What makes Detroit the region that it is? What are the civic treasures that hold us together — and what are the smaller gems that each of us find and hold dear? We asked you — and you told us in paper ballots mailed to Metro Times and submitted online at our Web site. We asked our friends and acquaintances for the places and things here that add spark to their lives. And we asked each other, our fellow staffers in this enterprise called Metro Times, and the coterie of freelancers who are essential to putting out a paper like this every week.

In this issue you’ll view some of our major cultural hallmarks as seen through the lens of photographer Cybelle Codish. And, we hope, you’ll learn a thing or two that will enhance your appreciation of these civic treasures. And we’ll talk about plenty of the smaller spots in the city and burbs. We’ll tell you where to sup on great dim sum and point out some great delis. We’ll tell you where you can indulge in consumerism and places to escape it all; we’ll point out things to shake your fist at and dance floors for shaking your ass.

And we’ll listen to your feedback and suggestions — sent to bestofdetroit@metrotimes.com — as we hunker down and start planning for the Best of Detroit 2005.

Civic treasures:

A park for all seasons
by Curt Guyette

Assembly lineage
by Michael Jackman

Black diamond
by Khary Kimani Turner

Cover-to-cover splendor
by Michael Jackman

Fistful of fun
by Ann Mullen

House of repute
by Lisa M. Collins

Market eclectic
by Michael Jackman

Modern history
by Michael Jackman

Picture-perfect palace
by Sarah Klein

River of return
by Michael Jackman

Strokes of genius
by Lisa M. Collins

Best of Detroit 2004:

Community values
Department of commerce
Nutritional value
Steppin’ out
Best of the worst
Reader’s Poll

Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.