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By Adrian Design Group, PLC July 18, 2009
By Bryan Autullo, Project Manager – Adrian Design Group, PLC The appeal of a vibrant downtown is something that has always grabbed my attention. Whether it is walking the streets of Chicago admiring the Architectural features on massive high rise buildings, or strolling through the downtown streets of Adrian admiring the significance much smaller, but just as amazing, historical buildings. Having done design work in the beginning stages of the downtown revitalization in Toledo, OH, I have seen first hand what sort of transformation is possible when the proper steps are followed. There are skeptics and doubters who think that "progress" means knocking down old buildings to put up "big box stores" and building another Walgreens on the next corner. It took some developers with a vision to lead the Toledo Downtown Development Association in the right direction. I see the same potential in Downtown Adrian with the dedication of the DDA to breathing life back into these old, boarded up buildings. Though every downtown is different there are still common revitalization lessons that can be applied just about anywhere. While any approach should be customized based on the unique physical conditions, institutional assets, consumer demand, history, and civic intent, the basic fundamentals of a downtown revitalization plan requires the unique "private/public" partnership required to return to a "walkable urbanism" downtown. "Walkable urbanism" starts with urban entertainment venues and retail that are within walking distance of one another. It must be in place before people can be enticed to live downtown. It all starts with market demand. Understanding which of the many urban entertainment options that have the greatest potential for success is a crucial first step. These can include: Festivals, Performing Arts, Retail, Restaurants, Night Clubs, etc. What I see with Adrian's DDA is that several steps have already been taken in a 12-step process that has been established by the Brookings Institution for re-creating the allure of working, living, and doing business in a downtown setting. Nobody wants to see a boarded up ghost town in the center of their city. The key is finding ways to get people excited about coming back downtown. Sounds like an easy task, right? Not so much. I have noticed a disturbing trend in recent years where developers have spent millions of dollars to build "Open Air Malls" such as Partridge Creek in Clinton Township, Levis Commons in Perrysburg and Fallen Timbers in Maumee that "look like" an old downtown streetscape. Can anyone else see the irony in building a brand new multi-million dollar "downtown" out in the middle of a corn field while an existing downtown sits idle nearby as the vacant historic buildings crumble. The historical significance of those buildings is in jeopardy. History vs. Progress. Adrian faces the same uphill battle. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has stepped up with grant money to assist the downtown business owners with the renovation of their building facades in and effort to bring some of these significant buildings back to their original state by following the guidelines set up by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Adrian has a rich history in the State of Michigan. The City was once known as "the fencing capital of the world" as the first manufacturer of wire fence. Also, one of the first automobiles was built in Adrian by Murry Motor Car before they went out of business. Eventually the Lion Automobile Company was a huge success until fire destroyed the plant and 200 cars bringing the company's demise. Soon after, Detroit took the reins in leading the automobile revolution. You can see one of the Lion cars on display at the Lenawee Historical Society Museum at 110 E. Church Street. The City's history and architectural relevance is very intriguing. Adrian Design Group has the desire to assist in preserving some of that history. When we found out the City of Adrian secured the necessary funding and had made the decision to move forward with this effort to rehab five buildings in Downtown Adrian: H&R; Block, Robert Jewelers, The Barley House Tavern, Joe Ann Steele Insurance, and Copeland Furniture, we jumped at the chance to get involved. As we recently moved into downtown Adrian to establish our new architectural and interior design firm, we became focused on the effort. With our new office located in the old Engine House No. 1 (126 E. Church Street) we can closely monitor the progress of this project and assist in the transformation that will begin in a few weeks. Our hope is to see people migrate back to the downtown area to do business. An enthusiastic developer with a vision for the future of downtown could bring new life to the city with entertainment venues and restaurants that could garner the support of the area residents. Our ultimate goal is to assist the DDA's effort to make progress while preserving history and to create an environment that is attractive to the community. ...read more
By Adrian Design Group, PLC July 17, 2009
Engine coolant is important to the operation of a car because keeps the engine temperature from rising, which can cause the car to malfunction. Checking the coolant levels often will keep you from paying high repair costs in the future. ...read more
The principles of marine engineering focus on the use of engineers in a marine setting to build boats. These engineers will not only need to complete an advanced degree, but also have experience by completing an internship or placement in marine engineering. ...read more