 
Schulzte1
Member
Username: Schulzte1
Post Number: 62
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:26 am: |    |
People visit cities for all sorts of different reasons. Chicago has great museums, Nashville and Memphis have a music scene. St. Louis has the arch and brewery tours that lots of visitors go to, despite the general crumminess of that city. Baltimore has the great aquarium. I know there is no magic bullet to attract tourists to a downtown (Flint's Autoworld didn't exactly do the trick), but what direction should Detroit go? What type of attraction would work in Detroit, aside from the dining, drinking, gambling and sports, which is what is there now. What are your ideas? |
Eric_c
Member
Username: Eric_c
Post Number: 925
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:41 am: | |
I'd like to think a world-class art museum would be nice. We could call it the Detroit Institute of Arts. Maybe since 80% of the city is Black, we could build the largest African-American History museum anywhere! You know, something people could really treasure.
Also, a good theater district might help attract those who feel there is no reason to visit Detroit. Perhaps an opera house? Maybe a music hall? God knows we don't have anyplace to appreciate stage shows and musicals.
We could certainly stand to benefit from a good symphony orchestra, too.
Maybe a farmer's market or a really great public park. It would be really cool if we had a way to put a park on an island! Now THAT would attract some tourists!
Short of all that, I guess some shopping would do. |
Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner
Post Number: 1156
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:43 am: | |
There are a number of theatres in Detroit now.
Marinas are a good draw, though the tourist dollars are local so the impact is not so much.
The Henry Ford and DIA are world class museums.
There are virtually no cities in the United States that have as authentic of a market area (Eastern Market) as we do. I would not mind seeing this be enhanced, but I also worry about losing the earthy-ness that makes it unique and have it become another Fenuial Hall in Boston.
The riverwalk will add a new area this year with a carosual (sp?), food concessions, and a bicycle rental. This would make it even more of a draw than it already is. I'm really disappointed that the pathway/link from Eastern Market to the riverfront has taken so long.
Detroit needs to more geocaches so that they are not all Downtown or on Belle Isle. That could introduce a whole new group of folks to parts of Detroit they have never seen. It would be a low cost thing to do as well. |
Andylinn
Member
Username: Andylinn
Post Number: 339
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:56 am: | |
i think as has already been said, detroit has some fantastic attractions. i think it would be nice to see more done with detroit's music. is it just a rumor or true that coleman young turned down the rock and roll hall of fame? WHY? |
Dhugger
Member
Username: Dhugger
Post Number: 182
Registered: 03-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:56 am: | |
Point made Eric. I am a culture vulture myself and attend these Detroit venues regularly.
One thing Chicago did was group their museums together around the water front and parks.
Turn several streets into pedestrian parks in the cultural center. Build walkable gardens in the area that encourage out door sports & picnicking. Like the vibe that happens during the 'Festival of the Arts'. No cars just lots of art, people, music.....okay I'm dreaming. |
Eric
Member
Username: Eric
Post Number: 743
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:57 am: | |
How about a clean, functioning city? I know it's a revolutionary idea, but I think if people heard that they might be more inclined to visit. Nah, that wouldn't work maybe we should concoct a scheme to get people to visit? |
Eric_c
Member
Username: Eric_c
Post Number: 926
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 11:58 am: | |
Yeah! We need more geocaches, too! Lot's of 'em!
We definitely wouldn't want anything so tacky as "Fenuial Hall"! Something like Faneuil Hall might work, though. |
Schulzte1
Member
Username: Schulzte1
Post Number: 63
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 12:44 pm: | |
Des Moines, IA is a clean functioning city, that doesn't mean people think of it as a tourism option. You need more than that. It is a shame the Rock and Roll hall of fame is in Cleveland. Maybe we can find a big tugboat and pull it from Cleveland's waterfront and park it on our waterfront. |
Jelk
Member
Username: Jelk
Post Number: 4289
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 1:34 pm: | |
Have you actually been to Cleveland Schulzte? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an after thought to that downtown. I think 10 years is long enough to bitch about the RRHOF not locating in Detroit. One cultural attraction Detroit lacks is the ability to let go real or perceived slights from long ago. |
Craig
Member
Username: Craig
Post Number: 133
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 2:31 pm: | |
The "best" cultural attractions from Detroit's past? IMO - the neighborhood corner bars, open almost around the clock and always full.
