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To: John Vosilla who wrote (60205)	8/18/2006 2:03:18 PM
From: Think4Yourself	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 306849

The core downtown Detroit IS coming back slowly. The city is investing heavily on the riverfront, which they should have done decades ago!! A lot of the abandoned warehouses along the north riverfront, and the riverfront cement plant next to downtown, were torn down in the last 18 months. GM has also made some very impressive architectural improvements to the lower floors of the Rennaissance Center. A riverwalk is slowly being built. When done it should go from near the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle, if not further. Go one mile in any direction from the Ren Cen and it's a bleak picture. Funny thing is that I read a few days ago about how the population of Detroit is trying to flee to the suburbs. Apparently they don't like what the corrupt politicians they elected have done to the city. Archer was the only honest mayor the city has seen in 40 years and they quickly got rid of him. My wife's mom works with Archer. The guy is an ethical workaholic. Working with a bunch of corrupt losers as mayor wasn't easy for him.

To: John Vosilla who wrote (60205)	8/18/2006 6:52:04 PM
From: MoneyPenny	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 306849

I've talked about the depressing comparison to be made between Detroit and Chicago. One values its location and the other just screws it up in perpetuity. I've ranted on it more than once here. I have a masters in urban planning from Wayne State. My solution many years ago was to tear Renaissance Center "Ren Cen" down and develop the waterfront into a more social venue. Fat chance. " Ren Cen in Detroit is an abomination. I think that GM's occupation of this monstrosity is fitting. The Ford family built the thing, I think, but never considered occupying it. The Ren Cen hogs the main strip of riverfront in Detroit. This would not happen in most cities who value their waterfront for social value. I have commented on it before here in 2004: Message 20559609 ""I feel that the building of the Renaissance Center did more than anything else to destroy all hope of a real renaissance in Detroit. Hideous John Portman group of towers behind a concrete embankment that looked like a concrete bunker. Even had places for the big guns to be sticking out (not really but it looks like that) After years of going it alone, my employer, JL Hudson, now called Marshall Field finally gave up on the retail district, leaving virtually nothing in its wake. It has been years since there was a reason to shop in Detroit. Regional malls ring the edge of the city. Mayor Coleman Young made strategic political gaffs, first when he called Ronald Reagan, President Pruneface. Colorful yes, but money for roads and improvements seemed to dry up. I am constantly amazed at the money allocated for Florida roads vs. Michigan roads. Roads in the city and in SE Michigan stink. When I lived in suburban Chicago we went into the city on weekends to play. There are new sports complexes in the downtown Detroit area but when I have been taken to a Wings or Tigers game, dinner and drinks are always out in the 'burbs. This would never happen in Chicago. GM may have its headquarters in Detroit, but its executives and heart and mind are in the suburbs. Such a shame."" MP Message 22192010