NYT Article on Detroit's "Ruins" circa 1995

**DownriverGRap** · May-24-11, 03:25 PM

The funny thing is several of the buildings mentioned have been either rennovated [[Book Cadillac) or demolished [[Hudsons).

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/10/us...it.html?src=pm

**iheartthed** · May-24-11, 04:10 PM

Too bad they could write almost the same story today... Of course with a few small revisions.

**Dbest** · May-24-11, 04:26 PM

This article was mentioned some years ago on this forum. There was a corresponding debate with people acting like Detroit was Rome 2.0. I tried to find the thread, but I could not. Anyone else remember?

**Carey** · May-24-11, 10:19 PM

Since 1995, the person who is the focus of the article, Camilo Jose Vergara, has risen in global stature as an urban observer, chronicler and sociologist. He has published 3-4 books and recieved one of those genius grants that brings with it $100,000 a year for five years to do what you want. I know he returns to Detroit a lot, and continues to take photos. The author of the article, James Bennett, is now the editor of the Atlantic magazine.

**fryar** · May-24-11, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by iheartthed

Too bad they could write almost the same story today... Of course with a few small revisions.

That's just sad. The article is from ages ago.

**iheartthed** · May-25-11, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by fryar

That's just sad. The article is from ages ago.

Yup. I was 12 years old on the article's publish date. I'm knocking on 30 now.

I remember when Comerica Park was being built someone was putting up signs on freeway overpasses saying something like "Stadiums won't save a city". Prophetic!