urban pioneers - I need help (Detroit, Royal Oak: foreclosed, loft, house)

[Bluefly]

I need some honest advice - no blind boosterism and no panning Detroit. I know what Detroit is and I know what it isn't.

I've lived in the vibrant cities of the East Coast and I'm now starting a new business. While Brooklyn seems to be the most logical choice (we need some raw loft space to live / work), I can't shake the lure of Detroit.

My ancestors played a big part in building the city and it's just always intrigued me in its open canvas of opportunity and rather raw subculture.

I'm wondering, though, whether there is actually a strong creative scene in the city or whether it's just hype. Are there people who really think outside the box creating some cool ideas or is it more of a depressed creative culture that feels trapped and isolated?

I'd be one of those people that Model D company is lusting after - the educated young professional bringing new ideas and products into an empty corner of the city. I'd be happy to fall into that stereotype, even though I hate the fact that Detroit is highways without much transit. I just want to make sure I wouldn't regret it or find myself being dragged down by a closed and bitter culture. I've experienced both in my time in Detroit. I just can't tell which one is dominant.

Thanks.

[jonjj]

Fanatics will claim that there are great opportunities for artists in Detroit. But, use your common sense and look at the city as a whole. Where is the creativity? Perhaps the parking pad on Belle Isle? Or, maybe it's within the miles and miles of asphalt and grass. Or, perhaps it could be found on a strip mall? Please, this is a city where people don't walk and don't mingle. How can art prosper?

[Cherry]

Hi Bluefly. I can't speak for Detroit, but have you thought about Hamtramck? There are plenty of bars and restaurants, and foreclosed properties on the main drag with attached living space. There are some interesting things going on in the neighborhood directly north of Hamtramck in Detroit too. You're welcome to take a walk with me sometime and I'll show you around.

[Jwo85]

A great art piece would be statues of people (Metro Detroit residents) shackled too Cars with frustrated looks expressed on their face. It would represent the pain a suffering we have on only being dependent on one transportation mode and as well one industry.

Hows that for Creativity?

[Crustedfilth]

Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Rochester are all better places to find what you're searching for. All area suburbs of Detroit.

[Cliffie]

I'm sure the art scene in the Detroit area has the same hunted, harassed feeling everyone in Michigan has these days, but it's still there. Start hanging out by the Center for Creative Studies, the pottery and jewelry studios, the jazz clubs and festivals. Chat up the curators at the DIA. Go scoping for tiny pigs at Pewabic Pottery. You'll find what you're looking for. In fact, the art scene anywhere could probably use a shot in the arm from someone with your positive outlook. What city deserves it more than Detroit?

I have to agree with the Hamtramck recommendation, if only so you can visit Whiskey In The Jar and view, with awe and wonder, the Rat-A-Lope.

[Bluefly]

Thanks everyone.

I have considered Hamtramck - but just seemed kind of in no man's land alone between downtown and the suburbs. Seems like you have to get in your car a lot there. One lure of the downtown area is you can realistically walk or People Move throughout the Midtown / Eastern Market / downtown areas. I'll look closer at Hamtramck, though.

I know Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Rochester well enough to know they're not what I'm looking for. They're rather institutionalized, safe suburban cultural scenes. No real energy, a lot of driving. I like a city with Detroit's problems and potential, even if I find myself keeping one eye on the road looking for broken glass. Thus, the phrase "urban pioneer".

[St Starseed]

Bluefly...You seem like a smart person, so apologies if this seems obvious to you.

I think I get what you mean by a creative scene...a vibrant, engaging community of entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and other ambitious types making connections, money, and a better world. I used to be part of a group like that in Chicago...while it was billed as a networking group, it was 20and30somethings getting together once every eight weeks to talk about new projects, new ideas, and ways to improve their lives and others. I used the word already, but "vibrant" is the perfect word to describe these meetings. Usually at least 200 people.

These people exhibited the go-get-'em attitude that is a fair steroetype of Midwesterners. They were changing the world, one google at a time, and they were enjoying doing it. I don't know what kind of experiences you had in NY or DC or Philly or wherever you lived out East, but it's really difficult to see that same sort of spirit taking shape in Detroit or any of its suburbs. You know as well as anyone that there is a creative culture here, particulary in music, but it's never struck me as entrepreneurial or overly spirited in nature...and it's always felt more rebellious than artistic...more Eminem than Dr. Dre.

This ultimately isn't a fair thing to say right now, as I haven't lived in the Detroit area for seven years (although I'm moving back next month). But I've visited enough and have enough friends here to know that, as you said in another post, people become "old men" pretty quickly here, and to think about the people from high school who have stuck around...well, they have occupations in landscaping and construction.

I hope I'm off base and you find members of Richard Florida's creative class if and when you return
here. All the best.

[Cherry]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

Thanks everyone.

I have considered Hamtramck - but just seemed kind of in no man's land alone between downtown and the suburbs. Seems like you have to get in your car a lot there.

Hamtramck is more like the center of everything. My husband commutes to Downtown Detroit on a bicycle when the weather is nice in less than 30 minutes. I can find almost everything I need within walking distance of my house and rarely drive.

[detshen]

You might want to check out the group "Detroit Synergy" if you haven't yet, they are active with regular events. There are others like you working to create a vibrant city where both culture and business can flourish.

Detroit Synergy - About (http://detroitsynergy.org/about - broken link)