Cobo plans

The Free Press reports that Cobo is open to some new ideas. An attached hotel and more appealing architecture would certainly be great additions. I did not realize that the plans were still so open - I thought they had to move quickly for the Auto Show. Still, any improvements would be welcome.

Here is a link to the article: http://freep.com/article/20091129/BUSINESS04/911290413/1318/Cobo-makeover?-Grand-ideas-not-so-far-fetched

Lost chances

In unrelated, but somewhat relevant news, the Silverdome may have a new owner in about an hour, at the end of a no-reserve, sealed bid auction. To me, the Silverdome represents a tremendous opportunity - so many things could be done with such a structure, and at such low cost! Alas, such is the story of many buildings in the D; indeed, the entire city. I would have turned the Silverdome into a convention center but also the headquarters of many non-profit related activities. Previous bids had also considered the convention center angle. I hope they don't demolish it...

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/12/news/economy/silverdome_auction/index.htm

Temporary retailing

Very interested idea introduced in the Detroit News today - temporary retail shops downtown. Obviously, shopping has been dead in Detroit for decades - the city has no supermarkets! - but this could be a solution. I imagine rents are rather low, and building owners are rather flexible, especially these days. Anyone with a good idea could probably set up shop rather easily - low barriers of entry, if you know what you are doing.

Here is the story: http://detnews.com/article/20091110/BIZ/911100341/1001/Temporary-shops-may-revive-retail-in-Detroit