Exhibits of the renaissance

Despite the generally disparaging communications disseminated about our fine city of Detroit, the compulsive fixation with the ongoing political falderal and the usual knee-jerk reactions to its mere mention for what reasons we shall not explore, there have been slow and ignored manifestations of positive change and a fantastic regeneration of Detroit’s core, specifically. The much (sometimes deservedly) troubled Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick – and fellow Cass Tech alumnus – has continued the growth and economic diversification begun by former Mayor Dennis Archer, overseeing the continued expansion of Fox Town, the restored grandeur of Washington Boulevard (remarkably, the Book Cadillac), many new businesses (including Compuware’s move downtown to Campus Martius Park), several new restaurants, new downtown lofts and condos (the Book Cadillac condos sold in just months) and even a Hard Rock Café for those who like such things.

He oversaw General Motors' move to their new headquarters downtown into the Renaissance Center, construction of their new resource and training center to the north and also coordinated the effort between the City of Detroit and GM to create a spectacular river-walk along the previously derelict and neglected waterfront. There were always gems that triumphed through the riverside dysphoria and the area availed frequent after school or summer adventures on overgrown, often brick laid streets lined by decaying buildings and patrolled by ornamented pheasants. We sometimes made our way down to the waterfront via the sunken railroad tracks that ran parallel to the main street by our house, referred to as the Dequindre cut. Recently, the city has transformed this into a recreational pathway, stretching from the Eastern Market down to the waterfront.

Here is a link that better reflects our memories, though back then there were still tracks and an occasional train rumbled through. And yet another site that either has or links to more pictures of the Dequindre cut and many of the vacant decaying building around the city – some, like the Book Cadillac now being restored. Others, not.