Thanks to free surveys from Survey Monkey, I have created a short 10 question survey about your relationship with Saginaw. Please take a moment and fill it out. I'll post the results back here in a few weeks.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5Y25GWJ
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Assets part I
Welcome Back,
So how do we go about saving a city? Well, I’ve talked about crime and that feeling of safety, I’ve talked about spiritual - pray people, pray hard and long – Now I’m going to talk about utilization of assets.
Let’s start with Saginaw a mere 40 years ago. It was 1970 and downtown was still bustling, however the bustle was slowing down and quickly. I remember going with my mom to stores downtown, not just Jacobson’s, but other great stores such as Seitner’s, Weichman’s, Morley Brothers, Montgomery ward, and so many others. There was things to do and places to go and safety? Not an issue. The Saginaw Center was then known as the Downtown Saginaw Mall and was a hub of activity in downtown. So what happened?
Suburbia, Urban Sprawl, suburban flight, whatever you want to call it, it means the same. Abandoning the inner city for wide open spaces. Probably the biggest downfall to downtown was the opening of Fashion Square Mall in 1972. The Saginaw township establishment offered 798,016 square feet of space, probably more than all of the open stores in downtown. In ancient civilizations, people created habitats along river banks or bodies of water, much like Saginaw lies on the Saginaw River, and stayed there until they used up the resources, then they picked up and moved on leaving the habitat behind. Things haven’t changed much have they?
So let’s talk about those assets and how to leverage them into the re-birth of downtown. Today I’ll focus on the brightest spot, the Saginaw River. Just look 20 miles upstream at Bay City. You’ll see what Saginaw could be and could even surpass. How can the River save Saginaw? Well for starters, a cleanup. The river banks in recent years have been getting some attention. I’m proud to say that I was part of the design team that cleaned up Ojibwa Island and the area across the river. More of that needs to take place. Continuing with the river walk on the West bank of the river will invite more people to walk the banks. Let’s get rid of industry along the river and promote business and residential opportunities. Rifkin scrap metals needs to move! The area needs to be reclaimed and turned into a business hub and park. And why do we have an auto service center and parking lots that have views of the river? This is prime land and it needs to be developed properly.
107 South Water Street. This was my first love of downtown Saginaw. It was in 1988 after I had returned from college in Florida, I was driving downtown and saw the Gargoyles for the first time. I had been studing architectural history at the time and so I was starting to notice such things. I drove around downtown and my eye popped wide open taking in the sights of 107 South Water, the then Second National Bank building, Eddy Place, the Temple Theatre. I couldn’t believe we had such treasure right here in little old Saginaw. I began to research 107 S. Water Street and found out that it had been a parking structure at one time and was never finished. It wasn’t a ramp type parking structure like we know today – they take up more room – it was to use two high speed elevators that would carry the vehicle to one of six floors. The more I investigated, the more I dreamed about what to do with this building. It became obvious that this building was destined for greatness. Until the City decided they were going to tear it down. I wrote a nasty letter to then Mayor Gary L. Loster explaining my position. Mayor Loster pushed the letter off to his economic development specialist Joe Turner who happened to be a shirt tail relative of mine. Joe put me in contact with Leo Kahn who owned the building and Leo said he had no choice, he couldn’t keep up the taxes and maintenance. He offered to sell me the building for $60 K, but I couldn’t afford that, I could barely afford my rent. Somehow better minds prevailed and the building was saved, and has now changed owners. The new owner, it was rumored, was going to turn the building into condo’s – which was my great idea back in ’88 – but I’ve not heard anything lately.
So there are a few ideas to start off this salvation of Saginaw, but much, much more needs to be done. Stay tuned as I continue my thoughts of how to save a city.
So how do we go about saving a city? Well, I’ve talked about crime and that feeling of safety, I’ve talked about spiritual - pray people, pray hard and long – Now I’m going to talk about utilization of assets.
Let’s start with Saginaw a mere 40 years ago. It was 1970 and downtown was still bustling, however the bustle was slowing down and quickly. I remember going with my mom to stores downtown, not just Jacobson’s, but other great stores such as Seitner’s, Weichman’s, Morley Brothers, Montgomery ward, and so many others. There was things to do and places to go and safety? Not an issue. The Saginaw Center was then known as the Downtown Saginaw Mall and was a hub of activity in downtown. So what happened?
Suburbia, Urban Sprawl, suburban flight, whatever you want to call it, it means the same. Abandoning the inner city for wide open spaces. Probably the biggest downfall to downtown was the opening of Fashion Square Mall in 1972. The Saginaw township establishment offered 798,016 square feet of space, probably more than all of the open stores in downtown. In ancient civilizations, people created habitats along river banks or bodies of water, much like Saginaw lies on the Saginaw River, and stayed there until they used up the resources, then they picked up and moved on leaving the habitat behind. Things haven’t changed much have they?
