D_mcc Member Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 179 Registered: 12-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:23 pm: | |
Since I unfortunately no longer reside in the Detroit area for the time being, I am forced to relive home looking through photo pages like flikr and DetroitYes. The thing that surprises me the most, is that, when I show people the beautiful abandoned buildings and city scapes, people are in awe of just how beautiful Detroit's habitable space truly is. Granted, I work in an architecture firm with some well known architects. What really gets me, is the comments of, "No one lives in those, or uses them" or "If we could have half of those buildings in our city, it would be fantastic!" Only for me to realize that back home, those same amazing structures are being pissed on, torn down, and left to rot by the slum lords an politicians who control them, or have the ability to make a difference but choose not to. Perhaps the time is right for us as lovers and loyalists of Detroit to make an indelible impression on our leaders to open their eyes to the jewels we have waiting to be polished and reinvigorated. |
Rax Member Username: Rax
Post Number: 120 Registered: 11-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:29 pm: | |
Try calling the Mayor. |
Rugbyman Member Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 219 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:30 pm: | |
Not to rain on your parade, but what do you propose we do to make such an impression? I'm pretty sure that most civic leaders would fill every building Detroit has along with the vacant office parks in suburbia, but they've got this recession on and something tells me the money isn't going to be pouring in anytime soon. Good thoughts aren't going to do millions in renovation work. |
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 3380 Registered: 06-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:31 pm: | |
The problem isn't political leaders or slumlords...nor is it a lack of interest in that type of architecture... It's a lack of interest in the LOCATION of that architecture... If many of these gems could have been moved elsewhere, I'm confidant they would have... |
D_mcc Member Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 182 Registered: 12-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:43 pm: | |
I think a start would be electing a competent public official and city council that has the best interests of the public good in mind, rather than personal political gain. |
Rugbyman Member Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 220 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:45 pm: | |
We'll get right on that. |
401don Member Username: 401don
Post Number: 242 Registered: 11-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 4:59 pm: | |
D_MCC, now you're sounding like someone with a political agenda as opposed to an historic preservationist. These buildings, David Stott, Book, etc. are basically available for free along with tax abatements for job creation, etc. etc. What exactly do you propose these honest politicians we elect should do? |
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit
Post Number: 816 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 5:21 pm: | |
Rax, texting might be a better option |
D_mcc Member Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 185 Registered: 12-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 5:23 pm: | |
I guess all I was trying to say is that though we are a large group, an overall change in mindset in the general population to appreciate the structures we have in our back yard might foster some new interest in Downtown as a business and residential clime. |
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch
Post Number: 2510 Registered: 06-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 5:31 pm: | |
quote: an overall change in mindset in the general population to appreciate the structures we have in our back yard might foster some new interest in Downtown as a business and residential clime. Yeah, it is always pretty easy to effect an "overall change in the mindset of the general population". I dare say it would be better and more efficient to try and change the mind of one or two business leaders. |