus is still there and you can still pop in for a drink or a bite to eat.

FOX 2 thanks the Detroit Historical Society for this and all of our Throwback Thursday posts.