To the naked eye, Detroit has become a city whom has revitalized itself and withstood the onslaught of negative media attention and dilemmas as a result of filling for bankruptcy. However, Detroit is still beset by the vast majority of the problems, both on a local and government level, that led to its demise in the last 2000’s. Despite murmurings of new restaurants, sports teams and housing amidst the noticeable sounds of constructing ringing from perceivably ever corner of Detroit, the city faces a significant up-hill climb to ”compete” with the likes of other marquee American cities. Detroit is still unable to provide the basic human needs and services to its residents. Behind every intriguing rendering and city plan are thousands of long-time Detroit residents without the fundamental human rights; shelter, water, food and arguably; education.

The current situation has created a split in my heart. As an architect and athlete, I am eager to stay in Detroit at the expiration of the fellowship to both witness and help design the next generation of Detroit’s infrastructure, and attract the likes of future MLS teams and eventually, the Piston’s back home. But, as it currently stands, it seems the city is at a significant ethical and financial divide: provide for its residents, or provide the outside world eye candy to distract from the real-world problems residing around every corner. However, with that said, I do not believe it has to be or is a either or answer. I am confident the city of Detroit, in collaboration with the people of the city can and will work in nuisance to develop a unified future for Detroit.

Come dawn on Tuesday, an estimated 23000+ commercial and residential customers will no longer have access to running water as a result of defaulted payments. Down the road, the next phase of construction will continue of the Redwing’s multi-million dollar home, ”Little Caesar’s Arena”. Further down, almost 95% percent of Detroit Public schools will be closed due to teacher sick-outs in protests. The common thread? Money, and the distribution of it each public sector/field. The problem is more intricate than halting construction and redirecting the cash flow to our educators preparing Detroit’s new generation of decision makers and leaders in below standard, insufficient classrooms. The construction of the Redwing’s future home, along with the countless other sites actively progressing in Detroit are providing jobs for Detroit residents and Detroit-based contracts. Jobs that are playing a pivotal role in providing some of the basic rights we as humans are entitled too. Therefor, placing a hault on construction would effectively eliminate a source of income for thousands.

As it is currently situated, there is no one-sized fixed all solution to the financial and economic problems limiting the national, and local growth of Detroit. The problem is one I openly admit to being clueless on at this time, but am actively pursing and interested in being apart of in the future. Despite the negative media attention persistently situated above any mention of the word ”Detroit”, regardless of context, I do believe there a positive and significant signs of progress that provide optimism for a successful future for all resident. Detroit has the assets, and the means to bridge the gap but must prioritize properly the needs of the city in an effort to return the city to it place amongst our nation’s king pins; Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Atlanta, Boston, etc; cities who’s name or context when spoken entice a sense of positivity amongst both its resident and outsiders.

The city of Detroit stands, dis-unified, at a significant divide in the road and the decisions made in the near-future will play a critical role in the next phase of development for the city and its progress toward national recognition and praise. But, the reason I have hope for the city as a whole is the long-term residents who have endured the painful decisions of the cities past and remained true to Detroit regardless. I understand my currently place in this city as an outsider, and while my future in Detroit may be short-lived, the city has become one I firmly believe is an a future success and a true American cities that accepts and stands firm to both its rugged past and murky present.