Detroit: Hope for a brighter future
Once a booming industrial city, Detroit has hit rock bottom. People have left, the city is broke and many dilapidated factories and homes stand vacant. But with bankruptcy now behind it, the Motor City has started anew.
Parking with style
The once grandiose Michigan Theater is a reminder of Detroit's vibrant and glamorous past. The decline of the former metropolis has left its mark, even here. In order to save the theater from the wrecking ball, a parking structure was created under the domed roof.
Waiting for help
Following bankruptcy, the city cut funds for urban facilities. Churches were closed, schools were merged and pensions and salaries were reduced for public employees. In an effort to give a boost to the city treasury, this hospital on the city outskirts was shut down - with drastic consequences. Today, those in need of medical assistance sometimes must wait more than an hour for emergency services.
Abandoned homes
When the economic crash hit Detroit, many residents left the city. Today, parts of the once vibrant metropolis are almost deserted. Approximately 80,000 properties sit empty. In 1950, the city had 1.8 million inhabitants; today, there are only 700,000. A third live in poverty, and one fifth are unemployed.
Record crime levels
High unemployment, abandoned buildings and vacant police departments have become a safety risk for the region. The murder rate is now at a 40-year high.
Billions in debt
Detroit was once a major economic engine. During World War II, the city produced planes and tanks; later, Detroit became the Motor City. But as large corporations, like Ford, began leaving the city, unemployment soared. Missing tax revenues and high spending worsened the situation, leading to $18 billion (14.5 billion euros) in debt.
Detroit's savior
But the city's bailout plan, handled by bankruptcy attorney Kevyn Orr (right) since March 2013, has been successful. On November 11, the mayor and city council regained decision-making power. Orr convinced retirees and teachers to accept cuts in pensions and salaries, funds which are now flowing back into neglected public infrastructure coffers.
Art as cash reserve
Paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso hang in the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum, alongside other Asian and American artworks. Experts have estimated the value of the paintings at between $4-8 billion. Orr has said the collection will remain and be transferred to a foundation, for which the city will receive about $800 million over the next few years.
'Poor but sexy' instead of 'poor and ugly'
Empty factories are gradually beginning to fill with life. The sharp fall in real estate prices has been an opportunity for young entrepreneurs and artists, who use the lofts as offices, living space and studios. A subculture has developed in these abandoned factories, now home to parties, or organic restaurants.
Opportunities for young pioneers
Young chefs are realizing their dreams of owning a restaurant, renting rooms from the non-profit organization Ponyride. Artists and young entrepreneurs come together to share ideas and spaces at affordable prices.
Social commitment leads to success
This seamstress makes blankets for the homeless, which can also be used as a warm coat. Veronika Scott came up with the idea; she now has eight employees producing her coats. Her project is called: The Empowerment Plan. Many creative ideas by young Detroit startups revolve around urban development and social commitment.