Google Street View time machine images show the sad decline of Detroit from 2009 to 2013

WebUrbanist drew our attention to a Tumblr blog that captures the sad decline of Detroit from 2009 to 2013 using images captured from Google’s Street View time machine.

Back in April, Google added a clock icon to the top-left corner of images, which opens out into a slider that allows you to see the same image photographed at different times … 

Tumblr blogger Alex has used the feature to illustrate the way that abandoned suburban areas have been transformed from pleasant-looking homes to wrecks. The city, which had a population of 1.8 million at its automobile manufacturing peak, is now home to just 700,000 people, with entire suburban areas left deserted.

Detroit declared bankruptcy last year, with debts of $18.5B.

If you can handle the depressing sights, check out the rest of the images at goobingdetroit.tumblr.com.