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| (Illustration courtesy of The District Detroit) |
As reported by the Detroit News last month, the inspiration
behind the new venue was conceived 12 years during the Illich
family’s visit to San Jose, California’s Santana Row. The 42-acre
development is described as a “walkable ‘village within a city’ full of trendy
bars and eateries, upscale shops and high-end residences” It definitely looks nice;
almost overwhelming in a sense, but I wonder… is this the right move for
Detroit? Is this too much too soon for a city that is just coming out of
bankruptcy after 50 plus years of city corruption and mismanagement?
Santana Row works because it’s California, it never has had to
contend with a polar vortex, it also appears to have the type of economy that
can sustain such an extravagant thriving district. Detroit on the other hand,
is a blue-collar town that perhaps could do without another Gucci or Brooks
Brothers. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I’ve seen with Campus Martius and how
that development has taken off near mid-town. Nevertheless, I’ve also seen how
desolate Detroit can be when there’s not an event on a given night. Detroit
cannot be converted into another Chicago in less than three years. I guess my
option would be to start small, maybe just build the area and see what works
from there. Regardless of my option, the construction is already underway. I
just hope this isn’t another mistake that the city will regret down
the road.
Sport Shorts...
The World Series starts tomorrow. I say Kansas
City in five games, which means yes; they will have to finally lose a game.Tony Paul of the Detroit News looks at five directions the Tigers could go this offseason. This includes trading newly acquired All-Star David Price. I however don’t think they can afford to do this, especially when they are almost guaranteed to lose Max Scherzer, another all-star, to free agency.
Hats off to the Detroit Lions and their come from behind win over the New Orleans Saints. Was it just me or was it nice to see the Lion’s defense come up big in the 4th quarter? Thank you Glover Quin. Next up, the Atlanta Falcons in London, England.
References
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/detroit-gives-joe-louis-arena-land-to-creditor-in-bankruptcy/
Interesting points!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of this information, Joe. It was tough to watch the Tigers lose at the end like they did this year, I wish that we were watching them play in the World Series and not Kansas City! Oh well... there is always next year!
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