MEDIA RELEASE: Launching a Virtual Tour App!
Wheelhouse Detroit Offers New Tour, in Partnership with Totago, a Techtown Project
Automotive Heritage virtual bicycle tour created with help of new Detroit app development company
DETROIT. September 11, 2020—Wheelhouse Detroit, the city’s bicycle sales, service, rental, and tour retailer, is launching a new virtual tour in partnership with new-to-Detroit app development company, TOTAGO. The tour is available via the TOTAGO app as the first in a series of Wheelhouse tours throughout the city designed and hosted by the new app.
The Wheelhouse Auto Heritage bicycle tour explores the early through recent history of Detroit’s rich automotive heritage. The tour takes in the Globe Building on the Detroit riverfront, now home to the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, the Dequindre Cut, Packard Plant and other significant locations. It includes a stop at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the home of the birthplace of the Model T Ford, as well as a stop at TechTown, itself an automotive heritage site designed by Albert Kahn. The tour is conducted in partnership with the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant and with MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Kelli Kavanaugh, owner of Wheelhouse Detroit, looks forward to the new partnership. "I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of an even greater opportunity to share Detroit stories with people in their own time and at their own pace,” said Kavanaugh. “One great aspect of this project has been the chance to work with other small businesses in Detroit and with TechTown. It’s real proof that the spirit of collaboration is alive in Detroit.”
TOTAGO (Turn Off The App and GO), recently set up shop in the TechTown collection of businesses. Working with Kavanaugh to customize the content and design, founder and CEO Adrian Laurenzi is optimistic about the app and its ability to showcase Southeast Michigan’s historic and natural features. “Being in Detroit and working with TechTown and Wheelhouse has been a great way to get started and get to know the city well,” said Laurenzi. “There are so many great places to explore here, we’re looking forward to discovering more, and helping our app’s customers discover more about the area too.”
When COVID restrictions inspired her to launch the concept of a digital tour, Kavanaugh reached out to TechTown, which connected her to TOTAGO, one of TechTown’s newest tenants. “TechTown is where Detroit-based startups and local businesses are empowered to develop, launch and grow. Now more than ever, entrepreneurs are operating in both the tech and retail space – and we are excited to see that individuals and businesses participating in various programs through our nonprofit are making connections with TechTown as their common thread," said Kimberly Palter, TechTown's director of marketing and communications. “The relationship fostered between Kelli and Adrian is the perfect example of one of TechTown's serendipitous collisions."
The app’s development and launch were supported with a grant from nonprofit MotorCities National Heritage Area. MotorCities links the world’s largest collection of cultural and labor organizations, museums, archives, factories, auto collections and events to preserve the story of how tinkerers became titans and how auto and labor helped build the middle class while transforming manufacturing worldwide.
Tour tickets are purchased through the TOTAGO app. Once the app is downloaded and the tour is purchased, riders will have access to the full detailed map and directions. At each stop, a virtual video tour guide joins participants. The tour costs $15. Links to download the app and preview the tour can be found at wheelhousedetroit.com/virtual-tours.
About Wheelhouse Detroit
Wheelhouse Detroit, located on Detroit’s riverfront, was established in 2008 and is Michigan’s only woman-owned bicycle shop. Wheelhouse offers retail, service, tours and rentals and has been named one of America’s Best Bike Shops for five years running by the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Wheelhouse offers small private and public bicycle tours with social distancing protocols in place. The shop is currently open by appointment only and offers discounted pickup and delivery. For more information, visit wheelhousedetroit.com.
About TOTAGO
TOTAGO (Turn Off The App - Go Outside) is a mobile and web app that can help anyone to have a fantastic experience outside. TOTAGO recently launched information and maps covering more than 600 parks in Southeast Michigan. The app includes detailed recommendations for hiking, nature walks, bicycling, and paddling experiences. For more information, visit totago.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Lyons, mlyons@robarpr.com