Why? Three shifts of factory workers with money in their pockets.
Culture won't save this town, but new industries will. My apologies to the arts community and those banging the tourism drum, but a business incubator will restore Detroit faster than competing with the established arts/tourism draws. |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8790
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 2:43 pm: | |
I don't beleive that people think that the city will be 'saved' by their art/cultural attractions. Those are draws for residents and visitors and are a major benefit that we should maximize. We should use our assets to the fullest of their ability but nobody or almost nobody could honestly believe that this alone will solve Detroit's, or SE Micigan's problems.
I am happy for every penny spent in the city but our art and cultural attractions will never see a growth cycle or hiring boom to be more than a benefit.
The question posed was about what attractions can or will be a pull, not which will be an economic and social saviour. |
Schulzte1
Member
Username: Schulzte1
Post Number: 64
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 3:09 pm: | |
Like I said, this isn't about solving economic problems. This is about making people from OUTSIDE of town say "Hmmm...we should take a trip to Detroit next weekend because we can see/do _______________" I'm not saying there isn't anything to do in Detroit, but nothing anyone is going to drive an hour or two out of their way for, other than sports or concerts. |
Craig
Member
Username: Craig
Post Number: 134
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 6:25 pm: | |
Well, Schultze, I'll reference my original point which could be summarized as 'who cares what we have or don't so long as there is a viable economic base.' An older friend, originally from NYC hates it here because shows are nine months old before they hit our stages, but again I say 'so what.' Turning us into a tourist destination might pump our egos and take a little of the edge off of our losses, but it was a profitable industry that built those big buildings downtown and in the suburbs, not gawkers. To that end I don't care if we're a cultural wasteland (I don't believe that we are, anyway) - I do want the rest of the world to want our cars as well as anything else tangible or intangible that we "produce." When this happens all of the looking down the nose at Detroit and Michigan won't mean a thing. This is why I hated that the Super Bowl was held here in '06 - money and energy for home-grown entrepreneurs, not putting on a show. |
Ramcharger
Member
Username: Ramcharger
Post Number: 225
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 1:00 pm: | |
Schulzte, it really is too bad that most people ignore the question at hand and they either take offense or start whining about all the things wrong with our city. While increasing tourism won’t “save” Detroit, it won’t hurt either. Along with increased tourism come more hotels, more restaurants and more amenities that everyone can enjoy, resident and visitor alike. Tourism is the lifeblood of many cities and countries, but it can be fickle as well. Today’s “hot spot” may be tomorrow’s Auto World.
Most of the major tourist attractions around the world have one thing in common; they are unique. They promote either a unique natural or manmade environment or a unique cultural or historical heritage. Events, such as Mardi Gras or the Kentucky Derby, can also be a great tool for attracting tourists, but to be successful they must also be unique and they must be held regularly enough to become a tradition. People need to know that they can count on it happening. The Woodward Dream Cruise is becoming just such an event; hopefully, it will continue to grow. When the Formula One Grand Prix was held on downtown streets it was a unique event; when it became a CART race on Belle Isle it was just another race on their circuit and a missed opportunity for Detroit.
One unique aspect Detroit does little to promote is its proximity to a foreign country. I think the proposed gondola ride over the river would have made a wonderful tourist attraction but with the new passport requirement and the increased paranoia at the border, I’m afraid we’ll never see that built.
The grandiose promises of aquariums and theme parks touted by the gaming companies during the bidding process for Detroit’s casinos have evaporated with the light of day. Since casinos have become as common as auto dealerships, the hopes that our casinos would become attractions have dimmed and they have settled for fleecing the locals.
Ironically, one of the few things in Detroit that could be considered a tourist attraction; Hart Plaza and the Dodge Fountain (a unique major work by a famous, deceased artist) is about to be disfigured beyond recognition. I have spoken with people who have traveled hours out of their way just to walk around the plaza and watch the fountain. Do you think anyone will do this when it becomes a nice green space at the foot of Woodward? I doubt it.
If Detroit wants to become a tourist destination it needs to give people an experience they can’t easily get anywhere else. |
56packman
Member
Username: 56packman
Post Number: 1192
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 1:04 pm: | |
Dhugger--closing off streets to auto traffic in American cities is the kiss of death to any businesses that are located along those streets. It's been tried and failed more times than anyone could keep track of.
