Detroit Michigan skyline reflections
This July, I was faced with a decision. Dallas or Detroit. Over 20 years ago I moved to Dallas for a job opportunity. 15 years of flourish were followed by over 5 years of floundering. I had to choose between more struggle in Dallas or a reboot in Detroit. I chose the latter. So far it’s been a good decision.
Dallas and Detroit are mirror images. Dallas has a mediocre (at best ) downtown surrounded by good neighborhoods. On the other hand Detroit has a great downtown surrounded by mediocre (at best) neighborhoods. Dallas’ downtown is rather sterile. It’s a business district with a small but growing living community. Downtown Detroit is a vibrant beating heart where people live and play. To be frank, in downtown Dallas they roll up the streets at 5pm. In downtown Detroit they work and play 24/7 (Think Lafeyette Coney Island).
I work at One Reverse Mortgage/Quicken Loans next to Campus Martius. It’s a large public space where I can see 3 
basketball hoops, 5 – 10 food vans, and a volleyball court from my office. Anyone can play Ping Pong, Bache Ball, Horseshoes, Chess and more for free and it hops all day. Last night on my way out from work, there were 50 or so people doing an aerobics class. My favorite part of the day is lunch. I step 50 feet outside of my building and decide “Do I want to catch the free concert right in front of me or
walk down a block to the other free concert”. EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!. On Friday nights they show free movies. I missed “The Martian” last week, but I’m going to try to catch “Inside Out” this Friday.
In Dallas they have the West End, home of Hooters and the Hard Rock Cafe. Very corporate and bland. The Mavericks and Stars play at the American Center which is not easily accessible on foot. The American Center is also the only major concert venue in downtown Dallas. Contrast this with Detroit. The Lion’s new home, Ford Field, is right next door to Comerica Park where the Tiger’s play. The Red Wings play at Joe Louis Arena. All within easy walking distance. All capable of hosting events. St. Andrew’s Hall, where Eminem shot 8 Mile is the venue where Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper cut their teeth. Donald Trump filled the famous Cobo Arena this week. Down Woodward Ave is the world-renowned Fox Theatre. You could have seen Stevie Wonder there 50 years ago or last year. This year, Detroit native Jack White of White Stripes fame was saving the Historic Masonic Hall while simultaneously playing the first record in space.
To be honest, IMO downtown Detroit makes downtown Dallas look sick by comparison. And I haven’t even gotten to The River or my new job.
Regards,
MJ
00daddy 