"reading that reminded me that i love detroit because of all you ferdinands who live here. you view buildings as vessels rather than "developments." you appreciate detroit not just because of what it used to be or could be, but because the city has a special power and you feel plugged in. that's what you capitalize on. you recognize that far too many of our architects and urban planners — supposedly creative thinkers — are dreaming up lofts and paving over green space. and in the absence of globally minded government leaders, you consider artists visionaries. you literally take matters into your own hands, rebuilding your home or your neighborhood. in the scorched earth, you see potential for life to flourish again."
-rebecca mazzei, from the article, "wake up the neighborhood" in detroit metro times
