LaBelle, who lives in Alpena, has been assembling models since he was a boy. Some were done with pre-packaged kits, but some of the larger and detailed works of art he created from items and pieces of scraps.

He has models that are over four feet tall that mimic some of the most popular skyscrapers in the world, to spaceships from popular sci-fi movies, historic aircraft, submarines, and more.

Many of the models, especially in a room that showcases his collection of skyscrapers, include LED lights to increase their realism.

“I was really into models when I was a boy, but kind of outgrew it when I was a teenager, when I started chasing girls and living like a teenager does,” he said. “Then, in my late 20s, I got back into it, and everything has accumulated since. I enjoy the building, the construction, and most of the creating. It allows me to put a piece of myself into some artwork.”

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz A close-up photo of some of the large skyscraper models Patrick LaBelle has built over the years, which are on display in his home in Alpena.

Some of LaBelle’s most impressive bills were built from scratch. He described scratch building as a method of putting a model together with some scraps of materials or objects.

“There is no kit involved, and I basically get a vision in my mind and build it with random materials,” LaBelle said. “I built the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center towers, and the Renaissance Center in Detroit, all from scratch.”

LaBelle said scratch model assembly is not something that can be done quickly. He said he can work two hours a day for many weeks to put together one model. Then, he said, adding the lights inside of them is also time-consuming, but worth the payoff when he shuts the basement light off and takes in the aura of the replicas he created.

Before and during a build, LaBelle said he often researches his subject, which he said helps him learn more about the history and significance. That increases the appreciation he has for the replicas he recreates.

“I Google it to closely examine the pictures, read about them, and then transfer that knowledge into the model,” he said. “It just sort of all comes together.”

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz Patrick LaBelle uses a small paintbrush to paint a small model piece in his workshop. LaBelle has hundreds of models, big and small, on display in his basement.

LaBelle is well-versed in pop culture, entertainment, world events, and history. He has hundreds of movie characters he has built from the Marvel and D.C. superheroes, Star Wars spaceships, and other popular television shows and movies. He has also assembled many animal models, including dinosaurs.

LaBelle said he doesn’t have a favorite in his collection, but the World Trade Center towers and the Empire State Building are special to him because he built them from scratch. He also offered some advice to people who are just beginning to assemble models.

“Take your time and be patient,” he said. “Enjoy watching it take form and treasure it when it is complete.”

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz This is a model of the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. Patrick LaBelle assembled the model from scratch using scrap materials.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz Patrick LaBelle shows off a rattlesnake model he built, as hundreds of figurine models pose in the background.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz A model of a bridge sits in front of skyscrapers that were created by Patrick LaBelle.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz These models of popular skyscrapers from around the world are the work of Patrick LaBelle. He has been putting together most of his life and says it is a way to relax and express himself at the same time.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz Patrick LaBelle shows off a new sand feature he is working on in his basement, as the skyscrapers light up the background.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz These are a few more of the model skyscraper collection Patrick LaBelle has on display at his home. If you look closely at the Empire State Building, you can see airplanes flying around a small model of King Kong.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz Patrick LaBelle made this model of the World Trade Center towers before they fell victim to the 2001 terrorist attack that caused them to collapse. He said the model was not from a kit, but made up of little objects and other materials.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz The skyscrapers seen here all have small strings of lights inserted into them to make the models of the buildings appear that lights are coming out of the windows and lighting the exteriors of the buildings.