You have no doubt heard of the trials and tribulations of the City of Detroit: the near death of the auto industry, massive population loss, infrastructure woes and high crime rates. The negative connotations have led to a public image of a city abandoned and in upheaval whereas the best-case-scenario associations portray it as a playground of urban decay and rock-bottom housing prices. When I learned that the National Main Street Conference was being held in Detroit this year, I was pleased that I would be able to see it for myself, albeit in the cocoon of a programmed conference setting.
Having now been there I can make a few comments. First, it is a stunning city. There are architectural marvels (both in use and abandoned), striking parks and trail networks and an eclectic mix of things to do. Second, the city is hard at work. Travelling in and around the downtown core, there is evidence of a community working to rebuild and repair. Third, the city seems to be acutely aware of the volunteerism and resources required to improve its image. Bike patrols and on-foot clean-up crews strive to ensure the downtown core is safe and clean. Residents are cheerful and exceptionally welcoming.
This said, did I really see Detroit? Visiting as part of a conference I no doubt had a curated experience of the city and limited time for exploration. It is important to remember that there are layers that we do not understand: a history of labour and race disputes, urban renewal programs and community activism. There is a long-standing population who is probably growing weary from being under the microscope. I would encourage everyone to visit and appreciate the people, public spaces and community spirit, along with the many restaurants, sports events, markets, museums, and music that make up Detroit. However, visit with an appreciation of the modern urban realities facing the city. Acknowledge and be aware of the complex layers of economic, social and political issues (past and present) that continue to inform the fabric of the city. Detroit is a fascinating and many-faceted city and I would encourage you to make the trip.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts about the content of the National Main Streets Conference!
Written by: Rebecca Goodenough, Municipal Heritage Services Officer
RETROactive 
I had the opportunity to visit Detroit back in September. It was a very brief visit and done almost exclusively by car. We wanted to photograph some of the iconic decayed buildings such as Michigan Central Station and the Packard Plant. It was a very eye-opening experience.
There certainly was a vibe in the downtown, similar to what one would expect from any major city. Other areas felt surreal because there was nothing but block after block of vacant lots or abandoned houses as far as the eye could see. Other areas were simply downright scary. While driving by the Packard Plant, we had to drive in the middle of the road because of all the garbage people had simply tossed from their yards into the street.
You’re so right, Detroit has some stunning buildings in various states of upkeep. It is a shame that so much history is falling to the scrappers, arsonists, and city-approved demolitions.
It was amazing to see the contrasts in such proximity. It seems like you’d be driving by large homes with perfectly manicured lawns and then literally a few blocks later you’d be in an area that looked like a war zone. There were places were you would see wonderfully-tended vegetable gardens growing on empty lots between burned out houses. Through all the challenges, there was still an undercurrent of pride through the people who have remained. It was like experiencing a completely different world, practically in our own backyard.
There is so much to love about Detroit, you simply have to root for them to come through this and one day thrive again.
Appreciate your comments, thanks Dan!
Google Street View has helped capture Detroit’s deterioration over the last few years: http://dangerousminds.net/comments/the_rapid_deterioration_of_detroit_according_to_google_street_view
Their infrastructure may be crumbling (already crumbled?), but one thing that won’t be taken away is the soul of this city: music.
Indeed.
Here is another site that has been documenting the changes to the city over the last few decades. What I like about this site is that it is starting to document rehabilitation and renewal as well…
http://detroiturbex.com/content/ba/feat/index.html