  Wolverine Member Username: Wolverine Post Number: 367 Registered: 04-2004 |
Hi everyone, I've begun working on an urban theory research paper that will focus on the shift of pedestrian oriented business districts in Detroit to more automobile oriented districts. For example, many two story commercial buildings with store windows right up to the sidewalk have been demolished to make way for strip retail, convenience stores, and fast food restaurants with ample parking. Throughout history as consumers' preferences have changed, so has the city environments where people shop. This paper will not focus on the creation of the newer suburban shopping districts in comparison to old ones, rather the replacement of Detroit's existing shopping areas. My paper will also focus on the shift from place to non-place. 'Places' are memorable, such as Hudson's Department store or even Woodward through highland park. 'Non places are not so memorable, fleeting, and sometimes characterized as being mundane. Think downtown street vs strip mall We've heard our parents or grandparents reminisce of the old Detroit and how great it was, so what made it so special? I hope to answer that in my paper. What I was wondering, is if any forumers knew of some excellent resources which cover the history of shopping districts in Detroit. I want to cover ones that have seen the most change. Areas of Highland Park and Jefferson Ave are good ones. I will also cover downtown as what has replaced many businesses is parking structures. I can already pinpoint what exactly existed through Sanborn maps, and I will identify what exists today through my own experiences. I will support the qualities of these places through articles or essays in journals that cover the subject of 'place and nonplace' Photos from the virtual motor city archives have also been helpful so far. What I need help on is specific. I need resources that are descriptive of the environment of these districts. Who was there, what events happened, how busy was it? I appreciate your help! | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 1205 Registered: 12-2005 |
Here's an interesting account of every-day life in 1918 Detroit. It was written by "an eighteen-year-old boy while in his Freshman-Sophomore year at High School. The writer is John Francis DeSales Carrico and this diary contains the true story of the events that occurred in my life during the year of nineteen hundred and eighteen." It includes numerous accounts of his travels by automobile to and from work, plus trips via streetcar to school and downtown for shopping and entertainment. | ||
6nois Member Username: 6nois Post Number: 528 Registered: 11-2006 |
I don't know how to help but I do have to critque your ignoring the suburbs, because I think this type of carcentric new development is replacing old city development with supposedly more attractive suburban development. | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1921 Registered: 12-2003 |
Can't provide you too many specifics, but my grandfather (1913-2007) grew up a short walk from the DUR in Atlas Township, and would take the interurban to Detroit on occasion. He graduated from Grand Blanc HS in 1932. The state fair was one destination. I would focus on two things: -The change in transportation system, from streetcar, interurban, and feet to cars and parking lots. -The expansion and decompression of the city, which resulted in lower densities and therefore a need to pull business patrons from larger areas. Unlike many cities that became crowded during housing shortages, Detroit did not build up and increase density, it exploded and got much bigger. It is party related to the amount of owner-occupied single family homes that were present, but their are other reason's too. Look at Thomas Sugrue's Origins of the Urban Crisis for more about that. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1434 Registered: 04-2006 |
Try Ray Oldenburg, he has written on this. "The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community" Key Phrases: third place association, informal public gathering places, informal public life, United States, Main Street, River Park | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 3425 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: I really hate this statement, because it presumes a conclusion without surveying consumer behavior. You might want to explore how city zoning regulations have evolved over time to allow such changes in the first place. Remember--it's not a choice if there aren't options to begin with. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 1048 Registered: 11-2003 |
Build it and they will come. Build a better mousetrap. Have your cake and eat it too. | ||
Gazhekwe Member Username: Gazhekwe Post Number: 776 Registered: 08-2007 |
There are some threads on here with specific descriptions of Grand River and Greenfield, also I think Gratiot and Seven Mile. The time from the 60s on were times of change, so you can find some firsthand accounts here. Check the HOF threads. | ||
Karl_jr Member Username: Karl_jr Post Number: 111 Registered: 06-2007 |
Mikeg, I really enjoyed the John Francis DeSales Carrico diary. When I saw the year I went directly to November 11th, what a story. Thanks | ||
Oldestuff Member Username: Oldestuff Post Number: 50 Registered: 01-2007 |
try looking up the histories of the stores that made the locations a shopping magnet, like Winklemans, Federals, Neisners, Kresges, Woolworths. I think every neighborhood in Detroit had their own shopping areas. In SW Detroit, there was Fort St, from Junction to Livernois, W. Vernor from W. Grand Blvd to Livernois and then from Central to Springwells and on Michigan Ave from downtown thru to E. Dearborn there were plenty of stores to shop. | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 1492 Registered: 07-2004 |
"I don't know how to help but I do have to critque your ignoring the suburbs, because I think this type of carcentric new development is replacing old city development with supposedly more attractive suburban development." You're right about one thing: You don't know how to help. | ||
Oakmangirl Member Username: Oakmangirl Post Number: 492 Registered: 08-2007 |
6nois, Have you read "The Geography of Nowhere"? I highly recommend it. | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 1494 Registered: 07-2004 |
Always there with the sugar, Oakmangirl. Pardon my guff... ;) | ||
Oakmangirl Member Username: Oakmangirl Post Number: 493 Registered: 08-2007 |
It helps with the medicine, so I hear. I'm just bitter because no one has asked us to be on their dissertation advisory panel...given all the scholarly research leads we provide; it seems only natural. | ||
Wolverine Member Username: Wolverine Post Number: 368 Registered: 04-2004 |
Thanks everyone for your help. All the resources you've mentioned are very helpful. I greatly appreciate it. |
