The Reclamation of Detroit

By Anjell Karibian, IIDA, LEED AP

Anjell Karibian, IIDA, LEED AP

It is no myth that Michigan’s largest city, Detroit, has been hit hard by the economic recession. For several months, Detroit and the surrounding suburban neighborhoods have remained on the nation’s ‘top lists’ for both unemployment and home foreclosures, roughly 10% and 4.5% respectively. General Motors (GM), once the largest domestic employer in America, continues to take a beating with a steady loss of market share, and Detroit, the home town in which the company resides, shares in its pain. It is believed that if GM and Chrysler where to file bankruptcy, Michigan would face the elimination of nearly 5% of its total workforce.

In a city populated with less than 1,000,000 residents coupled by major businesses like GM fighting the financial struggle, it is reasonable to predict that Detroit will continue to feel the effects of the recession in upcoming months. The neglect of basic services like keeping the streets clean and well lit at night, the emptying of garbage cans, and mowing city parks quickly becomes  apparent when funds are tight. After public complaint becomes too public, these neglects are generally attended to. Also, what continues to be a great shame is the decay of the city’s most beloved past-its historically rich architectural gems. However, some organizations are reclaiming and developing properties, helping to sustain architectural integrity, jobs, and environmental resources.

The ‘living roof’ was created during the Ford Rouge Revitalization Project (Dearborn, Michigan). Courtesy of Ford Photomedia

Seen here is a Canadian Goose sitting on the ‘living roof’ of the Ford Rouge Center. Photo by Don Russell, Courtesy of William McDonough + Partners

Historically, Detroit was once a mega metropolis. Surging from financial prosperity throughout the early 20th century into the 1950’s, Detroit ranked as the nation’s fourth largest city with census numbers confirming 1.5 million people. During this time, incredible structures began to initiate and identify a new skyline; one architectural wonder after the other was being created such as state-of-the-art hotels like the Statler, Book-Cadillac and Fort Shelby. These hotels all provided the latest in premier hotel services and helped launch Detroit into a time of affluence. Also, office towers such as the Penobscot, Buhl and Guardian Buildings placed rank on the National Register of Historic Places. The 40 story Guardian Building (previously named the New Union Trust Building) completed in 1929 remains one of the most significant Art Deco skyscrapers in the world.

Innovators of development, architecture, interior design and art left their brilliant mark in and around the Detroit area. From the inception and creation of the world renowned Cranbrook Academy of Art by Eliel and Eero Saarinen to the works of famed architects Minoru Yamasaki and Frank Lloyd Wright, top design applications were created throughout the Detroit metropolitan area, influencing people to work, live, and play in the Motor City. Perhaps the most significant urban residential design (in a mixed-use space) is Mies van der Rohe’s 78 acre Lafayette Park on Detroit’s east side. Completed in 1963 as a cooperative community, the site consists of two signature high rise apartment towers, multiple low rise condominiums, an elementary school and shopping district balanced and rightfully accompanied by a 19 acre landscaped park.

The Ford Rouge Center Roy Feldman, Photomedia

Frequently, there is nothing more sustainable than re-using and modernizing what has already been created. After many agonizing attempts by investors to revitalize some of Detroit’s most famed developments, efforts finally paid off. Thanks in most part to the The Ferchill Group along with an assemblage of private and public partners, the iconic Book-Cadillac has been restored as The Westin Book-Cadillac Detroit. Renovation costs topped $200 million. There are 453 guest rooms including exclusive private suites, several signature restaurants and amenities.  Adding to this revitalization upswing, the Fort Shelby Hotel has also been restored as the Fort Shelby Doubletree All Suites Detroit (owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation) with 56 upscale penthouse apartments. As a result of these projects, not only were landmarks conserved, but employment rose and natural resources were preserved.

The Ford Rouge Center Jason Maconochie, Ford Photomedia

Ford Motor Company and William McDonough + Partners helped to define the 21st century sustainable manufacturing facility (in 2004). Termed the ‘Ford Rouge revitalization’ project, the project sought to bring wildlife back to the 90 year old industrial site of the Dearborn Truck Assembly Plant. Several green initiatives were designed and constructed such as the 10-acre green roof, which at the time of completion was claimed to be the largest ‘living roof’ in the world. The results of the green roof have been astonishing. Excess rain fall is collected in adjacent swales and wetland ponds where it is naturally treated before draining back into the nearby Rouge River. The roof provides a substantial savings to the building’s energy costs too, and because the roof membrane is protected, the building’s life expectancy has been doubled to 50 years. Along with the renovation of significant properties, some companies such as Compuware Corporation have moved back into Detroit and have developed new green spaces.  In late May 2009, the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) and the Detroit Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council will host the Greening the Heartland Conference in Detroit.

While times are tough, there is a light at the end of every tunnel. For Michigan, namely Detroit, the light of economic prosperity will get brighter as more organizations courageously preserve existing structures, conserve natural resources, and develop new sustainable facilities.

Anjell Karibian,  IIDA, LEED AP, has 20 years of professional experience in the field of interior design. Karibian currently practices in Detroit and has practiced in Chicago. Karibian teaches interior design at Lawrence Technological University and has worked on projects throughout the US and Europe including global headquarters for companies, sports and entertainment complexes, higher education institutions, community centers, and residences. Karibian can be reached via e-mail at akkaribian@gmail.com.