The Motor City stands tall as a symbol of American innovation and excellence, a true icon. The city thrived in the decades following the second World War, when the economic boom created by servicemen returning from Europe, and Eisenhower’s interstate system created an increased need for automobile manufacturing. Detroit and its surrounding cities became integral factors in the production of American motor-works.
Sadly, in the late 1960’s, the same post-war generation that spurred the city’s economy and created a large middle class, migrated outward as suburbanization began to dominate American living. The 1967 race riots helped to expedite this suburbanization in a city that was once the fourth largest in the United States.
Because of the oil crisis of 1973, the demand for smaller, more efficient cars led to a rise in Japanese and Korean auto manufacturing. In the early 90’s American manufacturers tried to rebound by introducing SUVs and other large model vehicles in an attempt shift the consumer’s perception of what it needed. Their attempt was successful to an extent, but ultimately failed, as major American companies filed for bankruptcy in the mid-2000s, directly impacting Detroit’s economy.
With nearly one-third of the city abandoned – roughly the size of San Francisco – many have given up any hope for a new Detroit. However, urban developers see the vacant lots and dilapidated buildings as a clean slate. These same urban designers visualize a smaller, greener, and more sustainable Detroit. As George Jackson, CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation told Time magazine in a 2009 interview:
“We are probably not going to have 2 million people ever again…we’re going to have to really rethink land-use policies and do some pretty bold, innovative things.”
The city of Detroit may not be what it once was, but with the right amount of optimism, entrepreneurial spirit, and community, many believe that it can be reborn, and regain its status as one of America’s finest cities.
Detroit Public Schools have taken a huge hit from the city’s slow economic decline and recently the website Detroiturbex.com – which was created to raise awareness of the social and economic challenges the city faces through photography – came out with gallery showcasing Cass Technical High School in its present state, super-imposed with the days of old. The old Cass Tech building was recently demolished and a new building was built next door. You can find the entire gallery HERE.
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