Why can't it be ? (Detroit, Ann Arbor: loft, mover, condo)

[scarabchuck]

Last year i had to take a job in OH. Coming from the Shores, and enjoying boating, dirtbiking and snowmobiling all great things to do in MI , it really sucks being in OH. I have an apt. in a rural town west of Columbus which is real close to work.On the rare occasions that i don't return back home, my girlfriend and i will venture into downtown Columbus. She appreciates art so we spend time in an area called "short north" which has a lot of cool bars, resturants and art galleries. This area is very close to the "arena district" which has several arena's one of which the Bluejackets play in. The surrounding areas have old buildings and lots of older houses. Well most of the older buildings are being turned into or already are really cool loft condo's, 90% of the old houses are being restored or already are. That whole downtown area is really cool. With Detroit being on the water, and all the new casino's ,Greektown , and the new stadiums it doesnt even come close. WHY? Columbus doesn't rely on the automotive industry for jobs... Detroit could be a great city, but what does it take ? I wonder what it took for Columbus ?

[tuebor]

OSU is in Columbus, isn't it? There's part of your answer. It's also the state capitol. Major university + state capitol = stable service-based economy, professionals, and support for good schools and cultural amenities.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Detroit needs some revitalization, building and rebuilding.

[Moosemom]

You also have to remember that cost is a factor and Detroit's buildings probably have been around a little longer than Columbus. Many companies are NOW trying to come in and fix and repair some of the old magnificient buildings, but with asbestos still a factor in a lot of the buildings, permit b.s., and the market for tenants just not being there ... many companies do not want to take the gamble on downtown. The new waterfront area is nicely done, with the campus marshs(sp) ice skating rink ~ but that took a lot of work to get done. I would love to see what Columbus has here and hopefully with the DIA being renovated and other buildings like the Cadillac taking on some new tenants, people will start coming back to downtown Detroit and not drive through either on their way to Windsor or on their way to the suburbs.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Missouri gives tax credits for historic homes, as do about 29 other states I think. If you restore an old building, the government will give you tax relief for it. Without those credits, a lot of companie would rather, unfortunately in my opinion, build newer cheaper buildings that may or may not last as long. Newer buildings often don't have the intricate details that older buildings have.

You don't see them built like this much anymore




And I'd rather live in houses like these than an aluminum sided house in a subdivision


I really like when a company or even individuals restore an old building and reuse it. It's hard to match that quality or uniqueness anymore. Sometimes all an old building needs is some TLC.

And I think the tax credits give more incentive. I'm not sure if Michigan has those tax credits or not.

Thanks to Urban St. Louis - View Forum - Photography - Showcase St. Louis (http://www.urbanstl.com/viewforum.php?f=24&topicdays=0&start=0 - broken link) for the pics of downtown and Lafayette Square.

[Moosemom]

I agree with you on the older homes and business, especially in a City like Detroit ... the architecture is awesome. Just riding on the People Mover is a wonderful trip looking at all the old buildings and the character of the buildings.

I do not think that the State of Michigan offers tax credits anymore and believe that it is up the individual City to offer those credits now. I know my friend bought a home in Ann Arbor and by registering his home, agreeing to repair his home to the character it was for that period, and following the Historical Society's rules, he was given substantial tax credits.

With the City's strapped budget, as well as the State's, I cannot see them freely offering anything up.

[lumpster]

When I left Saginaw I moved to Columbus to go to college back in 1981. Columbus was nice but it had it's problems as well, but it was still a far cry better then Saginaw. My Nephew is playing for OSU football and yes it's been sad to go into the Big House rooting for Michigan only to see them lose to the Buckeye's. Anywho.. Columbus has really built itself up and is a pretty nice city now. I was shocked to see the city doing so well. Columbus has great paying jobs my mother and sisters were able to all buy homes there. Saginaw is a city of the past and I don't think it'll ever be the same again.