Another Detroit Resurrection: Alfred Street
I was born in Detroit, the 1957 model year.
For decades the city was synonymous with decay. During the last five years though there has been an astonishing turnaround, which I have posted about several times.
One house, in particular, became THE poster child for abandonment:
Alfred Street is in the heart of Brush Park, which was jammed with striking homes a century ago. Even as late as 1980s the neighborhood was, while mightily battered, largely intact. This all soon changed and within a decade much of Brush Park was bulldozed.
The city belatedly recognized that they could not demolish their way to renewal so they purchased the few remaining vacant houses and boarded them up. Today, these structures are dotted between the massive new developments taking place, adding history and gravitas.
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Excuse me while I pick my jaw back up off the floor. That was what was hiding under the boards on the turret?! I am properly grateful they put a round roof back on it. And that’s just one detail on one old house.
Why does anyone still think bulldozing historic homes improves a neighborhood? I can’t think of anywhere it’s done any good. Argh! Excuse me while I go put pretty paper on things.
Happy Holidays to all.