Rebrand Detroit as the Paris of the Midwest? (Dearborn, Grosse Pointe: renter, crime)

[Republic of Michigan]

I know some people will scoff at this idea, but before you do, just think about it for a second. I think Detroit should consider tapping into its French history as a way to bring down all the negative stereotypes about the city. Detroit is known as: Violent, rust-belt, decayed, cold, blue-collar, unsophisticated...etc. Detroit has some great assets to leverage..its music, car history and the fact it borders Canada. However, I think that Detroit really needs to think outside of the box in remaking its image for the future. I think architecture/urban planning is extremely important. That all being said, Detroit was known as the Paris of the Midwest in the past. Yes, the roads were designed as Parisian Boulevards. However, the term signified beauty and elegance. The bottom line is that French language, culture, architecture is considered high and it sells. So, Detroit is not in the position to build a skyline like Chicago, Miami, or New York. It is in the position, however, to build 6 to 7 story buildings. So, imagine if Detroit were to model itself to look more like a European City as opposed to a North American City.I am proposing building a New Detroit...the area south of I-94 from Dearborn to Grosse Point. (Cobble-stoned roads, plazas, narrow streets, fountains, sculptured tree-lined streets, and a uniform architecture zoning) So imagine if Michigan Avenue, Grand River Avenue, Gratiot Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, and Woodward Avenues all had sculptured trees, fountains, and most importantly lined with 7 story Beaux Arts buildings, one after the other. Any support?

[zthatzmanz28]

And change its name to DETWA...

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by zthatzmanz28

And change its name to DETWA...

I prefer Delta City, MI myself.

It has a nice ring to it.

[maclock]

*Chortles*

[Nomadicus]

Maybe Rusty City? Rust Belt. Well I'd settle for Motown Megalopolis

[Bhaalspawn]

Paris of the Midwest? Good luck with that! Most Americans already know that Detroit is a disaster. It's more akin to a failed government and state than it is to a unique cultural hub like Paris.

It would be easier (and more truthful) to rebrand it as the "Somalia of the Midwest" or the "Zimbabwe of the Midwest".

[ProgMichael]

First of all, I think you should get some credit for thinking outside of the box, Republic. Paris was once known as the "Paris of the Midwest" (Leaving Detroit. What Happened to a City Once Improbably Called : "The Paris of the Midwest."), although for unfortunate reasons that moniker is no longer used except maybe in jest or "remember the way things used to be?"

Considering its French name and history it'd be great to think it could once again be "Paris of the Midwest". That being said, you need independent financial investors and developers (and LOTS of them) to make something like this happen. The government is in no shape to make something like this happen, nor would it really be the City's responsibility even if it were in a good situation. I think your best chance at making something like this happen would be to have the ear of people like Ilitch and Gilbert. Still, you would actually need to convince people to inhabit 6 or 7 story buildings, and considering the incredible population decline over the past 60 years, I think your best hope would be to take your idea one block at a time.

[hot_in_dc]

Why is there a need to build new construction? Why not renovate the buildings and homes that are already there? Just pick a property and claim it as your own. It's free, like land in the Wild Wild West.

I think the city can become whatever it wants to be.

Younger people can make it an artist's Mecca. Why not?

Just some sweat equity. Farmers markets. City community gardens. Bartering goods and services (which Uncle Sam will still tax as regular income.) And appreciating the architecture of the city.

[Republic of Michigan]

[quote=hot_in_dc;30331261]Why is there a need to build new construction? Why not renovate the buildings and homes that are already there? Just pick a property and claim it as your own. It's free, like land in the Wild Wild West.

I agree that preservation is important. Detroit has a sad history of demolishing its beautiful buildings downtown and turning them into parking lots. But if you read the Detroit Future Project, the ultimate goal is to clear out the areas south of I-94 from Dearborn to Grosse Point with the exception of Mexican Town, Woodbridge, Corktown, New Center, Midtown, Downtown, Rivertown, Harbortown/Warehouse District, Eastern Market, Indian Village, West Village, East English Village, and the Marina District. 70,000 people will have to relocate from the remaining areas south of I-94. 60% of them are renter households. These areas will be cleared out entirely with no near plans to rebuild. The point of clearing these areas are based on 1) Clearing out blighted properties since it causes more blight and contributes to crime, 2) saving the city administrative costs in providing services to sparsely populated areas, and 3) clearing out crime ridden areas next to midtown and downtown to foster more urban professionals to move into the city. There will only be a need to rebuild structures up and down the major boulevards south of I-94. (Grand River, Gratiot, Jefferson, Woodward, and Michigan) Almost all the buildings are gone and not worth saving. Many are one story buildings.

Just imagine Detroit south of I-94 from Dearborn to Grosse Pointe cleared out except for the thriving neighborhoods mentioned above. All I am proposing is having the city impose an architectural uniformity zoning law for all buildings that will be constructed on all of these boulevards. Go on Google maps and look at city view of boulevards in Paris. Look at the tree lined streets, and the facades of the buildings and roofs. Now, if Detroit could translate this to 5 of its major boulevards, as well as all of Harbortown, Detroit would overnight be considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America. The River and the boulevards lend itself to an old world European-style City. Step 1, Clear out all the land and relocate people, step 2) enact zoning laws with specific architecture.

[super karate man]

One thing Detroit has going for itself is past success, which is always something to build on. I've been told that the city has a growing tech community. Any city that at one point rivaled New York has a chance to rebound.