Quote:
Originally Posted by The North One
|
Honestly, this was a no-brainer and I'm glad this was a unanimous vote. While I'm not as much a hardliner preservationist as some when it comes to smaller buildings, and while I don't have as bad a view of the Ilitches as some have, I really have kind of reached my limit with the Olympia. They've done better in recent years than they did decades ago, but it's clear their default is still to view historic properties as a problem instead of an opportunity.
And, honestly, there isn't any real reason for them to be tearing down
anything of historical significance in District Detroit given how little is actually left and thus how much buildable land for new development is left in between these few remaining teeth. It's not like these historic properties are hindering major development.
So, good on the city for doing something that sets down some additional guidelines for what Olympia can and can not do in this area. Obviously, Olympia's vision for the area needs some additional guidance that still seems absent from the actual leadership of the company, and if the city can provide that missing vision then so be it. They are just making sure they aren't taken like suckers like they were when they refused to oversee the full development of Mike's "Foxtown" that never came to be.
Speaking of which, I was under the impression that they've been working on the vacant retail spaces along Columbia Street. Is this not the case? I've seen pictures showing construction work.