downtown core of the City. I wonder, where is the leadership in this City? How irresponsible to allow the place to rot and become unlivable. I also wonder what the citizens of the City are thinking. Have they attempted to do something constructive about this situation? Maybe I am being simplistic but it seems to me that if they got together and demanded change, change would come. The pictures tell a story of what a lack of leadership combined with a lack of caring can do to a community. The picture above is William Livingstone House. The preservation society moved the house in an attempt to save it. Unfortunately, the house had to be demolished. They lost a part of Detroit's history. The upside is, apparently I am mistaken, and there is a group of people that care about what is going on.The picture, below top, is a room at the Lee Palace Hotel. One of Detroit's finest. It was closed in the early 1990's. Furniture and appliances were left in the rooms to rot. I think that is a crime. Why not remove all the workable usable things and donate or sell them off?
To the bottom of the Lee Palace Hotel room is the Wilbur Wright School. It closed in 2005 and this is how they left it. What an outrage that City and School officials allowed this to happen.
Finally, this is the United Artists Theater. It was built in 1928 and closed in the 1970's. It too was left to rot. How sad to lose such a grand piece of architecture and history.
What a huge challenge it would be to turn this all around. It is possible however, it will take strong leadership and someone to reengage the community. Until then I guess it will all continue to rot. To view the entire photo essay check out Time and to view more work from the Photographers check out Yves Marchand and Roman Meffre's site.
4 comments:
Well my dear, so many places are closing up so fast there is no way to salvage what's salvageable. There are many US communities in which people, having stayed in their homes as long as possible, vanish overnight, leaving fully stocked houses. I recently saw a bit about one company that empties out at least four houses a day -- perfectly good furniture, huge TVs, computers, even family pictures. All of it goes into a dumpster and the landfill, because charities are unable to answer the demands and pick up the goods. It's a revolting tragedy, but citizens aren't in good enough places to demand change -- they're just trying to keep their heads above water.
Nice to see pictures here though!
Roy,
Based off your comments, it's clear you're not from the Detroit area and have no idea of the economic/social/cultural/political condition of this city. It's absolutely disgusting to hear outsider’s opinions of Detroit...and their "easy solutions"...while driving around their imports, sipping their $8 latte, on the way to their safe little jobs.
Detroiters are very proud to be Detroiters.
""Based off your comments, it's clear you're not from the Detroit area and have no idea of the economic/social/cultural/political condition of this city. It's absolutely disgusting to hear outsider’s opinions of Detroit...and their "easy solutions"...while driving around their imports, sipping their $8 latte, on the way to their safe little jobs.""
I like my import - doesnt fall apart - I love my 4.50$ latte - and gosh, gee i guess i like being safe too. I love having a nice big safe warm home that isn't going to be robbed anytime soon.
call me crazy i guess.
detroit sounds like a pit.
move south folks, better weather, better people, better jobs, better is better.
that said i am fascinated by the decline of detroit.
Another article ignorant of Detroit's history. Do some research before you begin to make opinions on "What should be done in Detroit."
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