NEXT? |
Club_boss
Member
Username: Club_boss
Post Number: 16
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 1:19 pm: | |
I believe having a vibrant downtown (business=jobs) is necessary and key to conventions, that and hotel rooms.
Downtown Detroit has a lot going for it. Image is a perception and that can be changed, other cities have.
Detroit has hosted some major events without any hitches; the city just doesn’t book enough special events.
The mayor (or his office) has got to get out there and keep pounding that pavement. |
Plymouthres
Member
Username: Plymouthres
Post Number: 28
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 1:27 pm: | |
Detroit does a terrible job of promoting itself!! The negativity of the press and the countless bashes on the city have taken control of it's perception, and, most of all, the apathy has put it into the tailspin that it is currently in. We need someone to promote what we have, not what we need. Perhaps if people knew what was her, they would think a bit more about visiting then not.
That being said, I believe that we need to start taking back what is all of ours. Detroit and it's environs are all one-the burbs will continue to decline with the city. It's a given and has been happening for years as far as I can tell!!
I believe that it starts with us. Volunteer at one of the many resurgent things that are occurring in the city. Stop and pick up thae piece of trash that you see laying on the ground. Stop bashing and start doing!!! Be personally accountable, and stop passing the buck!! If you are as pissed as I am about the decline, do something personal about it. Fort Wayne could use your help for one!!
Send massive e-mails to everyone you know extolling the virtues of this great historically significant city!! Get involved in a grass roots way and start reporting crimes that are occurring rather than turning the other way. We must get involved, and now is the time. Many of you are begging to have the city back-go and take it!! Support the things we have, or they will disappear(like the aquarium and countless other things)!!
When I read these types of threads, I ask myself "What would Itsjeff do?"
In short, get involved! If you are not part of the solution, then YOU are the problem. Bitching in cyberspace does nothing!!! |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 8822
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 1:29 pm: | |
I like the way you think. |
Plymouthres
Member
Username: Plymouthres
Post Number: 29
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 2:47 pm: | |
Jt1-
Thanks. Hopefully optimism breeds optimism!! I've finally gotten pissed enough to start posting and I am volunteering more and more of my time in the city again. I used to mentor people at Focus Hope and help out at he various soup kitchens throughout the city. Nothing more humbling than helping our fellow man/woman pick THEMSELVES up by their own bootstraps!!
I've been away for a while, but the apathy and complaints have resurrected something in me. As an amateur history nut Detroit has lots and lots to offer, and with groups like the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition and many, many others we can all help to bring it back. Check out the Gang thread for a link to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Another great way to influence the young to do the right thing for the D' for sure! One person alone cannot do it:two are stronger, but a chord of many is not easily broken. We must do this together or all is for naught!!
Sorry to sound like some Pollyanna-assed sissy, but the only way to do this is together. Perhaps we should start a media blitz of all the GOOD that we see!! |
Irvine_laird
Member
Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 26
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 2:56 pm: | |
Detroit is one of those one-of-a-kind places that evokes strong emotions no matter where in the world you go. People either love Detroit or hate it. I can't think of another city in the American Midwest that stimulates so much emotional energy so far from home. Only two or three other American cities can claim a deeper, wider impression on the world than Detroit. What could be a more powerful center of gravity than that? |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 184
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 3:04 pm: | |
The city should reinvent itself as the city of the future. A city of innovation.
Knock down all the old buildings. Scrap them., Start over. Have companies build new state-of-the-art eco friendly buildings, condos, houses, rail systems (above ground?)
Make Detroit a real Renaissance city. People will come to see something like that. Scrap the old and start anew.
And change the name from Detroit to something else, Like Detroit 2.0 |
Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc
Post Number: 2312
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 3:15 pm: | |
quote:Knock down all the old buildings. Scrap them., Start over. Have companies build new state-of-the-art eco friendly buildings, condos, houses, rail systems (above ground?)
Make Detroit a real Renaissance city. People will come to see something like that. Scrap the old and start anew.
And change the name from Detroit to something else, Like Detroit 2.0
Or "Houston". |
Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner
Post Number: 1166
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 4:31 pm: | |
"We definitely wouldn't want anything so tacky as "Fenuial Hall"! Something like Faneuil Hall might work, though."
I never said it wouldn't. I just like what we have. Thanks for the spelling btw, I knew it was wrong, but that was the best I could do. Can't exactly look it up in a dictionary or online if you spell it wrong!  |