So let’s talk about those assets and how to leverage them into the re-birth of downtown. Today I’ll focus on the brightest spot, the Saginaw River. Just look 20 miles upstream at Bay City. You’ll see what Saginaw could be and could even surpass. How can the River save Saginaw? Well for starters, a cleanup. The river banks in recent years have been getting some attention. I’m proud to say that I was part of the design team that cleaned up Ojibwa Island and the area across the river. More of that needs to take place. Continuing with the river walk on the West bank of the river will invite more people to walk the banks. Let’s get rid of industry along the river and promote business and residential opportunities. Rifkin scrap metals needs to move! The area needs to be reclaimed and turned into a business hub and park. And why do we have an auto service center and parking lots that have views of the river? This is prime land and it needs to be developed properly.
107 South Water Street. This was my first love of downtown Saginaw. It was in 1988 after I had returned from college in Florida, I was driving downtown and saw the Gargoyles for the first time. I had been studing architectural history at the time and so I was starting to notice such things. I drove around downtown and my eye popped wide open taking in the sights of 107 South Water, the then Second National Bank building, Eddy Place, the Temple Theatre. I couldn’t believe we had such treasure right here in little old Saginaw. I began to research 107 S. Water Street and found out that it had been a parking structure at one time and was never finished. It wasn’t a ramp type parking structure like we know today – they take up more room – it was to use two high speed elevators that would carry the vehicle to one of six floors. The more I investigated, the more I dreamed about what to do with this building. It became obvious that this building was destined for greatness. Until the City decided they were going to tear it down. I wrote a nasty letter to then Mayor Gary L. Loster explaining my position. Mayor Loster pushed the letter off to his economic development specialist Joe Turner who happened to be a shirt tail relative of mine. Joe put me in contact with Leo Kahn who owned the building and Leo said he had no choice, he couldn’t keep up the taxes and maintenance. He offered to sell me the building for $60 K, but I couldn’t afford that, I could barely afford my rent. Somehow better minds prevailed and the building was saved, and has now changed owners. The new owner, it was rumored, was going to turn the building into condo’s – which was my great idea back in ’88 – but I’ve not heard anything lately.
So there are a few ideas to start off this salvation of Saginaw, but much, much more needs to be done. Stay tuned as I continue my thoughts of how to save a city.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
But People don't want to go downtown
"People don't want to go downtown" is what I hear all the time, "I'm afraid I'll be attacked or worse". The violence is not downtown, it's the areas surrounding downtown. My wife and I go to Spirit games all the time, we feel safe, even walking to our car after staying in the Blue Line club for a while and the crowds have dispersed. Well, I have a solution to "they don't feel safe", more police! What? we can't afford more police? Maybe the citizens who complain about their town going to hell should vote that tax cap away so that Saginaw could collect the proper taxes to run the city in the 21st century. Yes, it's hard to run a city on 1972 tax rates especially when the population has decreased significantly.
So what does a few more cops riding in cars around downtown do? Ahh, well that's the problem, they will do nothing in the cars, but put them on horseback and they'll be visible to all. Yes, I said horseback! Why not? New York does it, they can ride year round unlike bicycles, and boy would they be visible! 5 officers on horseback(plus a cleaning crew to follow them around) would make people much more at ease about making the trip downtown.
I don't believe we should give up on things the the Dow Event Center and the Temple theater just because of a received vision of crime on the streets of downtown. We, the people of this community (mind you I live in Bay county and am willing to rally around this) need to take back Saginaw, it needs to be done with a forceful voice and harsh words, words that people may not want to hear, but we have to do something and we need to do it soon!
I have a wonderful vision for downtown, as an architect, I have found numerous uses for the buildings there. Buildings such as the former International center. We'll take a look at that building at a later date. For now, think about what you can do to save a city!
So what does a few more cops riding in cars around downtown do? Ahh, well that's the problem, they will do nothing in the cars, but put them on horseback and they'll be visible to all. Yes, I said horseback! Why not? New York does it, they can ride year round unlike bicycles, and boy would they be visible! 5 officers on horseback(plus a cleaning crew to follow them around) would make people much more at ease about making the trip downtown.
I don't believe we should give up on things the the Dow Event Center and the Temple theater just because of a received vision of crime on the streets of downtown. We, the people of this community (mind you I live in Bay county and am willing to rally around this) need to take back Saginaw, it needs to be done with a forceful voice and harsh words, words that people may not want to hear, but we have to do something and we need to do it soon!
I have a wonderful vision for downtown, as an architect, I have found numerous uses for the buildings there. Buildings such as the former International center. We'll take a look at that building at a later date. For now, think about what you can do to save a city!
