By Peter M. DeLorenzo
Motor City. I’ve attempted to portray what it’s like to exist in this region throughout the years, yet without being fully immersed in its day-to-day rhythm, it’s reasonable that one would be oblivious to its true essence.
The tangible status of Detroit as a “hub” town barely scratches the surface. Executive shifts within the automotive sector receive prominent coverage. Comments made by company CEOs are scrutinized for significance and impact in meticulous detail. (Navigating through the spin propagated by the PR team is a given. It’s all part of the standard procedure, after all.) The same applies to the UAW. Each move made by this labor union is meticulously documented on our front pages. That’s just the visible aspect. Industry coverage dominates the business pages as well, ranging from minor executive changes to industry sales assessments. The only other “hub” town that matches Detroit in terms of complete immersion is Hollywood, but I lean towards that star-studded community purely due to its influence on all forms of media. After all, Detroit and the entire U.S. auto sector are still perceived as integral components of the vast heartland of the country, commonly referred to as the “flyover” states.
Why am I raising this point? Well, we find ourselves amidst another media campaign imploring, “Take Detroit seriously!” led by operatives from none other than Ford Motor Company. On one side, the four-year, over $950 million restoration of the Michigan Central Station – spearheaded by Chairman Bill Ford Jr. himself – constitutes a remarkable achievement. This prominent train station had deteriorated to an almost irreparable state over the decades (it permanently closed in 1988), and Bill Ford’s initiative in revitalizing it deserves commendation, as the images of the completed project prior to its grand reopening this week are undeniably awe-inspiring. (The striking Beaux-Arts structure was crafted by architects who collaborated on the renowned Grand Central Station in New York, and at the time of its construction in 1913, it stood as the tallest rail station globally. -WG)
(Visuals courtesy of Detroit Free Press, Kimberly P. Mitchell)
However, this is where the situation begins to deviate, with certain individuals attempting to infuse exaggerated meanings beyond the mere restoration of this now magnificent structure.
“The rejuvenation of Michigan Central Station in Detroit feels like a satisfying payback for Jim Farley.
Farley expressed frustration at how Ford Motor Co. executives and others residing in Detroit were interrogated about the city’s standing and perceived despondency, particularly by the global media and Time magazine: ‘The tragedy of Detroit’? All the negative portrayals I felt we were bombarded with by the national media without the slightest effort to truly understand Detroit’s essence.'”
I would venture to say that Farley wouldn’t recognize Detroit’s essence even if it were staring him in the face, but that’s a topic for another discussion. The truth remains that infamous Time magazine piece hit the nail on the head. Detroit continually finds itself in challenging circumstances for numerous reasons, and Time simply stated the glaring reality.
While I do commend Bill Ford for his efforts in breathing new life into the Michigan Central Station, Farley and his PR team should rein in the hyperbole surrounding the significance of this structure. Farley doesn’t hold much credibility as an authority on matters of taste in this city, and his statements lack authenticity. In fact, there’s a sense of hollowness to his proclamations that achieves the exact opposite of their intended effect.
Does the renovation of the Michigan Central Station fundamentallyDoes it change the public perception of this city? No, it doesn’t. Just like the recent downtown Detroit INDYCAR Grand Prix did not either, despite the extensive coverage by NBC Sports. The track itself is too brief and narrow, leading to frequent collisions and clashes among drivers. Honestly, the entire event was an embarrassment and requires a thorough reassessment because merely hosting it falls far short of meeting expectations. However, I doubt such a reevaluation will occur. The authorities are too preoccupied with congratulating themselves on successfully organizing the event. But I digress.
Is the transformation of the Michigan Central Station a significant improvement that diminishes a previously blighted area? Indeed it is. However, that is the extent of its impact. The truth is, if the Detroit Lions were to reach and win the Super Bowl, it would do more for the city in terms of local pride and national reputation than the Michigan Central Station ever could. That’s just the nature of the game and the reality of the circumstance.
So, that’s the current situation in Detroit on this 12th day of June 2024. Is this a resilient city? Undoubtedly. Is progress being made? If we focus solely on the automotive sector, perhaps, but not entirely. Until the situation with electric vehicles is resolved, it remains uncertain. The same goes for the ongoing real estate developments in the city, in terms of optimism. They too are uncertain.
When we consider the overall well-being of the city and its surroundings, as well as the deep-rooted issues affecting the city and its education system, hindering any significant progress and resulting in a discouraging cycle of limited advancement, then it becomes apparent that we have a long, long way to go.
Yes, as a community and as a region, we still have a considerable journey ahead of us. However, this is who we are, and the automotive industry is what truly matters to us. We don’t seek sympathy, and while the recent positive stories are appreciated, they do not define us, or capture the true essence of living here.
We represent a mindset filled with numerous contradictions, where our illustrious history is contrasted by grim realities.
Despite making substantial contributions to the national landscape, we often inflict self-inflicted challenges that hinder our day-to-day lives.
We played a pivotal role in the nation’s history during critical times, yet allowed a movement rooted in fairness to mutate into a sense of entitlement and discord.
While we have significantly influenced the country’s development and reputation, we struggle to overcome internal obstacles, which can be exasperating and debilitating.
Fortunately, the saga of Detroit is far from over. We persist, flaws and all. Despite the recent tales of resurgence, we do not require external validation.
We are aware of our identity. We comprehend that perceptions are not always positive. Yet, there remains a vigor and essence here that no outsider CEO could ever replicate.
It’s a characteristic of Detroit, or if you prefer, a Dee-troit characteristic, as aptly stated by Bob Seger. We take pride in what that signifies.
And that’s the Unfiltered Truth for this week.
**Editor’s Note: Click on “Next 1 Entries” at the bottom of this page to view earlier editions. – WG**
