I’ve been involved in real estate in Downtown Detroit since 1984. I’ve seen the good times, the great times, some rough times and the beginning of a new renaissance in the city. Many investors fear real estate in Detroit. I would suggest they take a closer and more informed look. I would suggest, further, that we all do the same.
Nothing against any of the state’s many great cities, but Detroit is Michigan. It is our biggest city and most important cultural influence. As goes Detroit, so goes the suburbs and rest of the state. As such, it is important that we all get behind the city and the leadership that is working so hard to realize Detroit’s great potential.
Which brings me to the Dateline NBC special my team at the Lofts of Merchants Row wrote about this week. The feature centered on heart wrenching stories in Detroit portraying little progress or hope. With new construction and renovation Downtown, I can tell you the city is not standing pat. There are opportunities. Progress is being made.
It’s easy to kick a big city when it’s down, but a lot harder to explore and discover what is going right and changing for the better. Mayor Dave Bing, a pure businessman and non-career politician, understands the importance of a balanced budget; expenses in line with revenue, vital to any business or city’s financial stability.
Further, with dedicated, serious professionals now on City Council—finally—(no more “Shrek” comments, please) the mayor’s office is talking about serious issues, and the abuse of public funds is coming to an end. We all just need to get on board. Because the faster Detroit moves up, the faster we all get up—and move forward.
