I want to open forum...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northland_Center
I’m a Detroit native who grew up around the world’s FIRST enclosed mall. Northland Center sits a mere half mile walk from my house and the city officials closed it officially to the public on April 15 of this year.
It may not seem like much, but there is a bus terminal on one end of the building which is accessed by our youth from the three surrounding towns (Oak Park, Southfield, and Detroit) and there is a massive structure in limbo (for now) which could service these drifting souls in great ways! I had tinkered with the idea of offering up a way to revive the building before contractors put their hands out before but I had no ideas on how you utilize and divide the space. Then I watched this:
Looking at the layout of the mall, I saw room for practical uses to benefit education and encourage social engagement (like a rec center in many ways) for all the students who might attend. Also noted, a church from across the street had been eyeballing the long-since vacant JCPenny’s (not included in the map although it was in the Northland tire spot, closed in late 90s) for their usage. I think that the remaining space could have variable uses and would like to open a few minds and hear a few expressed thoughts. You are welcome to address this question directly through the site (q &a, dropbox), on my Facebook PITAVRS.com Page, or through email ([email protected])
I really would appreciate your feedback, questions, assistance, and/or guidance. What solutions can be proposed that can benefit children on into young adulthood as well as promote curricular tutoring, mentorship, the arts, and physical/mental wellness and still provide a reasonable commercial good?