Scientists claim the dinosaur species became extinct millions of years before our time, however, it seems that Detroit may still have some living in the core of the city.
In the past, Detroit’s architecture has endured riots, violence and unpredictable weather patterns.
Today, when driving or walking through Detroit, Michiganders can see colorful graffiti and broken or boarded up windows on vacant buildings all across the city. What they may not realize, however is that these buildings represent what some refer to as the “dinosaurs of Detroit.”
For some, these dinosaur buildings represent beautiful architecture and a great financial investment, but for others it may represent Detroit’s troubling past.
“When I lived (in Detroit) in the '60s, the city was booming and the buildings looked absolutely beautiful,” Pat Sylvester of Sterling Heights said. “Today, I am nervous to even drive through Detroit in fear of the violence always taking place there. It is truly sad to see my past deteriorate in this way.”
With the poor condition of the city and high financial risk renovations, these dinosaurs are often abandoned, which only contributes more to the poor reputation of Detroit.
“Every day as I look out of the windows of the Renaissance Center, where I work, it makes me sad to see a city hurting like this,” said Lisa Sunshine. “I don’t know how this city can begin to rebuild again unless we begin to give it the attention it needs.”
Some construction has already begun to take place in Detroit around Capitol Park and Woodward Avenue. Many buildings, such as the Westin Book Cadillac, the Doubletree Fort Shelby, the Broderick Tower and the David Whitney Building, that were said to be “far too gone” or “not worth the financial risk” have all been restored and renovated.
“Being that I was a former student at Wayne State University, it is crazy to look back at how much the city has changed since I graduated,” said Joanna Argentiero. “I love that investors are stepping up to fix such a great city. I think that these types of people are the only way for Detroit to really get back on their feet.”
Even though lots of construction has already been in effect, several of the city’s core buildings still need attention.
The Park Avenue Building, pictured above, is one of the many dinosaurs that are completely empty and surrounded by a metal construction fence. The property, owned by Ralph Sachs, is in need of exterior repairs. Sachs removed graffiti and boarded up the windows after being sued by the city of Detroit last year.
Often it is hard for these owners to redevelop their properties due to low gap financing and cut tax credit programs from the city of Detroit. As one can see, the city of Detroit cannot be rebuilt in a few years, however if there is more momentum to invest in these dinosaurs, Downtown Detroit may be able to get to a greater economic state more quickly.
“I would love for the chance to be able to show my children where I used to shop and hangout when I was living in Detroit as a kid,” Debbie Wasilewski said. “I really am optimistic that if we get people to invest in Detroit, Detroit can seriously turn back around.”
It seems that the recent spark in development and construction is helping to create momentum within the city. The construction seems to be encouraging the city to rebound from its past and it is beginning to flourish more now than it has in the past.
