Downtown Revitalization: Detroit

sheclown · October 20, 2014, 05:46:52 AM

Joe and I just returned from a quick trip to Detroit. I was expecting Sarajevo of the 90s and while I saw the devastation of historic old homes being neglected and demolished, I also saw a vibrant downtown full of activity and energy.

First, the really awesome old sky scrapers -- made me think of Ghostbusters. I didn't expect to see them. Some are going to be lost, but others are being restored or are restored.

Secondly, there is a sense of hope -- like they have hit bottom and no place to go but up. It is reflected in the public art and even in the graffiti.

Finally, the notion that we in Jacksonville should feel sorry for Detroit is sort of humorous. I'm sure to the average traveler, we are by far more pathetic.

One thing left out of this article:

The Motown Museum on Grand Boulevard! A couple of old houses turned into a stage for a musical revolution -- that is truly an amazing story.

thelakelander · October 20, 2014, 06:05:52 AM

Yes, I missed the Motown Museum during my last visit. Glad you enjoyed the city.

sheclown · October 20, 2014, 06:34:21 AM

I have some photos to post, but for right now -- Marvin:

http://www.youtube.com/v/pDQ_EA5DJqI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

sheclown · October 20, 2014, 05:46:47 PM

These two houses along Grand Boulevard, -- "Hitsville USA" & 2648 W. Grand Blvd Detroit, MI, -- the humble beginnings of Motown Music.

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sheclown · October 20, 2014, 05:57:50 PM

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thelakelander · October 20, 2014, 08:39:04 PM

Quote from: sheclown on October 20, 2014, 07:03:19 PM

Eastern Market near I-75 and Gratiot & Mack. I have family that lives right off Gratiot.

peestandingup · October 21, 2014, 12:32:22 AM

Quote from: sheclown on October 20, 2014, 05:46:52 AM
Finally, the notion that we in Jacksonville should feel sorry for Detroit is sort of humorous. I'm sure to the average traveler, we are by far more pathetic.

How do you figure that one?? Jacksonville isn't talking about leveling entire swaths of housing all over the city, turning over abandoned areas back to nature, our residents can keep the water on, our crime & murder rate isn't nearly as bad, we aren't burning down housing every night just for kicks, and while we're corrupt, we aren't "Detroit corrupt", and we aren't consistently losing thousands of our population base on a yearly basis. Yes, they have hope, yes downtown is nice & not all of the place is bad, but half of Detroit literally looks like a bomb went off in it. Jax?? Not so much.

Great pics, BTW. But they don't paint the entire picture. I reckon if you went to the truly bad parts that are scattered all over outer Detroit to document, you'd find out real quick that our "bad areas" look like Disney World in comparison. If you even made it out alive.