The current Downtown Era [including the New Center to Downtown axis] becoming what it is today has many lesser and minor players of which Dan Gilbert is really just the latest and greatest.

I do not consider the Renaissance Center part of this era although their contribution is significant to the overall picture. It was a bold gesture but did not halt the downfall of Downtown Detroit as hoped and a 'dead zone' period ensured.

In the current downtown story the leadoff begins with Mike Ilitch moving his company downtown and refurbishing the Fox Theater and Building. Next we have Karmonos moving his company down and building his new headquarters. As much as you may hate to hear it, Coleman Young's successful play to get the casinos and Archer's successes in getting the Tigers and Lions to build played a great role both in terms of revenue for the city and building momentum.

Then up steps Gilbert, kind of like a heavy hitter with the bases loaded. I hope he hits it out the park and we achieve a critical mass tipping point.

What the heck even Kwame Kilpatrick played a role. By screwing up so royally he may have inadvertently blown up the last vestiges of old guard bureaucracies that have plagued city government.