I'm Back
Well, after a 2 year hiatus, I've returned to discuss how to save a city - Saginaw Edition. So many cities around the country are failing, so many states now are failing too. Heck, even our country is failing! It seems that we are spending ourselves right out of being. Saginaw faces many problems however, not just fiscal. Society is a huge problem. I don't see it as much of a racial problem as simply societal. Gangs and drugs, followed by unemployment are the trouble spots of the city. Black or white, no matter, gangs and drugs are alive and well in both races. I think this city needs some prayer. I recently joined a face book group “we need to pray for Saginaw Michigan” and all I really see are a few very devout Christians citing verse from the bible. In the words of Pastor Mark Karls of the Urban Ames United Methodist Church, (paraphrased) 'Saginaw needs to heal spiritually before it can heal racially and economically.' Spiritually means to come together as one spiritual body, under Christ our Lord, and then in masse, pray for our leaders, pray for our citizens, and pray for those who are lost. Then, pray for us, the spiritual ones who have come together to make change. Do not hide behind the words of the bible, the devil can quote the verses of the bible, believe in your heart that you can change this city and then pray for God’s guidance to do so. It’s time to take back this City and the only way is for God’s chosen few to lead the way. Only though God can we start saving a city!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
On Hiatus
Just taking a small break from this project. Between working in the Detroit area lately (until mid January) and a new born baby girl, the project has taken the back seat. Look for more posts and cool pic's, maps and graphics in the next few weeks.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Someone has a clue
The front page of the Saginaw News from Wednesday October 17, 2007 reads "A million visitors, but impact on city's downtown takes time." This article, written by Jean Spenner, has some very valid points. Development does radiate and the Temple Theatre and The Dow Event center are definitely the hub of activity and the anchor of the future of downtown. Investment in downtown however, is going to take more than the Shaheen family and the County. Smaller businesses like the Spicer Group, AKT Peerless and architects WTM and TSSF surely help, but many more are needed. Small companies that rely on local businesses will attract those support businesses as well as restaurants and lounges that will serve the employees that travel to downtown daily. As a former employee of two of the companies listed above, I spent a lot of money in downtown Saginaw. At places like Wally's sandwich shop, Rally's, Michigan Photo, Jacobson's (when it was open) Savoy bar and grill, Ramone's Taco Hut (best Mexican food I've ever had by the way) and many other places. That's just me. There are hundreds if not thousands of people working downtown every day. What boggles my mind is why lawyers, doctors and accountants pay the high prices for land and buildings in the suburbs when inexpensive office space exists downtown? Some say it's a "safety" issue, others say it's simply the "perception" of an unsafe area. I think that both are entirely possible, but I do not believe them.
But why do people say it's unsafe downtown? This is a tough question that can't be answered simply. The answer may invoke hard discussions on race and culture. It's obvious that there is crime in Saginaw, and a lot of it. But why downtown? The police headquarters are right there. To answer that we'll have to travel to a whole new forum of why do we have crime? And what does crime feed on? That will lead to discussions on morals and values; which will lead to parenting and lack there of; and that will lead to race and even religion. Personally I believe that while the statistics may point to an issue of race, it's really an issue of values and morals, not black or white. So is this where we start to save a city?
But why do people say it's unsafe downtown? This is a tough question that can't be answered simply. The answer may invoke hard discussions on race and culture. It's obvious that there is crime in Saginaw, and a lot of it. But why downtown? The police headquarters are right there. To answer that we'll have to travel to a whole new forum of why do we have crime? And what does crime feed on? That will lead to discussions on morals and values; which will lead to parenting and lack there of; and that will lead to race and even religion. Personally I believe that while the statistics may point to an issue of race, it's really an issue of values and morals, not black or white. So is this where we start to save a city?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
But how?
My next thought was "but how could I save Saginaw?" So many people have tried to do this and do that. Developers that poured millions of dollars into downtown. Religious leaders that have tried to unit under a common element, Spirituality. So far nothing has succeeded. Maybe it just takes time. More time than I'll see in my lifetime. Well, I just couldn't settle for that and figured the least I could do is try. Maybe take a different approach. While I believe the rebirth of a city needs to have a spiritual start, recycling a city just needs a group of citizens who simply believe. It certainly doesn't hurt if they also ask for help from God above.
I think the problem here lies in the methods that have been taken. The city, for example, at one point hired a consultant to design a new downtown. This company from out of the area did a little research, talked to a few people, maybe even held a few open forums. Then they presented a plan. Was it a good one? Possibly, I personally do not remember the details of it. My point though, is it did not involve the entire community.
That's where this blog comes into play. It's time for every citizen to voice their opinions. From time to time, I will present scenarios and questions on this blog. You, my fellow blogger's, are challenged to respond openly and honestly and tell me what you would like to tell the city and community.
I think the problem here lies in the methods that have been taken. The city, for example, at one point hired a consultant to design a new downtown. This company from out of the area did a little research, talked to a few people, maybe even held a few open forums. Then they presented a plan. Was it a good one? Possibly, I personally do not remember the details of it. My point though, is it did not involve the entire community.
That's where this blog comes into play. It's time for every citizen to voice their opinions. From time to time, I will present scenarios and questions on this blog. You, my fellow blogger's, are challenged to respond openly and honestly and tell me what you would like to tell the city and community.
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